The Gray Area with Sean Illing Is the media amplifying Trump’s racism? (with Whitney Phillips)
Jul 25, 2019
Whitney Phillips, a Professor of communication and rhetoric at Syracuse University, dives deep into the media's role in amplifying Donald Trump's controversial comments. She explores the ‘amplification dilemma,’ questioning whether giving attention to harmful rhetoric inadvertently normalizes it. Phillips discusses the tension faced by journalists in balancing sensationalism with responsible reporting. Ultimately, the conversation challenges listeners to reflect on how media practices can reshape public discourse and influence perceptions of racism.
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Amplification's Double-Edged Sword
- Amplification is inherent to journalism, increasing attention to any reported topic.
- This poses challenges as it can spread damaging ideas despite critical reporting.
Sunlight: Disinfectant or Growth Agent?
- Sunlight as disinfectant works for some, but illuminates and empowers negative ideas for unintended audiences.
- The impact varies: positive, neutral, or very negative, often simultaneously.
Toxic Merger: Racism and Partisanship
- Focusing on Trump's racist comments merges racism with partisanship.
- This creates a toxic dynamic where supporting Trump means defending his racism.
