The Subtle Poison: How Fox News Fuels Christian-Nationalist Propaganda
Dear friends, old and new, as a woman who has danced with angels and demons alike, I am here today to speak my truth and shed light on the darkness that has been cloaking our nation. Once, I was a willing participant in the parade of hate and lies that organizations like Fox News parade as truth. Let's examine their headlines with a discerning eye.
Consider Fox's latest offering "Gov Walz lights up social media with apparent gaffe during rally: ‘Four more years of this’". This headline utilizes a classic Fox tactic: portraying those opposed to their chosen demagogues as bumbling, error-prone individuals. The underlying message is clear: Donald Trump and those who support his Christian-nationalist ideology are the only ones competent enough to lead.
The far-right's obsession with a manufactured immigration "crisis" is also blindingly clear in headlines like "Trump says deep blue state could be in play for first time in decades due to immigration”. This is a dog whistle to fear and division, where the 'others' are painted as enemies to the American way of life.
Such headlines are not just simple narratives; they are designed to fan the flames of division, building an 'us versus them' world where the 'others' are seen as threats that must be crushed. This is the basis for a theocratic state that will only tolerate a single worldview.
The danger is not just in the outright lies, but also in the omissions. While Fox News is quick to stoke fears about the left and immigrants, real stories of suffering at home are conveniently ignored, like "University opens investigation after 12 athletes diagnosed with life-threatening condition".
Fox uses our passions - such as those related to sports, a common American pastime - to pull our interests towards their narratives, meanwhile sweeping serious issues such as public health and medical negligence under the rug.
They also use distraction techniques, drawing attention to trivial matters like "Diddy's sick 2002 party joke resurfaces" while ignoring important news that could actually affect our lives. This is the power of misrepresentation, maintaining attention on banalities while larger, often more dangerous, issues are ignored.
The LGBTQ population, immigrants, non-Christians - anyone who doesn't fit their narrow worldview - are all in imminent danger if this Christian-nationalist propaganda is left unchallenged.
It's our duty to act. To question the narrative, to reject the manipulation, and push back against the tide of hate and intolerance. For my lovely daughter Roxanne, and for the countless others who may become the targets of such a dystopian theocracy, we must stand up, speak out, and challenge the narrative.
Religion should be a personal journey, not a political weapon. Let's make sure it stays that way.