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good morning good people, dropping a thread here for journalists and media folks on how to ethically report on the protests!
made by the radical minds at @PressOn_South Also, for organizers writing op-eds and folks trying to navigate media these should be things you request from the reporters covering your local work. plug in! #movementjournalism
@LewisPants gave us six tips for journos on how to best report on police violence and black-led resistance here: https://medium.com/@lewispants/ethical-reporting-on-police-violence-and-black-led-resistance-tips-for-journalists-e575947cfb71
yall not goin read that article so dropping the six tips here:
1. Provide Context. Focus on the reasons for the protests. They are not senseless, and it is our job to help people understand protest’s goals and underlying conditions. Good journalism will unpack those and provide historical context. #movementjournalism
2.Fact-check.Don’t reflexively quote police without question. Police often misrepresent protesters and employ racism and anti-Black rhetoric in press conferences and press releases. We want to be accurate and avoid justifying police violence. Always include non-police accounts.
3. Avoid False Equivalencies. Property destruction ≠ violence. Focusing on property destruction when the protests are responding to the deaths of Black people diminishes Black life.The uprisings are a response to police violence. Beatings & tear gassing harm people, not things.
4. Be specific. Avoid passive voice. This is a simple way to be accurate and avoid reinforcing stereotypes about “violent protests” and “riots.” If police attack people, it is not enough to say “violence erupted’ as this muddles the account. Put subjects with verbs.
5. Don’t glorify police. Refrain from elevating individual acts of kindness by officers. It is distracting from the core issue which is police violence, not the personalities of individuals.
6. Listen to Black people.Take criticism seriously. We have an opportunity to challenge racism and build solidarity in this moment. By listening to the most affected by the issue, journalism can restore trust, uncover unreported stories to create the historical record we need.
Also, wanting to add a personal tip which is that as a journalists if you MUST check your privilege as you report. Marginalized ppl are suffering and while facing hostility on the ground sucks you are not being killed for sport. Be kind and do your job. #MovementJournalism
Jkjk this is the last tip. #MovementJournalism
DO NOT call ppl who are causing property damage “looters”. They are people before anything else. Use your publication’s style guide to adjust but the language we use puts protesters and organizers in jail. Be mindful!
DO NOT call ppl who are causing property damage “looters”. They are people before anything else. Use your publication’s style guide to adjust but the language we use puts protesters and organizers in jail. Be mindful!
