Don Lemon, the Klan, and fairness in the media

[steve2470]

There's a thread in GD about Don Lemon of CNN interviewing a Klansman on the OU situation. I think we can all agree that the Klan is about as far right as you can go, vying with the neo-nazis.

Fairness: Why don't CNN and the other media outlets ever interview Marxists ? I think we all know the reason. Far right is ok. Marxists are not. Liberal media my ass.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

1. Very great point.

But look at the history of the nation.

The nation was born and built on racism and slavery (wage and otherwise). It's natural and expected for a Klansman to offer his opinion. We've never had a real Marxist or anarchist-socialist movement (perhaps in the early 20th century where they were put down viciously, or usurped by FDR) - so, it would be unnatural to have a socialist of whatever stripe invited to the discussion.

Klan = pro private property rights (point of production), pro status quo, at the least, or reactionary which is inline with most people in power.

Socialist = "radical" (note quotes) revolutionary/evolutionary, overturning the status quo - not very much in line with people in power.

If you were a sociopathic person of power, which of the above would you choose?

[steve2470]

2. the klan, of course, if I were a sociopathic TV news producer

The networks need to start interviewing Marxists. Period. They will interview the Klan and neo-Nazis. Fair is fair.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

3. I agree ...

... and I want them to interview socialists of all stripes. It is fair, on this we agree.

But, it's counter to those that have power. It's not in their interest, and so they won't let that happen. If we continue to have faith that the media, politicians, etc. will do the right thing, then we'll never get the right thing.

[steve2470]

4. I remember Gus Hall being interviewed by CBS (I think) when he ran for Prez....

1- I was a bit astonished they allowed him on but thought even then it was fair.
2- They were very confrontational, almost rude with him. That's the last time I've EVER seen a Marxist on mainstream TV.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

5. It will be rare so as to give the illusion that broad ranges of views are included.

Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman speak of this with their Manufacturing Consent - Propaganda Model.

[steve2470]

6. We get, maybe, Bernie Sanders on the left on a regular basis

I'm sure way too many people think he's a Communist.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

7. Bernie Sanders is on the Left, yes.

And I know that he calls himself a democratic socialist - but I really don't regard him as a socialist, Marxist or otherwise, in the traditional sense.

Though, I do like him, and he is needed as some kind of a counter, I'd be happy with an actual left coalition of socialists/anarchists/communists, etc.

[steve2470]

8. I'm a bit surprised we're the only two discussing this

Hm.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

9. Well, many people, including here at DU ...

... aren't that interested in alternative forms of economic/social/political organization.

To many, Democrats and Republicans are okay.

[steve2470]

10. anyone else have a comment ? nt

[freshwest]

17. I just got here, give me a few!

Rec'd and

[steve2470]

18. take all the time you need, my friend! nt

[Nye Bevan]

11. CNN has been known to interview a Marxist.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/09/25/zimbabwe.mugabe.amanpour.transcript/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Zimbabwean_Marxists

[steve2470]

12. cool, now they need to interview some in this country too, to be fair

If they are willing to interview Klansmen, they need to be fair and interview Marxists too. Thanks for the links!

[BronxBoy]

13. Fuck a Marxist.....

Let's see Don and CNN interview someone from the Nation of Islam.

[steve2470]

14. that would be an interesting interview, yes nt

[BronxBoy]

15. Yes it would...

Unfortunately, Don gets a pass from a lot of our Black media. He's a regular commentator on one of the most widely syndicated Black radio programs in the nation and there was never any mention of a lot of his bullshit reporting and how people reacted to it. Wasn't he voted the worst commentator from some organization last year?

This is a guy who went on Black radio and said that we should be careful about eliminating stop and frisk because the crime rate might go up.

[steve2470]

16. wow can't believe he said that! nt

[Nye Bevan]

19. CNN already has

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/09/btsc.lemon/index.html

[dilby]

20. The news generates revenue by gaining viewers.

Which is going to generate more viewers an apartment complex on fire with children being thrown from balconies to be saved or an interview with a fireman on how to fire proof your home from potential fires? The same will hold true for this Klansman, do you really think anyone watching truly agreed with a single thing he said? No they watched him because he is just like an apartment fire with kids being thrown to safety.

[steve2470]

21. yes, true

I'd like to think a decent interview with a Marxist or the Nation of Islam would generate the same interest. I just hate seeing the far right get any exposure, while Marxists get none. It's not fair. It's probably not going to change any time soon, either. I have not seen a Marxist on mainstream TV in about 40 years.