ESPN host Stephen A. Smith called out the media on Wednesday for ignoring black-on-black violence. Speaking on his podcast, Smith addressed the gun violence that broke out in Chicago over the Memorial Day weekend, resulting in more than 50 Chicagoans being shot and about a dozen murdered. Such violence, tragically, is normal for Chicago over holidays. “When we gonna look at ourselves when it comes to black people being killed in the streets of America? I don’t even want to get into what happened in Chicago, but I have no choice,” Smith said.
Smith’s heartfelt plea serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to acknowledge and address the alarming issue of black-on-black violence in our society. It challenges the media to amplify its coverage, ensuring that these heartbreaking stories are not forgotten.
As the impact of Smith’s words reverberates, it is crucial that we collectively take a stand against violence within our communities, fostering dialogue, and advocating for change. Only then can we hope to create a safer and more just society for all.
According to Smith, a clear double standard exists in the media when it comes to black deaths. While incidents involving police killing black individuals receive significant attention and outrage, the same level of scrutiny and coverage is often absent when it comes to black-on-black violence.
“If one black person was killed by the police, we’d raise holy hell, and in some cases there’d be riots in the streets,” Smith pointed out. “What I’m saying is: Where’s the due diligence when it comes to putting a spotlight on what we are doing to each other?”
“Where’s the due diligence when it comes to putting a spotlight on what we are doing to each other?” Smith stated.
Smith’s candid observations highlight the disparity in media focus and call for greater scrutiny of intra-community violence. His remarks serve as a reminder of the need for comprehensive coverage and a consistent commitment to addressing all forms of violence within black communities.
Expressing his deep-seated frustration, Smith’s exclamation resonates with raw emotion. The ongoing pattern of violence plaguing cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Baltimore has left him questioning the silence and lack of mainstream media coverage surrounding these incidents.
“It’s not the first time this has happened,” Smith lamented, acknowledging the recurring nature of the issue.
“It’s been happening year after year after year. Where’s the noise at? Where’s the protest? Where’s mainstream media talking about that? Where is it?” Smith yelled.
Smith emphasized that his comments should be viewed in the context of reparations, a topic he supports. However, he underscored the importance of addressing the immediate crisis: the loss of black lives through intra-community violence.
“There’s a variety of ways that reparations can take place — but it doesn’t matter if we’re dead!” Smith passionately exclaimed. “Especially at our own hands.”
Smith’s impassioned plea serves as a poignant reminder that the dialogue around reparations and justice cannot be detached from the urgent need to address and eradicate the violence claiming lives within the black community. It is a call to prioritize immediate action, ensuring that the voices lost to senseless violence are not forgotten or overlooked.
During the podcast, Smith found himself in agreement with Megyn Kelly, who recently criticized the selective focus on gun control in the aftermath of mass shootings while ignoring alternative solutions to address gun violence.
“The fact of the matter is: The bad guys always end up having [guns], which is why I’m not a hard and fast dude against Second Amendment rights,” Smith asserted, highlighting his nuanced perspective on the matter.
Smith’s alignment with Kelly showcases a shared recognition that addressing gun violence requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the singular focus on gun control. It underscores the need to explore various solutions while considering the practical realities surrounding the accessibility of firearms.
