The Media Campaign to Separate Us.
As much as we would love to close our eyes and say, at least here in the United States, that we are past the times of discrimination and everyone is treated equally, well, we are fooling ourselves. I will painstakingly admit, until this last year I thought that we had come a long way in American when it comes to discrimination, and we have, but we still have a long road ahead before we see any real progress. Why do we still have this large divide and discrimination?
I think it is really fueled by mass media. The way they portray things and people in movies, shows, social media posts/memes, and the news fuels bias and personal opinions. Slant it one way for long enough you will begin to think that way, even if you know if you. They know it. How do you think the 50 year failed war on drugs continues to spend billions of dollars every year with zero evidence that it has done nothing but devastate the African American community? If you guess media campaigns, you would be correct.
Take a quick moment to reflect on how African American’s are often portrayed in shows. Do your thoughts instantly take you to powerful men and women, making a difference in our community through leadership and commitment to others? Probably not. I would assume your thoughts went to drug dealers, gang bangers, prostitutes and prisoners. Am I close? If that is the case, it isn’t your fault, it is the media’s campaign which separates us as humans.
Now think about women. Do you see them as powerful women in our community, leading large corporations, being the hero cop or firefighter, lawyer that stands and advocates to free men and women who have been unjustly incarcerated? No, probably not. It’s okay, it isn’t your fault you don’t see that in your mind. Mostly because they are portrayed at housewives, junkies, hookers, men’s “assistants”, and well, sex objects. If that is the case, it isn’t your fault, it is the media’s campaign which separates us as humans.
Think about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. Do you see them as successful, millionaire entrepreneurs, politicians, strong community leaders and members of the church? Probably not. You probably see them as outrageously flamboyant people, or crossdressers to get a laugh at transgender men and women…or you don’t see them at all because it makes the great viewers uncomfortable. If that is the case, it isn’t your fault, it is the media’s campaign which separates us as humans.
Think about veterans. Do you see a veteran who has saved the day in a war situation, one that became a cop or firefighter, or one that struggles with addiction to alcohol, drugs and is suicidal. Probably close to it. If that is the case, it isn’t your fault, it is the media’s campaign which separates us as humans.
The nudist community is no different. If we are portrayed in the movies, tv show, social media post, or the news it is often in a funny manner, or when something bad has happened. There is no day to day posts about people who enjoy living, or socializing without clothes on. Nope, it is a bunch of voyeurs, exhibitionist, swingers, pedophiles blah blah blah. It is in this light that many people are hesitant to try it out. Others have to hide their lifestyle choice, because of these thoughts and how organizations will somehow think they have a “loose cannon employee”, and so they hide is in fear of losing their jobs because people think that can’t be trusted. But interesting, prior to finding out there was no issues, so what now?
You know who you will really find at a nudist resort, beach, or function? Some of the nicest, most legit people ever. There will be Dr’s, lawyers, real estate agents, business owners, teachers, principals, first responders, soccer mom’s, stay-at-home dads, church elders, active duty military, veterans and many more. How do I know? I met everyone from the above category and more, all while holding a conversation naked.
Could you imagine a day where it all changed? Where is showed that actually there are more white people that are homeless, sell drugs, and are on welfare assistance (all statically proven). A world that didn’t shame topless women. A world that respected those in the LGBTQI+ community. A world where social nudity was accepted and not made taboo? WOW. How freaking amazing would that be.
Until this day comes, all the groups listed above will continue to be discriminated against. Racism and hate will be fueled and people will wonder why. I will tell you why: allowing the media to control your thoughts and your bias.
As a male bisexual, veteran, nudist with disabilities, I fall under many of the categories that doesn’t fit the dominate group. I often see what I listed above and call tell you that how we are portrayed is completely inaccurate.
If you want to know the best way to figure out what real life looks like…go make friends with people in the group above. Learn about their lives, the way they are treated and discriminated against and it will open your eyes. Even if it makes you uncomfortable, that is good! It is because the media wants to keep us separated and they do this out of fear what we are so much different from you.
The only way we will be racism, discrimination and oppression is by bonding and sticking together, and taking a stand for those in need. If enough of us do this, there will be change. You don’t have to dedicate your life to being an ally, you just need to care.
Open your heart and your body will follow. Don’t the media campaign to separate us, or allow them to label people (read my past blog on labels) and you blindly follow suite.
Always in your corner,
Ryan