The article critiques the long-standing anti-patriotic stance of media elites, arguing that their profession has led to a consistent undercurrent of bias against American patriotism. From the Vietnam War era to recent events, journalists and media figures have shown reluctance to openly express national pride, often framing such displays as undermining objectivity. The article highlights historical cases, such as Walter Cronkite’s controversial stance during the Vietnam War and contemporary issues like the Olympics and flag symbolism, to illustrate how media figures have historically and continue to display a lack of patriotism.
At the core of this narrative is the perception that media professionals must remain above national sentiment, prioritizing objectivity over patriotic expression. This perspective has been exemplified through various incidents, including the White House press corps’ reluctance to participate in patriotic rituals and the media’s ambivalence toward the American flag. For instance, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the article notes that ABC’s Bill Maher questioned the courage of American soldiers, contrasting their actions with the bravery of terrorists. This stance has further fueled the narrative that the media, with its perceived power to influence public opinion, is often at odds with national unity and the ethos of patriotism.
The piece draws from historical references to underscore the enduring nature of this bias. The 1989 PBS show ‘Ethics In America’ featured a scenario where a CBS journalist, Mike Wallace, dismissed the idea of a reporter having a higher duty as a citizen to warn troops. This scenario is used to illustrate the entrenched belief in the media’s role as neutral observers, separate from patriotic sentiment. More recently, the 2021 incident with Olympian Gwen Berry, who covered her head during the national anthem at the Olympic trials, has been cited as an example of this ongoing tension with the media’s stance. Whoopi Goldberg’s defense of Berry was noted, suggesting that the media’s critical approach to national symbols continues into contemporary times.
The article argues that such a stance is not only a reflection of individual bias but also a broader cultural shift within the media. The author suggests that the public’s growing distrust of media institutions stems from the perceived lack of patriotism and national unity in their reporting. This media bias, the author contends, undermines the very principles of freedom and objectivity that the media claims to uphold, thereby casting doubt on their credibility and role in society.