Tag Archives: Hate

BenJoy’s Opinion – Biased Coverage of Gun Violence by NBC

Calling a spade a spade…

NBC did not respond to my e-mail and thus I share my opinion with you…

Dear NBC,

It was disheartening this morning while watching Meet the Press to see the distasteful and stereotypical approach regarding the portrayal of violence and use of firearms. NBC elected to broadcast the clip whether it was made on a staff person’s private time or not. Additionally, it was disturbing to watch the host try to explain without success, why the coverage about gun violence, his show aired, was totally biased. What does it have to do with whether he has never being pulled over in his car by the police.

Unfortunately, yet again, the coverage cast in a most prejudiced manner, showed only black men incarcerated speaking about their regrets concerning the use of guns during the commission of crimes. The most ironical aspect of the clip, is that it was aired in the wake of a white man killing nine black people.

Although at a societal level, it is laudable to cover the conversion of criminals, but the question that NBC must answer and communicate to its viewing public is whether that coverage was balanced or another occassion perpetuating the skewed societal view that only black men are violent, are in jail and use guns when that is an absolute departure from the truth. Are their other races other than blacks in jail, do other races use guns and do other races commit crimes. NBC, the incontrovertible answer is yes.

Why would NBC show that clip without making sure that it was balanced. NBC should evaluate the essence of its role in covering and broadcasting topical and all issues. What does the freedom of press allow the press on this specific and other matters, NBC. Is it the right to distort the news or to communicate the facts as they exist.

Furthermore, how does this type of disdainful coverage further the memory of Tim Russet. Would the unbalanced nature of the clip have evaded his scrutiny and when Eugene Robinson immediately brought it to his attention, would he in a nonchalant manner have dismissed the obvious without an unequivocal apology. The attempts of the current host afterwards during the show to handle the error were patronizing and failed abysmally.

An immediate apology from NBC is required, not in a week when the next episode of Meet The Press is broadcast. Also, NBC should evaluate its editorial  processes.

June 21, 2015

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Filed under General, Life

MLK Day – Beyond A Holiday

Martin Luther King Day…

Causes the world to pause, albeit it

For a moment, to recall the sordid horror of

The atrocities that were unconscionably and

Violently perpetuated against a segment

Of humanity, just because they were endowed

With a darker hue by the Creator of the entire universe.

Further, the observance of the day, yet brings to mind

Those other fallen heroes, along the arduous cause towards

Justice and dignity for all, and their individual and

Collective sacrifice on the blood-stained altar for equality.

Alas, the unvarnished realization is that the quest, still incomplete,

Must again, be fiercely populated with sustained courage

To confront the disdainful  scourge of discrimination

Wherever it seeks refuge or finds habitation, to expose it

For unequivocal condemnation and ultimate eradication.

Therefore, arise citizens of the world and in diligent measure

Commit to and embrace the legacy and essence of the holiday.

 

YemilBenjoy ©

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Liberty’s Vision

For the chance to be that which I have in me …

To be unique in the expression of that which is endowed to each

Is the quest inherently innate to all that journey through the mystic.

The unbridled chance to embark upon a course unencumbered by inimical

Restraints of prejudice, colonization, and domination of whatever description.

The independence to embrace the birthright of freedom as responsible

Compass in the navigation of fair possibilities  available within the realm.

Still fully, understanding that liberty itself preserves the right, not privilege,

Of all, not some, to be and be free, without bondage’s imposition by others,

To exercise that which is inalienable, and embrace race, gender and creed,

While recognizing in the community for all people, certain agreed upon

Unifying and equitable principles are within the scheme that empowers one

Thus guaranteeing potential’s hope in full measure, yet assuring the dignity of all.

 

YemilBenjoy ©

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The Unlikely Springboard

The question …

Is not why they hate you

For hate has been present through the ages.

Rather, the preferred inquiry should be

Will you allow such hate, to pin you down

Wallowing deep into the abyss of self-pity.

Or propel you, onto motivation’s pathways

Undeterred, in continuous pursuit of your dreams.

Choose wisely…  for your life

Is worth the best effort you can muster on its behalf

Rather than dwelling with such draining negativity.

YemilBenjoy Copyright September 2012

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Filed under Life, poetry