Thursday, October 25, 2007

Media myths about the Jena 6

This is interesting. Lazy journalists? Nah, couldn't be.

By now, almost everyone in America has heard of Jena, La., because they've all heard the story of the "Jena 6." White students hanging nooses barely punished, a schoolyard fight, excessive punishment for the six black attackers, racist local officials, public outrage and protests – the outside media made sure everyone knew the basics.

There's just one problem: The media got most of the basics wrong. In fact, I have never before witnessed such a disgrace in professional journalism. Myths replaced facts, and journalists abdicated their solemn duty to investigate every claim because they were seduced by a powerfully appealing but false narrative of racial injustice.

I should know. I live in Jena. My wife has taught at Jena High School for many years. And most important, I am probably the only reporter who has covered these events from the very beginning. Read More.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The left leaning media is desparate for a political "win". They have invested so much in demonizing The Christian Right and The Right in general. If the Left doesn't start winning some political battles and obtaining clear political power, look for the media to give up many of their left leanings and go "3rd party". They certainly are not going to swing to the Right.

Ron Ballew said...

Interesting analysis. The media are in a jam, the dems are being out maneuvered by the hated repubs. Poor MSM.