“As the mainstream media has become increasingly dependent on advertising revenues for support, it has become an anti-democratic force in society.”
Robert Waterman McChesney, an American professor
Parents and teachers have an invaluable impact on shaping a child’s moral and ethical values.
Whenever a child misbehaves at home or in the classroom, parents and teachers are often the voice of reason in the situation. They use the bad behavior as a teachable moment to help ensure that such behaviors aren’t repeated in the future.
Educator and author Beth Lewis defines a “teachable moment” as “An unplanned opportunity that arises in the classroom where a teacher has an ideal chance to offer insight to his or her students. It is not something that you can plan for; rather, it is a fleeting opportunity that must be sensed and seized by the teacher.”
Parents and teachers are highly aware of the fleeting opportunities that must be recognized and acted upon, both inside and outside the classroom, to address and correct a child’s inappropriate behaviors, which could easily worsen if left unaddressed.
Instead of normalizing, minimizing, or excusing inappropriate behaviors, parents and teachers identify the need to call out transgressions honestly and earnestly.
This identification helps ensure that other impressionable children do not assume these behaviors are acceptable and even tolerated in our homes and society.
Imagine how maladjusted and narcissistic children would be as they entered adulthood if not for the heroism and persistence of parents and teachers instilling a sense of decency in their young minds.
Acknowledging and honoring parents’ and teachers’ tireless and often overlooked efforts is crucial.
They play a vital role in nurturing the future generation to become compassionate and selfless individuals, emphasizing the significance of developing character and integrity from a young age so they can grow into honorable and modest adults.
From my perspective, it seems that mainstream media should be reminded of what parents and teachers already know.
Instead of normalizing, minimizing, or excusing inappropriate behaviors, mainstream media should also call out transgressions honestly and earnestly.
There is no greater example of this than the biased coverage the mainstream media applies to Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Journalists have an incredible responsibility—at least they used to—not to spread dangerous messages that inappropriate behaviors are acceptable and even tolerated in our homes and in society.
In an article in The Guardian titled, The mainstream press is failing America – and people are understandably upset, Rebecca Solnit writes, “Critics are responding to how the behemoths of the industry seem intent on bending the facts to fit their frameworks and agendas. In pursuit of clickbait content centered on conflicts and personalities, they follow each other into informational stampedes and confirmation bubbles.”
In short, mainstream media has started normalizing, minimizing, or excusing inappropriate behaviors from the likes of Donald Trump.
Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, many in respected mainstream media, academia, and even late-night television have all rightfully branded Donald Trump a bully.
For reference, a bully is defined as “When someone aggressively uses their “power” to target another individual with repeated, unwanted words or actions.”
If that sounds like anyone you’ve seen in the headlines recently, continue reading.
Time Magazine writes, “Like most bullies, Donald Trump is a deeply insecure man.” They go on to say, “And when he feels backed into a corner, there’s a good chance he will lash out with every ounce of viciousness held in reserve, counting on the shock to overtake substance.”
A Newsweek article titled, Trump is a Bully. Here Are Three Ways to Take Him On, they write, “The study suggests a new aspect of Trump’s effect on American society, and a powerful new reason why Trump must go. Trump’s words and conduct have let loose forces that are doing palpable damage to the ways Americans treat each other, already percolating into the next generation.”
However, the most concerning example of how normalizing bullying has real-world consequences comes from the American Educational Research Association.
In an article titled Study Finds Link between Voter Preference for Trump and Bullying in Middle Schools, they write, “Parents should be mindful of how their reactions to the presidential election, or the reactions of others, could influence their children. And politicians should be mindful of the potential impact of their campaign rhetoric and behavior on their supporters and indirectly on youth.”
Here are three examples, but a quick Google search will reveal plenty of headlines and stories that scientifically demonstrate how Trump’s attention-grabbing persona reflects his bullying behavior. Unfortunately, this is precisely the image he wants to project in business, politics, and, I have no doubt, even at home.
Solnit goes on to say, “They pursue the appearance of fairness and balance by treating the true and the false, the normal and the outrageous, as equally valid and by normalizing Republicans, especially Donald Trump, whose gibberish gets translated into English and whose past crimes and present-day lies and threats get glossed over.”
The mainstream media has not only contributed to the creation of this political and social monster, but it also perpetuates it by constantly downplaying his extreme rhetoric while being excessively critical of those who consistently demonstrate dignity, empathy, and sincerity in their actions and reactions.
Those like Kamala Harris.
The media has misused its responsibility to report the truth by providing platforms to those who employ lies and fear to manipulate the nation. They have single-handedly normalized Donald Trump’s bullying behavior and radical actions, as well as his demeaning, divisive, and highly racist remarks.
But the mainstream media isn’t the only entity involved in this cycle of lies and fearmongering. Trump ignites the flames, the media adds fuel to keep the fire burning, and then the American people stoke it further.
Mainstream Media Calls Out Each Other
One notable exception is Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC, who recently called out many of his colleagues. “Not one of them dared to yell at Donald Trump today. Not one of them. Not one of them dared to yell, ‘You’re not answering the question.’ So the special treatment that Donald Trump gets from the Supreme Court and elsewhere extends, tragically and harmfully, and always has, to much of the Press Corps.”
There is a teachable moment in all of this, though I’m unsure if many journalists in mainstream media today possess the courage and authenticity to rise and admit that bullies do not deserve a platform to spread hate and lies.
Mainstream media has normalized, minimized, and excused the dangerous behaviors of Donald Trump. They should no longer cover such individuals regularly, and if they do, they must fact-check every statement for truth and accuracy. Only the truth—nothing but the truth—should be published.
They have perpetuated the idea that wealthy white men hold more power and status than people of other races and genders, including a Black woman running for President of the United States.
Are we sending the message to young girls growing up in this country that their place in America is below that of rich, white men?
Are we truly willing to go backward because of a bully whose ideas about America are nearly as outdated as he is?
Trump doesn’t deserve any attention from the mainstream media unless it’s to report on the proceedings of his numerous criminal trials.
Those in mainstream media profiting from this outlandish nonsense should remember what Newsweek reported.
“Trump’s words and conduct have let loose forces that are doing palpable damage to the ways Americans treat each other, already percolating into the next generation.”
Yes, mechanically, this election is about determining whether a Democrat or a Republican will ascend to the highest political office of President of the United States.
However, more importantly, this is an election that will define who we are as Americans.
Your choice of Kamala Harris, regardless of whether you agree with all her policies, sends a message to the world that we are a country committed to the well-being of all its citizens, not just those with the biggest bank accounts and often unearned power.
Bullying will not be tolerated in our schools, workplaces, and, most importantly, in our political offices. A racist, sexist, homophobic criminal who spreads hate and divisiveness has no place as the leader of our country.
A vote for Trump, however, indicates that America is accepting the idea of having a bully in the White House.
It suggests that it’s permissible for children to imitate his behavior in society, although I doubt parents would be comfortable if their children were the target of such actions.
So, the next time you wonder why children and teenagers display aggression, hate, racism, and bullying behaviors, consider the influence of a man whose example is being normalized and excused by the mainstream media.
Ask yourself: Is it really worth prioritizing party loyalty over the well-being of our country and its children? For me, the risks are simply too great.