Staff Reports
The recent rise in progressive rhetoric surrounding race highlights a troubling trend that should concern every American. Starting around 2014, sociologists began to observe a stark shift in white liberal opinion toward race-related issues, suggesting that white progressives have become more extreme in their views than many minority groups themselves. This transformation has been heavily fueled by the mainstream media, which has seemingly adopted a relentless focus on race in a way that can only be described as obsessive.
For context, consider the statistics regarding media language around race. In 2010, the terms “white supremacy” appeared just 75 times in major publications like the Washington Post and the New York Times, but by 2020, that figure had reportedly skyrocketed, revealing a media landscape that is not merely reporting on societal issues but actively shaping the narrative around them. The word “racism,” for example, was used frequently, suggesting a deliberate effort to inject these concepts into public discourse, pushing progressive ideologies on a large scale and creating a distorted perception of reality regarding race in America.
One must examine the validity of the claims being made by these progressives. The narrative they promote often exaggerates historical conditions. The experiences of black Americans in the past were, no doubt, fraught with challenges. However, the portrayal of this history tends to downplay the resilience and success that many African Americans achieved, even during periods of segregation. Instead of casting black communities as entirely dependent on white society, it is essential to recognize that they established their own businesses, churches, and social systems. Black-owned restaurants and banks flourished in many areas, demonstrating that the community was not merely waiting for a handout from the “white man.”
This revisionist history poses a danger not only because it misrepresents the past but also because it fuels division in the present. By presenting an overly simplistic and victim-centered narrative, progressives risk alienating not only those they mean to help but also creating a society steeped in resentment and strife. Self-reliance and personal responsibility should be emphasized rather than perpetuating a mindset of dependency and grievance.
Americans must demand a more balanced and truthful conversation about race. It’s critical to acknowledge the progress that has been made and to encourage individuals within the minority community to take pride in their achievements. Instead of fostering division, a focus on unity and empowerment can lead to a stronger and more inclusive society. The media must stop pushing their extreme narratives and start recognizing the full scope of the American experience, which includes both struggles and successes. The quest for equality must be rooted in reality, not a distorted view driven by political agendas.
