Christiane Amanpour, PBS’s individualistic voice, likes to be quote saying journalists should be “truthful, not neutral.” In a recent Juneteenth episode, Amanpour’s allegiance to the truth seems remarkably one-sided. The episode portrays Trump’s presidency and the Supreme Court as barriers to racial equality, fueled by Amanpour’s leading declarations and insinuations.
In a conversation with Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Amanpour prompts more than she queries. “New hurdles seem to be hastily erected by Supreme Court votes under the Trump administration. If Congress won’t pass voting rights legislation, and the Supreme Court won’t uphold current laws, progress appears to face undue pushback,” she remarks.
Stevenson endorses this belief, replying at length about the United States’ crucial narrative struggle to attain genuine freedom. He recounts America’s historical context following emancipation, when the 14th and 15th Amendments were passed but poorly enforced due to a commitment to maintaining racial hierarchies and white supremacy over upholding the rule of law.
In a flawed comparison with Germany, Stevenson alleges that the United States has laws trying to suppress the study of certain histories. He boldly claims that America is embroiled in an era where the truth must be spoken, healed, restored, and told.
However, the key fact remains that Stevenson’s claim is not validated, irrespective of how often it is repeated. The progressive left does not own abolitionism’s legacy, in the same way, Amanpour does not own the essence of truthful journalism.
Reports should not be a political instrument utilized to shape narratives based on bias. The true challenge lies in accurately portraying the journey towards equality, understanding the significance of standing laws, and having open discussions about race without resorting to inflammatory rhetoric or historical manipulation. We must not forget that freedom and equality is a continuous narrative that includes all voices and ideas.
Finally, it is imperative to realize that the true essence of journalism is to tell every story from different angles, all the while maintaining a clear commitment to truthfulness, not prejudice. Amanpour and others would do well to remember this as they continue to shape public perceptions through their platforms.
