In an election year, it’s no coincidence that certain stories, especially those concerning racial injustice and the brutalization of Black bodies, fall to the wayside in the mainstream media. The lynching of Javion McGee is one such example—a brutal act of racial violence that should have sparked outrage, yet it remains largely ignored by the media. The reasoning behind this blackout is deeply rooted in the power dynamics that control the media and how narratives are shaped to serve the interests of those in power.
During election years, the media landscape is heavily influenced by the political establishment and the corporate entities that own media outlets. The news is carefully curated to maintain a particular focus: the spectacle of political campaigns, debates, and polling numbers. Stories that could disrupt or challenge the image of stability or unity that politicians attempt to project are often left out. A lynching, in this case, especially one that points to the systemic racism that continues to plague America, would expose the ugly underbelly of a nation that prides itself on freedom and equality. In a highly charged political climate, this is a narrative those in power are keen to suppress.
The media is not an independent body operating to inform the masses as many would like to believe. In reality, the press is controlled by a small group of powerful individuals and corporations who act as gatekeepers of information. These are the decision-makers behind what the public gets to see, hear, and read. They decide what constitutes “news” and, more importantly, what does not. It’s this hidden hand of media ownership and control that shapes public opinion and dictates what stories are considered important. When it comes to stories like Javion McGee’s lynching, it’s clear that the powers behind the media have chosen to remain silent. This silence is a form of complicity.
This control is deeply troubling because it leads to a distorted version of reality. The media holds tremendous power over the minds of the public. If something is not reported, many believe it didn’t happen. This is how the suffering of Black people, especially in cases of racial violence, is routinely erased or minimized in public consciousness. Compare this to other communities that experience hardship or trauma—often, their stories are covered endlessly, with a near-constant retelling of their pain. These communities receive empathy and recognition, while Black suffering is met with silence or, worse, victim-blaming.
The erasure of Black pain is not accidental. The media operates under the assumption that certain lives, certain stories, matter more than others. This selective reporting has long been a tool of white supremacy, used to reinforce the idea that Black people’s experiences of violence and oppression are not as important as the struggles faced by other groups. Historical crimes against Black people are often overlooked or minimized, while the traumas of other groups are memorialized and respected. This disparity is not only harmful but speaks to the underlying belief that Black lives are less valuable.
In the case of Javion McGee, the media’s refusal to cover his lynching reflects a larger issue of how Black stories are treated in America. The media’s control over narratives ensures that certain injustices are kept out of sight, and thus, out of mind. This control is a powerful tool in shaping public perception, and it perpetuates the systemic racism that allows such violence to continue unchecked. By refusing to cover McGee’s story, the media sends a clear message: Black pain does not matter, and Black lives can be erased without consequence.
As we continue to fight for justice, it is crucial to understand the role that media plays in shaping public opinion and maintaining systems of power. The silence surrounding Javion McGee’s lynching is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader pattern of how Black suffering is routinely ignored and devalued. The media’s complicity in this violence must be called out, and we must demand better coverage of these stories. Black lives do matter, and the world must be made to see the truth of the ongoing terror faced by Black Americans and maybe we too will be granted protected class status.
Let me know what you think about this,
Sincerely,
LanceScurv
