Kamala Harris’ campaign: How the American right-wing media is a threat to democracy and social justice

LIAM TAKURA KANHENGA*

IN the age of digital technology, information is power. But when the guardians of that information—the media—are captured by the political and economic elite, the truth becomes a commodity traded in the service of those who wield the most influence. 

Kamala Harris in West Allis, Wisconsin, on July 23 [Image: Jim Vondruska/Getty Images]

The American media landscape, long dominated by the interests of white, male supremacy, has become a battlefield in the struggle for power and ideology, pitting progressive movements against the reactionary forces that look to preserve the status quo.

Notorious Fox and friends

The proliferation of misinformation and the influence of media in shaping public opinion is a pressing issue in the age of digital technology and 24/7 news cycles. The road to the 2024 U.S. elections has seen an influx of false information and exaggerated claims, particularly about the candidacy of Kamala Harris, the first female, African-American and Indian-American presidential nominee. 

Fox News, a right-wing media outlet, has been particularly notorious for spreading misinformation about Harris, questioning her competence, political affiliations, and personal beliefs. Fox News' insidious history of race-baiting, particularly against Black candidates, stretches back to the Obama era. 

During his run for office, Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, was subjected to a barrage of negative coverage by the right-wing media. Fox News led the charge, painting him as inexperienced, too young, and disconnected from the white working-class voters. 

Despite his impressive legal and political experience, Obama's race was used as a cudgel to portray him as unfit for the presidency and unrepresentative of "real" America.

Moreover, the claims by Fox News that Kamala Harris is pushing a ‘socialist’ agenda are reminiscent of the Red Scare tactics used in the past to discredit progressive politicians and policies. This kind of fearmongering helps maintain anti-left politics, which have historically been associated with racism, segregation, white supremacy, and war.

The promotion of these claims by Fox News reinforces the status quo by discrediting any efforts to challenge the systemic inequalities and injustices that exist in America. By framing Harris as a far-left radical Fox News aims to delegitimize her candidacy and distract from the issues that truly matter to the American people.

Sexism and the whites

Fox News' decision to give a platform to Alex Lace and allow him to spread sexist remarks about Kamala Harris perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black women and reinforces the culture of misogyny that continues to plague American society. 

The notion that Harris slept her way to the top is deeply offensive and dismisses her years of hard work, accomplishments, and qualifications. The inability of the American government state institutions like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to hold Fox News accountable for its egregious behaviour is symptomatic of a deeper problem: the erosion of media integrity and the rise of partisan bias. 

When media outlets prioritize sensationalism, misinformation, and political partisanship over factual reporting and journalistic ethics, they undermine the democratic process and corrode public trust in the institutions that hold power to account. 

The result is a society where truth is devalued, facts are disregarded, and the democratic process is compromised. This dangerous trend must be addressed if America is to protect the little that is left of its democratic values and keep a healthy, informed society.

The boarder Czar

The false claims that Kamala Harris has failed to deal with the so-called "migration crisis" perpetuated by Fox News and other right-wing media outlets is a perfect example of how racism, xenophobia, and misinformation are being weaponized to shape the political landscape in America. 

By presenting these false claims as facts, these outlets are not only misrepresenting the situation at the border but also sowing the seeds of division and fear within American society.

Media influence and political bias

The political machinations of the American elite and the right-wing media sphere are deeply intertwined. The prevalence of wealthy white men in media ownership has created a landscape that reflects their values and interests, perpetuates the status quo, and suppresses marginalized voices. 

The GOP (Grand Old Party, another name for the Republican Party) and its associated media outlets, including Fox News, have actively spread misinformation and propaganda about Kamala Harris' candidacy. 

By labeling her as a "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) candidate and stoking fears about affirmative action, they expose their deep-seated resistance to racial equality and their willingness to use disinformation to further their agenda.

Conclusion

The weaponization of media by right-wing elites, coupled with the failure of the American system to hold them accountable, stands for a significant threat to democracy and social justice in America. 

The spread of misinformation and harmful stereotypes perpetuates the marginalization of minority groups, including Black women like Kamala Harris, while undermining trust in democratic institutions. 

The implications of this dangerous trend extend beyond the political sphere, corroding social cohesion and promoting mistrust among communities. 

Unless the media landscape is restructured to promote diversity, transparency, and ethical journalism, America risks losing its democratic values and falling prey to a dangerous spiral of misinformation and extremism.

*Liam Takura Kanhenga is a human rights activist who writes here in his personal capacity.