A Call to Arms: Bloggers Call for Action While the Mainstream Media Remains Silent, and Behind
by Bennett Hart
The debate surrounding same-sex marriage is heavy, disputed, and intimately connected to the themes of tradition and transformation. But you get the same messages ad nauseum from pundits and the mainstream media. It seemed, upon only a limited search, that the discourse surrounding same-sex marriage concerned ethics and religion, labels and terminology (i.e. “civil unions” vs. “marriage,”) the battle for anti-discrimination legislation and workplace support, hate crime prevention and greater health care benefits. Instead of regurgitating the dialogue, that in my mind has been heard, I decided to behind the curtain a bit more thoroughly—to hear the voices that aren’t being presented by the mass media. Despite such sparse coverage, it’s of fundamental importance to examine those that are directly affected by this larger debate- which I think can abstract what is actually happening “on the ground.” I wanted to hear from the queer community- to look at their reality as “citizens of the debate”- and not just the marriage debate, rather all issues affecting the queer community. So, I ventured into the queer blogosphere and discovered the voices of HIV positive writers, former escorts, former addicts, lesbian mothers in Quebec, a trans-guy on the east coast, among countless others. The people were out there, and they had stories.
The blogosphere, some have argued, constitutes a new frontier in modern media. For the first time, individuals are able to self publish and have an instant audience. And Internet users are responding. A recent Magid survey for the Carnegie Corporation called "Abandoning the News” concluded that young people between the ages of 18 and 34 are consistently turning to the Internet for their news. And more than that, they’re looking to Blogs instead of The Washington Post online. NPR reports: the allure of blogs stem from their humor and their freedom to express an undisguised opinion. According to NPR.org blogs “entertain, provoke, and are not constrained by journalistic standards of truth telling.” NPR.org’s opinion? Possible hypocrisy aside, apparently these qualities are antithetical to the distribution of news. Further, traditional news providers claim that the blogosphere exists in a sort of legislative limbo. What are the consequences for misbehavior? What are the ethics? Where is the civic responsibility? These critics would argue: they are simply not present. While these critical questions are certainly important to consider, perhaps it is precisely this freedom that gives bloggers the ability to so effectively provoke questions, and ultimately, change the face of the news to that of a more critical, more contentious, and more provoking medium.
In researching blogs it was my intention to unearth stories of marginalized individuals grappling with the laws, legislators, and other forces that stand to oppress them. What I discovered, along with examples of resistance and outrage, were tales of struggle and ultimately hope. In a culture where tradition can stand to deny equal rights for marginalized citizens, these voices offer hope for transformation through education, activism, and awareness. These brave bloggers are telling their human stories. Audre Lorde says, “Your silence will not protect you.” These bloggers are not letting the oppressive forces of this society silence them. They are risking voice and visibility as advocates of their communities. And yes, I acknowledge that there are concerns. How are Internet users supposed to know if these bloggers are telling the truth? This is a valid question. But, at the same time, I want to believe that these authors are real people with real concerns, hopes, and ideas. I have chosen to view blogs as a voice for those too often left voiceless. And I would rather read these individuals’ words than the mainstream media, with their own set of agendas to shove and sales quotas to meet. That doesn’t mean that one can stop being a responsible consumer. Blog readers should still read a multiple of sources, check facts, and question themselves- just as any responsible consumer of mainstream media should do.
In his recent San Francisco Chronicle Article titled, “How AIDS Changed Us,” Wyatt Buchanan briefly details the AIDS crisis among the gay community in San Francisco from its first appearance in the 1980’s to the disease’s current threat in the region. Quoting Steve Morin of the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies at UCSF, Buchanan explains that considering a group of 100 HIV-negative 20 year olds in San Francisco today: “When they turn 45, one quarter will be HIV-positive” (pg. 3). This is a harrowing statistic. Later in the article, Buchanan laments that the surge of activity and activism that came with the 1970’s gay liberation movement needs to be revived. His reasoning: too many activists have died and no one has carried on the torch. Buchanan seems to paint a bleak picture of both the HIV and AIDS crisis as well as the momentum of the gay rights movement as a whole. Further, he seems at a loss for solutions. Perhaps more accurately, it’s not his position as a news writer to “rally the troops” so to speak. Maybe, he simply can’t use his newspaper space as a call to arms. It’s not responsible journalism. Instead, he’s left to deliver his message: bleak statistics and quotes pasted together, and the end result? A sticky, disjointed, and unfortunate mess. And it seems, that this difficult message is repeated again and again throughout mainstream media.
In her article, “Gays’ Place in Textbooks: Debate Is On,” Judy Lin explains that Equality California lobbied the California State Legislature to include gays in textbooks because gays were being left out of school curriculum. Further, the executive director of the organization, Geoff Kors, explains that “All the studies showed that there is a devastatingly high rate of suicide among these youth” (pg. 2). Lin goes on, citing studies that have shown gay youth’s increased rates of harassment, bullying, as well as lower grade point averages. Later, Lin highlights Republican Senator Bill Morrow who doesn’t support the bill. He says, there’s nothing preventing California teachers from talking about homosexuality, why legislate it? In one sense, this might be perceived as balanced reporting. On another, one might argue: Lin is ignoring a crisis. The issue is bigger than the legislation: young people are being bullied. Harassed. They’re committing suicide. Is the solution legislation? Maybe in the long run. But right now, there’s a crisis. And a crisis merits action. While the mainstream media focuses on fair and balanced reporting, bloggers are filling the gaps.
One might argue: is it really the job of the news media to “rally the troops?” Some would certainly argue that it is not, that it is antithetical to what it means to present the news. But as bloggers are being seen as new sources of news- and they are calling for action all across the political, social and cultural spectrum- than perhaps the mainstream media is missing an important piece of what it means to inform and educate the public? I think so. And I think it’s a little bit bigger than the op/ed page.
Bloggers like Joe Killfoile, who posts on pozblogs.com, is outspoken and adamantly calling for change. Killfoile reports: “Here we are 25 years into this pandemic and too much of the HIV community is still pleading for adequate funding of HIV research and treatments. In too many parts of the world, positive people do not even have access to basic health care services.” Killfoile attests, it’s not tolerance of gays and of HIV positive individuals; it’s time for acceptance. Because tolerance isn’t enough anymore- while politicians and church leaders continue to “minimize my rights and my existence.” Killfoile explains: “I have grown up in a world that is overly influenced by intolerant heterosexuals, radical religious zealots, hate-mongers and bigoted politicians.” A reader might interpret Killfoile’s message as angry, unsupported, and extreme. But, I argue: isn’t it precisely this anger, this outrage, his blatantly opinionated position, what gives his message power? His words don’t allow complacency. They inspire action and debate.
Killfoile doesn’t stop there. “I believe that it is time for positive folks to stand our ground. No matter what others may think, what morality they may attempt to use to demonize us.” Killfoile tells readers: get involved. “Take some time to understand the laws and programs that provide a safety net for about one million poz Americans. Educate yourself…” He concedes, “We have allowed others to silence our voice, thereby denying our existence and absolving society of its neglect for our community.” And in the end, he states: “I demand acceptance and access to the treatments and services I need to fight my HIV infection… It is time to stand and be counted, because if we don’t do it, who will?” Killfoile has taken a stand, made bold claims, and demanded change. That’s powerful and that’s moving. And no matter where one stands on HIV, gays, same-sex marriage, etc., Killfoile’s words will engender a reaction. I believe, whether it is a jump to advocacy or a criticism of his facts and agenda, that that is valuable. We need an informed public certainly- but we need an informed public that is active, questioning, and brave. We need to be provoked.
Remembering NPR’s objection to blogs –that they provoke- I have to argue: yes, they do- and what is the problem with that? It seems that “fair and balanced” just stands to maintain the status quo. If the news media isn’t provoking its viewers, where is the debate, the passion, and ultimately, the impetus to create change? Sure, Killfoile may miss some facts. He may be employing anger when solid facts and reasoning would be more accurate. But, is it Killfoile’s job to inform me of the facts? To present an unbiased position on the state of HIV positive Americans? No. Killfoile is a man transformed by HIV and sickened by the apathy of the American public and the denial by bigoted politicians. It’s Killfoile’s job to be angry. To present the picture of an American ignored. Oppressed. And his audience can do what they will. I know for me, hearing the words of individuals affected by this country’s political system is powerful. Moving. It encourages me to join the debate and to question the plight of positive Americans. And, based on the statistics, I know that I am not alone.
I have to wonder: what is mainstream media afraid of? If nothing else, their profit margins are at risk- because quite frankly, they’re being left in the dust by contentious, angry, and opinionated blogs. What’s missing in the mainstream media? Human voices. Human stories. Human challenges. Anger, outrage, and calls for change. I look forward to following this burgeoning phenomenon. My prediction? Featured bloggers on every news station, show, channel, radio dial, and newspaper. Get ready for the debates America.