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Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben said “with great power comes great responsibility.” Today, I want to address a Seattle media figure who too often wields his power to the detriment of our region, particularly against those seeking justice for the black community. His name is Dori Monson.
Dori Monson is a longtime radio host at @KIRORadio. No Seattle media figure has been more consistently dismissive of pleas for justice from the Black community than him. https://www.facebook.com/DoriMonson/photos/a.254986957885563/1212283812155868/?type=3
He rarely passes up an opportunity to blame a Black person for their own death at the hands of police. In 2016 Monson blamed Charlena Lyles' family for her murder. He did the same with Philando Castille, who was killed by police in MN that same year. https://www.facebook.com/DoriMonson/videos/1557078167676429/
In addition to being an apologist for police violence, Monson has denigrated peaceful protests. In particular, he referred to Colin Kaepernick, when the @Seahawks were rumored to be signing him, as a “distraction” and “more trouble than he’s worth.” https://mynorthwest.com/952490/dori-kaepernick-nfl-national-anthem/
I am not naive. I understand that the job of a daytime talk host is to be provocative. But Monson consistently crosses the line into inflammatory and divisive. Even worse, in addition to his shock-jock mid-day show, Monson moonlights as the @Seahawks pre- and post-game voice.
Perhaps more than any other NFL team, the @Seahwaks have been outspoken in their advocacy for justice. In their time with the team @RSherman_25, @DougBaldwinJr, @mosesbread72, @DangeRussWilson, and @MoneyLynch all decried police abuse and stood up for Black lives.
During the recent wave of protests, the @Seahawks have made multiple public declarations of their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. But Monson’s on-air rhetoric is in direct conflict with the team’s public proclamations.
You’ll note that at no point did I or will I call Monson racist. I don't know what is in his heart. But I do know his rhetoric. It is toxic.
Monson has repeatedly wielded his platform on @KIRORadio to attack marginalized communities in the region. He has picked fights with and used his show to abuse members of the LGBTQ community. https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2018/09/11/32085878/kiros-dori-monson-picked-a-fight-with-the-wrong-drag-queen
He’s repeatedly endangered everyday people in the region with his platform. See here: https://mynorthwest.com/344321/teriyaki-restaurants-message-to-deputies-sounds-like-one-huge-misunderstanding/ and here: https://mynorthwest.com/1547771/dori-rv-update/.
The motto of Bonneville International, @BonnevilleInte1, the parent company of @KIRORadio, is “Local Media that Matters.” I agree that local media matters, and that’s why the people of the Seattle area and Seahawks fans deserve better than an irresponsible demagogue.
If you agree with the arguments in this thread, don't just press like or hit retweet. I encourage you to reach out to the @Seahawks and @KIRORadio and let them know how you feel.
Fin.
Fin.
