The Media’s Contribution to Systemic Racism

The documentary 13th (Averick et al., 2016) examines racism in the United States of America and shows the role that the media has played in perpetuating anti-Black racism. This is done through the use of both historical and contemporary issues. 13th (Averick et al., 2016) was able to successfully educate its audience and shine a light upon systemic racism.

The documentary discusses how the media has contributed to racism. 13th (Averick et al., 2016) shows that the media has depicted Black people as vicious and corrupt through the use of news, film, and television. The documentary (Averick et al., 2016) pulled on multiple examples of the media contributing to racism such as, a movie in which a woman jumps off a cliff in order to avoid a Black man and multiple news sources depicting Black people as violent criminals. The media has contributed to systemic racism by instilling a fear of Black people in the public. As a result of this, the legal system has continuously targeted Black people.

Although the media has been used to negatively depict Black people in the past, it can also be used to portray them positively. The media can address anti-Black racism through accurate portrayal, holding people accountable, and fact-checking. Going forward the media needs to educate its audience and fight against racism.

The media is a powerful tool that can be used both positively and negatively. It is our job as the public to hold the media accountable and to support only those who are antiracist.

References

Averick, S., Barish, H., & DuVernay, A. (2016). 13th [Motion Picture]. United States of America: Kandoo Films.