In these past few months, there has been incredible media attention focused on the toxic narratives of the media and the unintended consequences of diversity initiatives. The Times has been at the center of attention for allegedly manipulating quotes from Lorraine Kelly to align with its editorial stance. Kelly’s broader issue of concern is the cost of living making it very difficult for working-class people to access careers in media. Of her time at FTA, she highlighted the importance of diversity initiatives. Yet these measures must address exclusion along class, gender and racial lines. This controversy is emblematic of larger problems in our media landscape and the media’s complicity in stifling public discourse.
The British press has come in for a great deal of criticism. Others insist that it’s manned by faculty members who dart back and forth like ninjas between the Times, the Telegraph, and the New European. Given this mobility across the media ecosystem, one has to question to what extent the press is really diverse in thought, and demographic and lived experience. Concerns about media integrity reverberate internationally, especially in the United States. There, as in the United States, many feel the fourth estate is under unprecedented attack, which imperils democracy here and around the globe.
Pete Hegseth, former defense secretary under President Trump, recently stirred debate with his statement:
"I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is 'our diversity is our strength'."
His comments are the latest in a growing debate about diversity’s role in our institutions, and especially in our military.
After all, diversity has been a catalyst for military success throughout history. A great illustrative case is the Navajo code talkers in World War II. These remarkable men and women relayed sensitive U.S. military information through their undocumented language, greatly supporting life-saving military efforts. Major Howard Connor famously stated:
"Were it not for the Navajos, the marines would never have taken Iwo Jima."
Though their creative contributions proved to be crucial, the Navajo code talkers’ efforts first went underappreciated for almost a century. In 1986, the first Burger King on indigenous lands opened in Kayenta, within the Navajo Nation. This restaurant, an homage to the legacy of one of the code talkers, was established by his son. The museum is an effort to give life to the soldiers’ stories and ensure their accomplishments are remembered.
Running alongside these stories is a discussion of media bias and manipulation. What Comedian Stewart Lee is supposed to have claimed, “Emma Thompson should really get a life.” The media seemingly twisted his words to further its own narrative. This case underscores the fact that narratives can be twisted to promote agendas.
Recent history has made painfully clear the ethical implications of media sponsorships. As with the successful Edinburgh Comedy Awards boycott due to its sponsorship by Perrier – owned by Nestlé – this practice smacks of greenwashing. Nestlé’s unholy promotion of hazardous formula milk programs in the third world generated firestorm criticism that has still not completely abated. Americans called for justice at the company’s doorstep.