In recent weeks, viewers of mainstream center-left media outlets have undoubtedly been bombarded with coverage of alleged violence and human rights abuses at the hands of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). From tear-gassing peaceful protestors to reports of mistreatment and neglect in detention centers, the portrayal of the DHS has been one of unchecked aggression and brutality. However, a closer look at these narratives reveals a potentially more insidious agenda at play – one that seeks to manipulate and control public opinion through the guise of ‘imagined reforms.’
It’s no secret that the media plays a significant role in shaping public perception. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, the power of the media to influence and sway public opinion has only increased. And this is where the center-left media tastemakers come in. With their large platforms and loyal following, they have emerged as the gatekeepers and curators of ‘progressive’ discourse. Yet, in their quest to appeal to their audience’s progressive sensibilities, they often perpetuate a biased and incomplete narrative, painting a picture of a world rife with injustice and violence.
The supposed goal of these narratives is to inspire outrage and impel viewers to call for change. However, a closer examination reveals a more cynical agenda – one that seeks to divert attention away from the systemic issues that plague our society and towards a singular, tangible target. In this case, the DHS becomes the embodiment of all that is wrong with the status quo, conveniently allowing the tastemakers to present themselves as the champions of progress and reform.
But this narrative of a ‘violent and oppressive’ DHS existing outside an otherwise progressive status quo is a false one. It conveniently ignores the complicity of the center-left in perpetuating the very systems they claim to oppose. From former President Obama’s record-breaking deportation numbers to the continued funding of agencies like ICE and CBP, it’s evident that the center-left is not as progressive as they would have us believe. So why the sudden interest in condemning the DHS?
The answer lies in the current political climate and the upcoming presidential election. With the rising popularity of progressive candidates like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the center-left is feeling the pressure to maintain their relevance and credibility. And what better way to do so than by co-opting the language and rhetoric of the progressive movement, while continuing to uphold the very systems they claim to challenge?
This calculated approach to media coverage not only overlooks the root causes of the issues at hand but also does a disservice to those who have been directly impacted by the actions of the DHS. By reducing their struggles to a mere tactic for political gain, the center-left media tastemakers not only delegitimize their experiences but also rob them of their agency and autonomy.
Furthermore, this selective outrage over the actions of the DHS ignores the larger context in which these issues exist. The truth is that the violence and injustice perpetrated by the DHS are symptoms of a larger systemic problem – one that extends far beyond the borders of a single agency. By focusing solely on the DHS, the center-left media tastemakers reinforce the false notion that these issues can be solved by making small, incremental changes within the existing system, rather than addressing the root causes and demanding systemic change.
It’s time for the center-left media tastemakers to step back and reassess their role in shaping public opinion. Rather than using sensationalized narratives and selective outrage to maintain their audience’s attention, they should strive for honest and comprehensive coverage that acknowledges the complexities of the issues at hand. This includes recognizing their own complicity in upholding the very systems they claim to oppose.
Appealing to ‘imagined reforms’ may be a convenient way for the center-left media tastemakers to maintain their relevance and credibility, but it ultimately does a disservice to the cause of progress. If we are to truly challenge the status quo and bring about meaningful change, we must demand more from our media – unbiased, comprehensive coverage that encourages critical thinking and challenges the prevailing narratives. Only then can we move towards a truly progressive and just society.
