May 22, 2009

More of the More Equal


Adam Reilly discusses the propriety of including a sex change operation in a news story. (ADAM REILLY. "Trans fact," Don't Quote Me, Boston Phoenix, May 20, 2009) He compares it to race and sexual orientation. Typically Reilly omits disability which always gets a negative slant unless human service corporations are exploiting the group for funding.

He quotes two transgendered advocates. One says "gender identity would be irrelevant." Why is "a history of mental illness" relevant when a person is arrested? US Rep. Delahunt once said there was "no history of mental illness" as if that would explain the crime.

Reilly's discussion refers to a criminally negligent act, texting while driving a trolley car with hundreds of passengers. Yet journalists regularly include "a history of mental illness," when a person is arrested for any crime. Their sources are never revealed. Sometimes it is from neighbors, police, prosecutors or relatives. If it comes from medical records it is a violation of state and US privacy laws. Yet it is always in the news report. If the police say it the journalists repeat it.

Why do racial, sex orientation and transgendered status get special attention from the media watcher? I spoke to Reilly and many journalists for 15 years regarding this issue. Persons with disabilities as a group is regularly maligned by journalists, police, prosecutors, and lawyers.

When journalists seek opinions from advocates for persons with disabilities, they solicit opinions from NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). NAMI is a front organization funded by drug corporations. NAMI promotes drug treatment. They do not promote the rights. Persons with disabilities continue to be maligned by people who journalists believe are trying to help them.

Here is one more example of journalism catering to wealthy and politically connected groups that demand equality. Really vulnerable persons with no wealth or political power are ignored by the same journalism.

http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/83784-Trans-fact/

Trans fact
When a person in the center of a media maelstrom has had a sex change, is it fair game for the press?
By ADAM REILLY
Boston Phoenix
May 20, 2009

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