Holding the Media Accountable for Its Role in the Devastation of Gaza
Adam Johnson's work has been instrumental in shedding light on the media's role in perpetuating the Gaza genocide, and his new book, How to Sell a Genocide, is a testament to his dedication to holding those in power accountable. The book provides a detailed analysis of the media's complicity in the destruction of Gaza, highlighting the deliberate choices made by editors, reporters, and producers to spin a narrative that soothes Western liberal audiences while ignoring the plight of the Palestinian people. By examining the media's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Johnson exposes the ways in which the media has laundered, obscured, and justified crimes against humanity committed by Israel with the full support of the United States. The discussion at Red Emma's Cooperative Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore provided a platform for Johnson to delve deeper into the themes explored in his book, and to discuss the importance of accountability for media organizations and political actors who have enabled these crimes. As someone who has had the pleasure of working with Johnson, it is clear that his commitment to speaking truth to power is unwavering, and his work is a vital component of the left media ecosystem. The conversation that followed explored the ways in which Johnson's book can serve as a tool for those seeking to challenge the dominant narrative and push for a reckoning.
The audience was asked to observe a moment of silence to honor journalists and media professionals who have lost their lives in the genocide, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Following this solemn moment, the discussion turned to Adam Johnson's background and his journey into media criticism. Johnson's entry point into the left was through his interest in language and its ability to shape reality, which led him to explore media as a means to understand the power dynamics at play. He described media criticism as a "gateway drug" to asking bigger questions, using his podcast, Citations Needed, as a tool to challenge the dominant narrative and encourage critical thinking. Johnson's goal is to erode the artifice of mainstream media, which he believes will lead to a deeper examination of the institutions and power structures that shape our society. This line of inquiry is central to his book, which critiques the hypocrisy and enforcement of liberal institutions and the notion of liberalism itself. The conversation then delved into Johnson's growth as a media critic, particularly during the unfolding genocide in Gaza, and what prompted him to write a book on the subject.
The discussion highlighted the significance of Johnson's book in exposing the role of liberal media in promoting genocide, particularly in the context of Gaza. By examining the coverage of major outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and MSNBC, Johnson aimed to demonstrate how these institutions contributed to the normalization of genocide. The book's data-driven approach was crucial in establishing a quantitative basis for understanding media bias and double standards. Johnson's goal was not only to critique the media but also to encourage liberals and progressive individuals to reexamine their assumptions about Zionism, US imperialism, and the media's relationship with these institutions. By presenting a meticulous and well-researched argument, Johnson hoped to persuade readers to consider a more critical perspective on these issues. The use of the term "genocide" in the book's title, while provocative, was intended to reflect the growing mainstream recognition of the severity of the situation in Gaza, with a significant percentage of Democrats acknowledging it as such. Johnson's work sought to move beyond simply acknowledging the fact of genocide, instead exploring the ideological and narrative underpinnings that enabled it, and the ways in which liberal media outlets played a role in promoting these narratives.
The process of naming and holding accountable those responsible for promoting genocide is a crucial step in bringing about change. Johnson's book has laid the groundwork for this by identifying the role of liberal media in normalizing genocide, particularly in the context of Gaza. The next stage of this project involves taking a more targeted approach, focusing on the 10 worst offenders and launching parallel campaigns to criticize them directly. This approach is necessary because criticizing the media can often be too abstract, and by naming names, the goal is to create a sense of accountability.
The Center for American Progress, a think tank often seen as a pipeline to Democratic administrations, is a case in point. Figures like Tony Blinken and John Finer, who have been implicated in covering up war crimes, hold prominent positions, while others like Jake Sullivan have used their platforms to downplay or justify such actions. The fact that progressives and liberals in Congress are willing to engage with these individuals highlights the need for a project that pressures organizations to remove them from polite society.
This endeavor, tentatively dubbed the "Genocide 10" or "Genocide 20," aims to build pressure on organizations to hold these individuals accountable for their actions. While the ultimate goal of referring them to the International Criminal Court for prosecution may be a long shot, the immediate objective is to make them persona non grata in respectable circles. By doing so, it becomes clear that the only way to
The attempt to provide context by Ali Velshi and Iman Moihadine on MSNBC was swiftly shut down, as the network's editorial direction changed dramatically in the following days. This shift was exemplified by the prominent featuring of Jake Tapper and Joe Scarborough, who engaged in what can be described as genocidal propaganda, spreading lies and smearing those who opposed the war. The New York Times, particularly through writers like Patrick Kingsley, played a significant role in laundering Israeli intelligence, which contributed to the normalization of genocide.
One of the most striking examples of this was when The New York Times intervened to discredit the idea of a ceasefire, using blatant lies and misinformation. This was a deliberate attempt to remove the concept of a ceasefire from the realm of serious consideration, despite it being a common outcome in previous conflicts in Gaza. The New York Times' actions were particularly egregious, as they consistently intervened at critical moments to push a narrative that supported the continuation of violence.
The "isisification of Hamas" was a key trope used by the media to dehumanize and delegitimize the group, portraying them as mindless, jihadist cartoons driven by an ancient hatred of Jews. This narrative was enforced through a disciplined and documented effort, with MSNBC being one of the first outlets to fall in line. The network's decision to bring on Iman Moihadine to provide context was a rare exception, but it was quickly reversed
According to internal sources at MSNBC, Comcast intervened directly in the network's coverage, bringing in Rashida Jones and Caesar Conde to issue a directive: provide no context for the events of October 7th. This marked a significant shift, with history essentially starting on that date and nothing preceding it being considered relevant. This approach was reflected in the coverage, with a company-wide call on March 9th featuring Martin Fletcher, a longtime NBC News correspondent, who presented a playbook that denied the existence of Palestinians as a people.
Fletcher's comments, which included claims that Palestinians were "invented" by Arab nations and that Jews are the "real Palestinians," set the tone for MSNBC's coverage. Similarly, CNN's Mark Thompson issued a memo on October 26th, reaffirming a policy that required reporters to preface any mention of Palestinian suffering or death counts with a reference to October 7th, framing the narrative as a defensive response.
This approach effectively eliminated context from the coverage, with any attempt to provide historical or nuanced perspective being dismissed as "Hamas propaganda" or "terrorism apology." The spread of false information, such as the claim of beheaded babies on October 11th, further contributed to the dehumanization of Palestinians. Even progressive lawmakers, including Bernie Sanders, refused to call for a ceasefire, citing the need to confront a group allegedly seeking Israel's destruction.
The notion that Israel's actions are justified as a response to Hamas' alleged goal of destroying Israel is a narrative that has been widely accepted by lawmakers, including progressive ones like Bernie Sanders. However, this stance ignores the fact that calling for a ceasefire is not an endorsement of any particular organization, but rather a humanitarian imperative. Matt Duss, a foreign policy expert, echoed this logic, stating that Sanders' point about confronting Hamas was valid.
As the death toll in Gaza continued to rise, with nearly 6,000 people killed in the first 11 days, the idea of a ceasefire was barely mentioned in mainstream media. The New York Times and Washington Post editorial boards supported the dominant narrative, framing the conflict as a war on terror, with Hamas portrayed as a cartoonish villain with no legitimate grievances. This narrative cemented the inevitability of genocide, as defeating Hamas, a guerrilla force with significant support among Palestinians in Gaza, is a militarily impossible task.
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken acknowledged this reality in a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in January 2024, as reported by Andrea Mitchell. Blinken stated that Hamas cannot be defeated militarily, raising questions about the rationale behind the extensive military operation. However, this contradiction was largely ignored in the Orwellian reality that prevailed, where everything seemed to be a contradiction.
The definition of a ceasefire was later redefined in late February and early
The narrative of a helpless Biden administration was a deliberate attempt to distance the White House from the escalating violence in Gaza. This notion was perpetuated by the media, with numerous articles citing White House aides as sources. A closer examination of these stories reveals that 94% of the sourcing came from White House officials, who had a vested interest in shaping the narrative to deflect criticism.
This campaign to create a false narrative began in earnest in November 2023, with NBC News reporting on the supposed rift between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government over the future of Gaza. Similar stories followed in December 2023, with CNN highlighting the "unprecedented tensions" between the two leaders. Axios and the Washington Post also chimed in, with reports of Biden's growing frustration with Netanyahu and the potential for a breach in their relationship.
However, this portrayal of a strained relationship between Biden and Netanyahu was a far cry from reality. In April 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Michael Hertzog revealed in an interview with Israeli media that Biden had never actually asked for a ceasefire. This admission laid bare the disconnect between the White House's public posturing and its actual actions.
The Biden administration's true stance on the conflict was one of tacit support for Israel's military actions, rather than a genuine pursuit of a ceasefire. The analogy of a baseball team benching its star players while claiming to be working tirelessly to win the championship is
Biden's public statements on the conflict were laced with contradictions, as he claimed to be working towards a resolution while refusing to condition military support for Israel. This stance was perplexing, given the precedent set in 2021 when Biden had pressured Netanyahu to stop military actions. The narrative was further muddled by commentators like Aaron David Miller, who would often appear in major publications to downplay Biden's ability to influence the situation, only to conclude that even if he could, he wouldn't due to his support for Israel.
This cycle of contradictory reporting and commentary continued for 10 months, with over a hundred articles rehashing the same narrative of a "fuming" Biden. The lack of policy change or meaningful action from the administration raised questions about the validity of these stories, which were often sourced from White House aides or carefully managed phone calls. The use of vague language, such as "unprecedented tensions" and "asymptotic break," served to obscure the reality of the situation and create a sense of inevitability.
The media's role in perpetuating this narrative was significant, as they failed to critically examine the administration's actions and instead opted to launder the White House's talking points. This phenomenon was part of a larger historical rupture, in which the media's relationship to power and reality became increasingly disconnected. The proliferation of disturbing images from the conflict on social media platforms, particularly among younger generations
The proliferation of disturbing images from the conflict on social media platforms has led to a surge in antisemitism, as people are misled into believing that opposition to Israel's actions is equivalent to being against all Jews. This has resulted in the emergence of hateful ideologies and prejudices, which are further fueled by the lack of clarity and nuance in public discourse.
A critical examination of the media's role in perpetuating this narrative is necessary, particularly in light of the fact that newsrooms, such as CNN's Jerusalem Bureau, have been accused of having their content reviewed and rubber-stamped by the IDF. This raises important questions about the independence of the media and its ability to hold those in power accountable.
To understand the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon, it is essential to adopt a dialectical approach, one that recognizes the complex interplay between power, ideology, and the media. The decision to support Israel's actions, made in Washington and Tel Aviv, is a prime example of how the ruling class exercises its power and influence.
The media, particularly liberal imperialist outlets, plays a crucial role in selling this decision to the public, often by downplaying or obscuring the harsh realities of the conflict. This is not a new phenomenon, as seen in the US media's coverage of Vietnam and Iraq, where the primary function of the media is to support the interests of the ruling class.
The bipartisan consensus in Washington, which supports Israel
The lack of accountability for those in power is a significant concern, as it creates a cycle of elite immunity. This is exemplified by the case of Tony Blinken, who holds a prominent position in liberal politics and is unlikely to face pressure or consequences for his actions.
The primary mechanism for pushing back against this narrative has historically been college campuses, where there has been genuine momentum to create a moral narrative and push back against the genocide. However, this has been met with resistance from Zionist groups, such as the ADL, which have created a narrative of campus anti-Semitism.
This narrative has been used to discredit and intimidate those who speak out against the genocide, with high-profile kangaroo trials in Congress and the creation of meta scandals. For example, university presidents have been asked to condemn the term "globalize the Intifada," and when they refuse, headlines emerge claiming that they are refusing to condemn calls for genocide.
In reality, there have been no such calls for genocide, and fact-checking has revealed that these scandals are often fabricated. Despite this, the narrative of campus anti-Semitism has been used to silence critics and create a climate of fear.
The data bears out this narrative, with mentions of antisemitism vastly outnumbering mentions of Islamophobia in the media. According to a survey, the New York Times mentioned antisemitism on college campuses 412 times, while mentioning Islamophobia only five times. The
The disparity in media coverage and the subsequent narrative is a stark example of the double standard at play. In Chicago, an incident at DePaul University highlights this asymmetry. Two students, active members of the Israeli Defense Forces, would regularly engage in debates and display the Israeli flag on campus. Following reports from human rights organizations confirming Israel's involvement in genocide, a physical altercation ensued, and one of the students was punched. The local media promptly labeled the incident as an anti-Semitic hate crime, framing the story as one of ethnic hatred.
In contrast, incidents of pro-Israel vigilantes attacking pro-Palestine protesters on campuses, such as at UCLA, where protesters were beaten with clubs and wrenches, resulting in severe injuries, were not referred to as anti-Muslim or anti-Arab racism. Similarly, chemical attacks on Palestinian protesters at Columbia in 2023 were not framed in sectarian terms. This double standard is quantifiable and evident in the media's coverage of these events.
The book in question aims to expose and quantify these asymmetries, posing questions to editors about their decision-making processes. For instance, the New York Times' use of the word "slaughter" to describe the killing of Israelis 140 times, while never using it to describe the killing of Palestinians, raises questions about editorial bias. The fact that Israel has killed thousands of children, including at least 20,000, without being accused of
The normalization of violence against Palestinians is a stark reality that the media has failed to adequately address. Despite numerous attempts to shed light on the atrocities committed in Gaza, the stories of those affected often go unreported or are suppressed. This phenomenon is not unique to Gaza, as evidenced by the lack of coverage of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023. The suppression of stories is a result of algorithmic and platform-specific censorship, as well as the concentration of media ownership among oligarchs.
To hold those responsible accountable, it is essential to name names and provide evidence of their wrongdoing. The book in question has done just that, and it is now up to the public to demand action. One step towards accountability is the boycott of institutions that have enabled or perpetuated harm, such as the New York Times. The writers against the war in Gaza have organized a subscription and writing boycott of the New York Times, which has been signed by over 300 pro-Palestine and Palestinian writers and academics.
This boycott is a crucial step in delegitimizing the New York Times as an institution that has consistently demonstrated bias and complicity in promoting harmful narratives. The New York Times has crossed the line into outright genocide by promoting atrocity propaganda, accusing aid organizations of being terrorist entities, and spreading disinformation. The boycott is not a solution in itself, but it is a necessary step towards creating
To effectively counter the narratives perpetuated by institutions like the New York Times, it is crucial to support and amplify the work of local BDS coordinators and organizations working towards accountability and delegitimization. By arming oneself with data and critical analysis, individuals can push back against harmful narratives within their own spaces and contribute to a broader movement towards justice.
The importance of critical analysis and data-driven approaches cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of institutions that have demonstrated a willingness to promote genocide and destruction. By seeking out and supporting independent, fact-based reporting, individuals can help to create a more informed and engaged public discourse.
Ultimately, creating meaningful change will require a sustained and collective effort to challenge and dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate harm and violence. By working together and supporting one another, individuals can help to build a more just and equitable world, one that prioritizes the dignity and humanity of all people.
The audience was asked to observe a moment of silence to honor journalists and media professionals who have lost their lives in the genocide, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Following this solemn moment, the discussion turned to Adam Johnson's background and his journey into media criticism. Johnson's entry point into the left was through his interest in language and its ability to shape reality, which led him to explore media as a means to understand the power dynamics at play. He described media criticism as a "gateway drug" to asking bigger questions, using his podcast, Citations Needed, as a tool to challenge the dominant narrative and encourage critical thinking. Johnson's goal is to erode the artifice of mainstream media, which he believes will lead to a deeper examination of the institutions and power structures that shape our society. This line of inquiry is central to his book, which critiques the hypocrisy and enforcement of liberal institutions and the notion of liberalism itself. The conversation then delved into Johnson's growth as a media critic, particularly during the unfolding genocide in Gaza, and what prompted him to write a book on the subject.
The discussion highlighted the significance of Johnson's book in exposing the role of liberal media in promoting genocide, particularly in the context of Gaza. By examining the coverage of major outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and MSNBC, Johnson aimed to demonstrate how these institutions contributed to the normalization of genocide. The book's data-driven approach was crucial in establishing a quantitative basis for understanding media bias and double standards. Johnson's goal was not only to critique the media but also to encourage liberals and progressive individuals to reexamine their assumptions about Zionism, US imperialism, and the media's relationship with these institutions. By presenting a meticulous and well-researched argument, Johnson hoped to persuade readers to consider a more critical perspective on these issues. The use of the term "genocide" in the book's title, while provocative, was intended to reflect the growing mainstream recognition of the severity of the situation in Gaza, with a significant percentage of Democrats acknowledging it as such. Johnson's work sought to move beyond simply acknowledging the fact of genocide, instead exploring the ideological and narrative underpinnings that enabled it, and the ways in which liberal media outlets played a role in promoting these narratives.
The process of naming and holding accountable those responsible for promoting genocide is a crucial step in bringing about change. Johnson's book has laid the groundwork for this by identifying the role of liberal media in normalizing genocide, particularly in the context of Gaza. The next stage of this project involves taking a more targeted approach, focusing on the 10 worst offenders and launching parallel campaigns to criticize them directly. This approach is necessary because criticizing the media can often be too abstract, and by naming names, the goal is to create a sense of accountability.
The Center for American Progress, a think tank often seen as a pipeline to Democratic administrations, is a case in point. Figures like Tony Blinken and John Finer, who have been implicated in covering up war crimes, hold prominent positions, while others like Jake Sullivan have used their platforms to downplay or justify such actions. The fact that progressives and liberals in Congress are willing to engage with these individuals highlights the need for a project that pressures organizations to remove them from polite society.
This endeavor, tentatively dubbed the "Genocide 10" or "Genocide 20," aims to build pressure on organizations to hold these individuals accountable for their actions. While the ultimate goal of referring them to the International Criminal Court for prosecution may be a long shot, the immediate objective is to make them persona non grata in respectable circles. By doing so, it becomes clear that the only way to
The attempt to provide context by Ali Velshi and Iman Moihadine on MSNBC was swiftly shut down, as the network's editorial direction changed dramatically in the following days. This shift was exemplified by the prominent featuring of Jake Tapper and Joe Scarborough, who engaged in what can be described as genocidal propaganda, spreading lies and smearing those who opposed the war. The New York Times, particularly through writers like Patrick Kingsley, played a significant role in laundering Israeli intelligence, which contributed to the normalization of genocide.
One of the most striking examples of this was when The New York Times intervened to discredit the idea of a ceasefire, using blatant lies and misinformation. This was a deliberate attempt to remove the concept of a ceasefire from the realm of serious consideration, despite it being a common outcome in previous conflicts in Gaza. The New York Times' actions were particularly egregious, as they consistently intervened at critical moments to push a narrative that supported the continuation of violence.
The "isisification of Hamas" was a key trope used by the media to dehumanize and delegitimize the group, portraying them as mindless, jihadist cartoons driven by an ancient hatred of Jews. This narrative was enforced through a disciplined and documented effort, with MSNBC being one of the first outlets to fall in line. The network's decision to bring on Iman Moihadine to provide context was a rare exception, but it was quickly reversed
According to internal sources at MSNBC, Comcast intervened directly in the network's coverage, bringing in Rashida Jones and Caesar Conde to issue a directive: provide no context for the events of October 7th. This marked a significant shift, with history essentially starting on that date and nothing preceding it being considered relevant. This approach was reflected in the coverage, with a company-wide call on March 9th featuring Martin Fletcher, a longtime NBC News correspondent, who presented a playbook that denied the existence of Palestinians as a people.
Fletcher's comments, which included claims that Palestinians were "invented" by Arab nations and that Jews are the "real Palestinians," set the tone for MSNBC's coverage. Similarly, CNN's Mark Thompson issued a memo on October 26th, reaffirming a policy that required reporters to preface any mention of Palestinian suffering or death counts with a reference to October 7th, framing the narrative as a defensive response.
This approach effectively eliminated context from the coverage, with any attempt to provide historical or nuanced perspective being dismissed as "Hamas propaganda" or "terrorism apology." The spread of false information, such as the claim of beheaded babies on October 11th, further contributed to the dehumanization of Palestinians. Even progressive lawmakers, including Bernie Sanders, refused to call for a ceasefire, citing the need to confront a group allegedly seeking Israel's destruction.
The notion that Israel's actions are justified as a response to Hamas' alleged goal of destroying Israel is a narrative that has been widely accepted by lawmakers, including progressive ones like Bernie Sanders. However, this stance ignores the fact that calling for a ceasefire is not an endorsement of any particular organization, but rather a humanitarian imperative. Matt Duss, a foreign policy expert, echoed this logic, stating that Sanders' point about confronting Hamas was valid.
As the death toll in Gaza continued to rise, with nearly 6,000 people killed in the first 11 days, the idea of a ceasefire was barely mentioned in mainstream media. The New York Times and Washington Post editorial boards supported the dominant narrative, framing the conflict as a war on terror, with Hamas portrayed as a cartoonish villain with no legitimate grievances. This narrative cemented the inevitability of genocide, as defeating Hamas, a guerrilla force with significant support among Palestinians in Gaza, is a militarily impossible task.
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken acknowledged this reality in a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in January 2024, as reported by Andrea Mitchell. Blinken stated that Hamas cannot be defeated militarily, raising questions about the rationale behind the extensive military operation. However, this contradiction was largely ignored in the Orwellian reality that prevailed, where everything seemed to be a contradiction.
The definition of a ceasefire was later redefined in late February and early
The narrative of a helpless Biden administration was a deliberate attempt to distance the White House from the escalating violence in Gaza. This notion was perpetuated by the media, with numerous articles citing White House aides as sources. A closer examination of these stories reveals that 94% of the sourcing came from White House officials, who had a vested interest in shaping the narrative to deflect criticism.
This campaign to create a false narrative began in earnest in November 2023, with NBC News reporting on the supposed rift between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government over the future of Gaza. Similar stories followed in December 2023, with CNN highlighting the "unprecedented tensions" between the two leaders. Axios and the Washington Post also chimed in, with reports of Biden's growing frustration with Netanyahu and the potential for a breach in their relationship.
However, this portrayal of a strained relationship between Biden and Netanyahu was a far cry from reality. In April 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Michael Hertzog revealed in an interview with Israeli media that Biden had never actually asked for a ceasefire. This admission laid bare the disconnect between the White House's public posturing and its actual actions.
The Biden administration's true stance on the conflict was one of tacit support for Israel's military actions, rather than a genuine pursuit of a ceasefire. The analogy of a baseball team benching its star players while claiming to be working tirelessly to win the championship is
Biden's public statements on the conflict were laced with contradictions, as he claimed to be working towards a resolution while refusing to condition military support for Israel. This stance was perplexing, given the precedent set in 2021 when Biden had pressured Netanyahu to stop military actions. The narrative was further muddled by commentators like Aaron David Miller, who would often appear in major publications to downplay Biden's ability to influence the situation, only to conclude that even if he could, he wouldn't due to his support for Israel.
This cycle of contradictory reporting and commentary continued for 10 months, with over a hundred articles rehashing the same narrative of a "fuming" Biden. The lack of policy change or meaningful action from the administration raised questions about the validity of these stories, which were often sourced from White House aides or carefully managed phone calls. The use of vague language, such as "unprecedented tensions" and "asymptotic break," served to obscure the reality of the situation and create a sense of inevitability.
The media's role in perpetuating this narrative was significant, as they failed to critically examine the administration's actions and instead opted to launder the White House's talking points. This phenomenon was part of a larger historical rupture, in which the media's relationship to power and reality became increasingly disconnected. The proliferation of disturbing images from the conflict on social media platforms, particularly among younger generations
The proliferation of disturbing images from the conflict on social media platforms has led to a surge in antisemitism, as people are misled into believing that opposition to Israel's actions is equivalent to being against all Jews. This has resulted in the emergence of hateful ideologies and prejudices, which are further fueled by the lack of clarity and nuance in public discourse.
A critical examination of the media's role in perpetuating this narrative is necessary, particularly in light of the fact that newsrooms, such as CNN's Jerusalem Bureau, have been accused of having their content reviewed and rubber-stamped by the IDF. This raises important questions about the independence of the media and its ability to hold those in power accountable.
To understand the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon, it is essential to adopt a dialectical approach, one that recognizes the complex interplay between power, ideology, and the media. The decision to support Israel's actions, made in Washington and Tel Aviv, is a prime example of how the ruling class exercises its power and influence.
The media, particularly liberal imperialist outlets, plays a crucial role in selling this decision to the public, often by downplaying or obscuring the harsh realities of the conflict. This is not a new phenomenon, as seen in the US media's coverage of Vietnam and Iraq, where the primary function of the media is to support the interests of the ruling class.
The bipartisan consensus in Washington, which supports Israel
The lack of accountability for those in power is a significant concern, as it creates a cycle of elite immunity. This is exemplified by the case of Tony Blinken, who holds a prominent position in liberal politics and is unlikely to face pressure or consequences for his actions.
The primary mechanism for pushing back against this narrative has historically been college campuses, where there has been genuine momentum to create a moral narrative and push back against the genocide. However, this has been met with resistance from Zionist groups, such as the ADL, which have created a narrative of campus anti-Semitism.
This narrative has been used to discredit and intimidate those who speak out against the genocide, with high-profile kangaroo trials in Congress and the creation of meta scandals. For example, university presidents have been asked to condemn the term "globalize the Intifada," and when they refuse, headlines emerge claiming that they are refusing to condemn calls for genocide.
In reality, there have been no such calls for genocide, and fact-checking has revealed that these scandals are often fabricated. Despite this, the narrative of campus anti-Semitism has been used to silence critics and create a climate of fear.
The data bears out this narrative, with mentions of antisemitism vastly outnumbering mentions of Islamophobia in the media. According to a survey, the New York Times mentioned antisemitism on college campuses 412 times, while mentioning Islamophobia only five times. The
The disparity in media coverage and the subsequent narrative is a stark example of the double standard at play. In Chicago, an incident at DePaul University highlights this asymmetry. Two students, active members of the Israeli Defense Forces, would regularly engage in debates and display the Israeli flag on campus. Following reports from human rights organizations confirming Israel's involvement in genocide, a physical altercation ensued, and one of the students was punched. The local media promptly labeled the incident as an anti-Semitic hate crime, framing the story as one of ethnic hatred.
In contrast, incidents of pro-Israel vigilantes attacking pro-Palestine protesters on campuses, such as at UCLA, where protesters were beaten with clubs and wrenches, resulting in severe injuries, were not referred to as anti-Muslim or anti-Arab racism. Similarly, chemical attacks on Palestinian protesters at Columbia in 2023 were not framed in sectarian terms. This double standard is quantifiable and evident in the media's coverage of these events.
The book in question aims to expose and quantify these asymmetries, posing questions to editors about their decision-making processes. For instance, the New York Times' use of the word "slaughter" to describe the killing of Israelis 140 times, while never using it to describe the killing of Palestinians, raises questions about editorial bias. The fact that Israel has killed thousands of children, including at least 20,000, without being accused of
The normalization of violence against Palestinians is a stark reality that the media has failed to adequately address. Despite numerous attempts to shed light on the atrocities committed in Gaza, the stories of those affected often go unreported or are suppressed. This phenomenon is not unique to Gaza, as evidenced by the lack of coverage of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023. The suppression of stories is a result of algorithmic and platform-specific censorship, as well as the concentration of media ownership among oligarchs.
To hold those responsible accountable, it is essential to name names and provide evidence of their wrongdoing. The book in question has done just that, and it is now up to the public to demand action. One step towards accountability is the boycott of institutions that have enabled or perpetuated harm, such as the New York Times. The writers against the war in Gaza have organized a subscription and writing boycott of the New York Times, which has been signed by over 300 pro-Palestine and Palestinian writers and academics.
This boycott is a crucial step in delegitimizing the New York Times as an institution that has consistently demonstrated bias and complicity in promoting harmful narratives. The New York Times has crossed the line into outright genocide by promoting atrocity propaganda, accusing aid organizations of being terrorist entities, and spreading disinformation. The boycott is not a solution in itself, but it is a necessary step towards creating
To effectively counter the narratives perpetuated by institutions like the New York Times, it is crucial to support and amplify the work of local BDS coordinators and organizations working towards accountability and delegitimization. By arming oneself with data and critical analysis, individuals can push back against harmful narratives within their own spaces and contribute to a broader movement towards justice.
The importance of critical analysis and data-driven approaches cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of institutions that have demonstrated a willingness to promote genocide and destruction. By seeking out and supporting independent, fact-based reporting, individuals can help to create a more informed and engaged public discourse.
Ultimately, creating meaningful change will require a sustained and collective effort to challenge and dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate harm and violence. By working together and supporting one another, individuals can help to build a more just and equitable world, one that prioritizes the dignity and humanity of all people.
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