Lecture: Black Lives Matter and Media Narratives

Main Points

• Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement:

  • Described as a psychosis driven by mainstream media.
  • Lack of statistical support for the widespread conversation on BLM.

• Media Control:

  • Mainstream media, celebrities, and tech companies like Apple and Google drive narratives.
  • Resistance to dominant narratives is often suppressed.

• Global Perspective:

  • Experiences outside the U.S. (e.g., Arab Spring, ISIS) influence viewpoints on American issues.
  • Western media's focus and coverage can overshadow other significant global issues.

• Personal Experience with Media and Activism:

  • Personal anecdote about giving the middle finger at the Super Bowl and subsequent $16 million lawsuit.
  • Critique of selective mainstream media coverage (e.g., Beyonce's support for Black Panthers).
  • Highlighting hypocrisy when certain issues are ignored by influential voices.

• Political Influence in the Music Industry:

  • Mainstream artists often avoid controversial topics to maintain their status.
  • Example: Difficulty for mainstream artists to discuss topics like the Syrian war.

• Cancellation and Contradictions:

  • Cancel culture attacks on differing opinions.
  • Confusion and contradictions in criticisms received.
  • Issue of identity politics limiting who can discuss particular issues.

Critical Observations

• Impact on Artists and Culture:

  • Political and social views can restrict artistic expression.
  • Newer generations feel constrained by their identities when discussing subjects.

• Oppression and Globalization:

  • Discussion on oppression is relevant across races and regions.
  • Globalization's role in universal monetary exploitation and oppression.

• Armed Struggle and Revolution:

  • Historical context of Tamil armed struggle.
  • Potential future implications of racial tensions in the U.S.

• Elite Class vs. Marginalized Groups:

  • Existence of elite classes within different ethnic groups.
  • Mass media narratives affecting all racial and ethnic groups similarly.

• Dialogues Across Identity Lines:

  • Importance of cross-identity conversations to understand shared struggles.
  • Barriers created by identity politics hinder meaningful discussions.