In the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and possible other non-violent action across the globe, I believe these movements do not garner the same attention as violent-action due to its lack of appeal to viewers. While my perspective may be a mundane and rather blunt point of view, television networks, magazine and newspaper, and clickbait headlines are in the business of attracting viewers and advertisements. For example, in Washington D.C., peaceful protests parading throughout the city immediately after the inauguration (excluding the Women's March) did not gather nearly as much media coverage compared to their violent counterparts that rioted throughout the evening.
In the Israel-Palestine conflict, violence in the media has overshadowed non-violence for decades. During the 1947-49 exodus of Palestine, otherwise known as Nakba, violence and death dominated global news headlines while growing non-violent action was virtually ignored. Western media portrays Palestinians as violent terrorists claiming to reclaim their homes through means of violence. However, this is the only way Palestinians are able to convey their message due to virtual media silence in response to their non-violent action. Young Palestinians have grown accustomed to violent action gathering media coverage, creating a vicious cycle that increasingly diminishes the viability of non-violent action. In order for the conflict to ever reach a peaceful outcome, Western media must portray non-violent action as the path to success. Media ignorance of non violence only serves to feed this detrimental cycle.
I agree with you that violence in the media overshadows the effectiveness of non violence movements. Media rules the perceptions and information that people receive, hence if there is only a focus on violence and negative information being shared to the world, people will have the perception that, that is the only thing going on in that specific social movement.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's horrible to emphasize violence so heavily. However, I doubt the media is going to change, because they know it is human nature to want to see conflict. Therefore they will always give more coverage to violent protests.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument that part of the problem lies on the shoulders of the media. I also find it true that Palestinians resort to violence in order to gain widespread media attention. Solid analysis and I like how you related the problem to the United States.
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