Thread by @MagStewart

I’m not going to post or RT any more about police targeting media at #BlackLivesMatter protests. (Thread).

Make no mistake. It is a big deal - it violates democratic norms. It discourages people from joining protests. It shows escalation of state violence.

But...

Media reporting about media experiences at protests is a great way to “report” on the protests without actually reporting on protestors’ demands and experiences.

I want to hear from protest leaders, community members, mayors and elected reps, police leadership. Not other media.

Media reporting on media is a distraction from calling for accountability and an end to white supremacist state violence.

Now is the time time amplify the demands of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Focus on #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeForRegis #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor

Media reporting on media (mostly) centers the experience of white and non-Black POC reporters.

Now is the time to center Black women and men as they take to the streets (again) to protest state violence.

Putting special attention to media attacks - as crossing a line - implies that police are justified in attacking some people, just not media.

We should be shocked at the police violence against everyone in the streets right now - not only media.

The police know exactly how the media will react if they shoot at reporters and camera operators... it will shift the story and pull media from the streets. Maybe that’s the whole point...

Let’s not give the police the satisfaction.

Center Black voices. #BlackLivesMatter