Community News
Inciting a riot – For the love of what shocks, provokes and separates
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
The death of George Floyd has brought about a unity throughout the world, in an unprecedented way. After watching his cruel and cryptic exit from the world, protests ignited. For the most part, the protests were peaceful, but there has been some speculation as to how these protests were reported, and why mainstream media sources were going to the extremes to show violence, societal tension, and upheaval, especially in George Floyd’s hometown in Minneapolis.
What this article is intended to do is have media consumers review and revisit how they ingest news being pushed out by popular media sources including: Fox News, CNN, and even Canadian sources like CP24.
Navigating the media landscape
When you turn on the television, violence is there. You go on social media. More violence. Our reality is becoming distorted by the fictional world that is being created by mainstream media, and for many of us this fictional world is becoming our reality.
In the case of the George Floyd story, the media deemed it necessary to focus on only aspects of the truth, especially with what was happening when the protests started in Minneapolis. They made his death headline news but ignored aspects of the story that unless reported from people on the scene, the public would never know.
I don’t think many of us realize how powerful mainstream media is. They decide what stories get attention, and also what stories do not get attention. In general, mainstream media will not cover a story, unless there is a sensational aspect to it. To the majority of the mainstream media, the violence that exploded after George Floyd’s murder was exactly the type of news, they wanted the world to see.
The insidious development of the story surrounding the protests has had a great influence on the public’s perception of crime, including their belief about the amount of crime that occurs in certain neighbourhoods and cities across America. The journalists and reporters carefully decided what information about the story they wanted to include or leave out. They strategically picked their experts and decided where in the stories these facts and quotes from experts would appear.
Stories surrounding crime and violence are the fourth largest category of stories in the media space (Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime).
These stories highlight the unique, the sensational, the extreme, and those that have the potential to impact the greatest number of people. Why do they do this? It is because stories like this are rare. They shock us, are emotion provoking, and will dominate the headlines for days and weeks, and this leads to a distorted view of how common these crimes are (Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime).
What some of these media sources did is focus on what would excite. They didn’t show all sides of the story, only the sides that would ignite emotion. The looting, the burning, the rioting, and the violence: it had the affect that the media sources wanted it to have. It began to polarize people.
You heard about the bricks, right?
There have been strange events documented during this time of chaos. Interestingly enough, these stories are coming from citizens living in certain communities.
Apparently, bricks were appearing in certain cities, strategically in places where maybe interested parties wanted to see riots break out?
In Boston, police were seen in an alley unloading bricks from a vehicle. Strange, but they had an explanation for it. Twitter and Facebook are littered with videos from people who were in a position to observe the protest, show multiple piles of bricks in areas of the city where there was no construction underway.
In Dallas, bricks were placed near the Dallas County Courthouse. Why the bricks were placed at that location, or who put them there was not able to be determined. Law Enforcement Today independently confirmed with two active Dallas police officers that the bricks were in fact there, but it was unclear who put them there or why. These same officers were not authorized to speak publicly, but later spoke out and said, “It did appear they were strategically left in places where they would be of benefit to rioters.”
Now, who would want to instigate a riot?
The leaders in a peaceful movement for the people
The best part about being in media is the fact that you get exposed to real people, and real stories. I was connected to some key people who are fundamental parts of the peaceful protests that were happening in Minneapolis. Andrew Mercardo is a citizen journalist who has been covering the riots in Minneapolis. In our short but insightful session, he shared what he had experienced, and highlighted things that the mainstream media had not reported.
“I am just there documenting it. I was not protesting,” Andrew begins. “When I saw the videos that the rest of the world saw, on the Tuesday. I was sick to my stomach. The Wednesday, I told my friend that I was going to go there. I sat there for an hour at the curb (Cup Foods). My friend told me to live stream what was going on. I am not a journalist, but I thought hey! Why not! People kept watching the live stream, first 30,000 people, then 60,000 people began to watch.”
What was the energy like when you arrived? “People were protesting peacefully, and we were confronted by the State Police; they started gassing us and pushing us back. When I got shot at by the police, I started feeling PTSD (he is a veteran). It got real out there. What they are not showing is how the community pulled together to bring things under control. The community itself brought peace upon that part of Minneapolis. It is a safe zone, if you send a reporter there right now. It is the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my entire life. They have their own security, own ambulances. There are episodes of humanity that are not being reported.”
He shared some other things with me that I thought were interesting.
“The only time I witnessed a fire was the one being set by a white man at the Popeye’s that was burnt down. It was white people starting the fires, not members of the community.”
I am going to revisit Andrew’s last comment, but first, let’s talk about my short time spent with Corey Moore.
Corey Moore was another key face recognized during the protests in Minneapolis. He was travelling down with Andrew to attend George Floyd’s funeral when we spoke. “I made a point to thank Andrew,” Corey tells me. “They tried so many scare tactics with us. They were sending the national guards, police services, all of this for people who were simply standing together in unity.
I let people know, hey guys we are okay. The world is watching. Andrew’s broadcast brought out all the media. Having Andrew around helped me do what I wanted to do. Calm the people done. I pled to the governor. Stop trying to govern us! Govern the police department! All that craziness they are showing on T.V. We are out here taking care of each other. People are bringing food for each other. It went from being a war zone, to a safe zone in 24 hours.”
I was not surprised by what I was hearing, nor did it surprise me that although mainstream media had done a great job of sharing the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, they didn’t share everything. Just the parts of it that made highly African populated communities in Minneapolis look bad.
I had the opportunity to dialogue with C’monie, and her manager Tezzaree. For those who don’t know, C’monie is the organizer behind the fundraiser Encouraging Leaders, as well as the #wecantbreate movement (http://wecantbreathe.org/). During our talk, she was open, and emotional about the topic. “It broke my heart. I was instantly in tears. Watching it happen right in front of me was crazy. It hit me hard! My girlfriend and I popped up at the first protest, and we were sceptical. There was initially tear gas, people screaming. At first, I stayed at a distance, but something deep inside told me I had to be there. My body told me I needed to go.
She said something that was reminiscent of what Andrew had told me in his interview. “There is footage of white supremist groups smashing out windows. They are actually the ones who are responsible for the destruction of the police station.
People were tired of the destruction. I was hurt. We are watching our city burn down. We decided to take a stand, and now peace and love is being shared throughout the community. People are standing up and supporting. People are coming from all over the world. People from all cultures, and nationalities helping out, trying to make a change.”
I also had an opportunity to speak with Tezzaree who is C’Monie’s manager. Again, a familiar record of events was mentioned. “This issue of injustice has been around for a long time. White supremist groups are coming in from out of state and tearing down the community. White supremist groups are doing the spray painting. They are contributing to the chaos. The black people are not burning down buildings. We might be taking things of value, which is not condoned, but white people are coming in tearing it down.”
What is not being documented is the unity. There is a shift of energy, and things are changing. People are stepping up and bringing peace to the community. We are out here raising money to help seniors who are not getting food or medications because pharmacy, and grocery stores have been burnt down. It has worked out for our good; because of the community stance, laws and constitutions are being reviewed.”
- Peace reigns supreme
What has been remarkable to see is the amount of support that has been rallied across the world. Globally, people are taking a stand. - An estimated 10,000 people attended a rally in London, Ontario
- People gathered at Nathan Philips Square in downtown Toronto and protested peacefully as they moved northwest onto Bay and Bloor St.
- A group of protesters gathered at Trinity Bellwoods Park, and marched towards Queens Park chanting “No justice, no peace.”
- More than a thousand people took part in a peaceful demonstration in Barrie, Ontario last Thursday
- Hundreds of people gathered in the intersection of Riverside Drive and Ouellette Avenue in downtown Windsor, Ont. to protestthe death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet
- In Ottawa on Friday, protesters marched to Parliament Hill, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined them
- Communities are coming together to clean up South Minneapolis
- People were forming human barricades to prevent people from looting stores
- There are photos of police officers hugging and standing alongside protestors
- Communities in Minneapolis are coming together, donating food and supplies for those who needed it
- Police officers are being protected by protestors, especially ones who were there supporting the movement
- Young people are dancing and enjoying themselves at the protests
- There is global solidarity; even the Amish community is getting involved, holding up Justice for Floyd signs
Millions of people have demonstrated, mainly peacefully, across the United States, Canada, and the globe. How about we take a moment and think about the fact that this has unified us. Let’s hope this unity lasts. Believe me; we are about to face greater devils. Let’s not forget. A vaccine is just around the corner.
Watch full show – https://youtu.be/Prgt9J_u-48
References
Law Enforcement Today
https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/report-piles-of-bricks-are-being-staged-in-cities-around-the-country-indicating-riots-are-planned/
Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
https://crcvc.ca/publications/media-guide/understanding/
Psychiatric Times
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/child-adolescent-psychiatry/violence-media-what-effects-behavior
Community News
Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients
BY PAUL JUNOR
It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.
On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.
UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:
- United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
- The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
- Unite Here! Local 75
- Toronto & York Region Labour Council
- Canadian Labour Congress
- The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)
“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”
The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:
Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng
She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.
Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story
She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.
Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson
She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.
Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron
She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.
Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark
He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.
Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris
She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.
Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge
She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).
Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby
She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.
Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)
This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.
The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.
The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)
UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:
- Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
- Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
- Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
- Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
- Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.
Community News
What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span
BY KAHA GEDI
As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.
First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.
First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.
Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”
Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.
Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.
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Jesse W
June 16, 2020 at 4:25 am
Andrew Mercado has been doing a great job covering all this since it happened. His live streaming has shown so much to world. He has been traveling now to different states. His next location will be Tulsa. Please be sure to view his streams. They show the real! Keep up the great work.
Sarai Perez
June 16, 2020 at 2:51 pm
I live in Texas and one night a friend shared Andrew’s live. I stayed up each night to follow his raw and real live stream. As everything started to happen I felt like I was there with him. Thanks to him for the first time I felt like I could trust the person behind the camera. It doesn’t get more real than that. I’m thankful for his courage and bravery to put his life out there. So the rest of the World could see the Truth❤🙏
Rita Ibarra
June 16, 2020 at 6:11 am
Follow Andrew Mercado I have been watching all his live streams from the beginning and he shows everyone the truth on whats going on during the protest it has been very interesting Andew Mercado Media ❤