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Yes. And the constant feigned naivete (“were the tweets racist? “Is racism at the heart of this or that?”) and absolute ignorance about the history of racism & racist public policies would not be permitted in any other field.
We had an entire week of writing & on air news stories about school desegregation and busing led by writers & commentators with virtually no expertise in the field - addressing one of the most transformative and convulsive efforts of 20th century America.
The lack of respect & seriousness accorded writing abt racism is why racist voter suppression practices - found by fed judges in Tx, NC, Wisc. - was not framed in 2016 as a danger to our democracy & a reflection of an ugly & explicit strain of white supremacy in state houses.
African American journalists often have years of experience covering one of the most challenging “beats” in journalism - the intersection of race & racism with almost everything else. It is rigorous, multi-disciplinary, and complex. Respect the expertise they bring to the table.
The term "white supremacy" was finally put into play after Charlottesville. But when state legislators deliberately disenfranchised American citizens who are Black & Latino these acts were not framed white supremacy by MSM. We need greater courage & sophistication in this space.
