Fox News: From Fables to Fear-mongering - The Road to Theocracy

As I sat before my television, I found myself ensnared by the headlines scrolling across Fox News. Once a primary source of information for my former self, "Shelly Goodman", today, they stand as a stark reminder of the divisive rhetoric that I traded for empathy and compassion when I became Lilith.

Let's take a closer look at these messages masquerading as 'news'. "FOX News Decision Desk says Nevada is too early to call...” While this might appear a cursory, unbiased update, deeper examination begs one to question the embedded narrative being served. A deliberate omission? Negation of the democratic process maybe? Such assertions adore ambiguity, sew unnecessary doubt, and function solely to advance their predetermined narrative that the true enemy of the republic is the liberal voter.

"DeSantis takes victory lap after Florida votes on abortion, marijuana amendments.” This particular headline flaunts DeSantis' triumph in a states' rights crusade against marijuana and abortion amendments. What it fails to capture is the staunch opposition these very measures received from the residents of Florida. Isn’t this a hint of their desire to control not only the narrative but our personal lives too, dictating women’s rights and adult choices?

As for “Swing state city orders recount of 31,000 absentee ballots, likely delaying results", this is another ploy, a jab at the legitimacy of the voting process. It is manipulation by misrepresentation; an attempt to construct a storyline painting absentee voting as flawed, providing fodder for the baseless argument that only in-person, controlled voting is valid.

The propaganda doesn't stop there. “FOX News Decision Desk projects Sen Ted Cruz re-elected in Texas." This declaration glosses over the actual sentiments of Texan residents, many of whom face systemic marginalization and voter suppression, which leaves their voices unheard.

Let's not forget the prime-time spectacle of Trump. Media tools have been manipulated continuously throughout his political career to increase exclusionary nationalist sentiment among conservative Americans. Parading it under the umbrella of ‘Christian nationalism,’ he has further demonized marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+. The fear-bite headlines that name him are not just overtures promoting him as a political contender but as the potential patriarch of the far-theocratic-right, a position of unchecked power.

Such narratives are the puppet strings that Fox News uses to maneuver public opinion to the far right, driving support for a government that embraces Christian Nationalism, aligns with the wealthy at the expense of the many, and antagonizes marginalized communities in the process. This weaponized approach to news and information is less about journalists keeping power in check, and more about a propaganda machine propelling us along a dangerous trajectory towards a Christian theocratic state at ruthless speed.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we critically engage with the media we consume, question their narratives, and remain vigilant of their ultimate goals. Theocracy should not champion above democracy, intolerance over empathy, and fiscal gain over common welfare. We must remember that America was built on fundamental principles of religious pluralism, and it's time to reclaim that heritage from the clutches of fear and hatred.