In The Community
A phenomenon known as "Missing White Woman Syndrome" has long plagued the media, referring to a tendency to sensationalize and disproportionately cover cases involving white women who are often also young, attractive, and middle-class.
Meanwhile, cases involving people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, indigenous people, and other marginalized groups are often downplayed or ignored altogether.
The term gained widespread attention in the early 2000s, following the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, a young white woman who vanished while on vacation in Aruba. Despite similar circumstances, cases of POC missing women, such as LaToyia Figueroa and Tamika Huston, received far less coverage than Holloway’s case and continued to do so for years. The term was coined by journalist Gwen Ifill.
More than 15 years later, the murder of 22-year-old Gabby Petito would spark a conversation once again regarding this phenomenon. While Petito’s case was receiving extensive media coverage, there were several cases of missing or murdered people of color happening at the same time that did not receive the same level of attention, prompting Gabby’s parents to address the issue and call for people to support the families of other missing persons.
Lauren Cho, a 30-year-old Asian-American woman, went missing in California's Joshua Tree National Park on June 28, 2021. Maya Millete, a 39-year-old Filipina-American woman, went missing from her home in Chula Vista, California, on January 7, 2021. And Daniel Robinson, a 24-year-old Black man and geologist, went missing in Buckeye, Arizona.
David Robinson, Daniel Robinson’s father, has been vocal about this disparity in coverage. In a press conference, he stated:
"Oftentimes, when Black and brown children go missing, they're labeled as runaways. Runaways are not receiving the Amber Alert. When it's an adult that's missing -- male or female, Black or brown -- their disappearance is oftentimes associated with some sort of criminal activity… It really desensitizes the case, and it dehumanizes them."
No More Stolen Sisters: A Human Rights Response to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Source: Amnesty International.Source: Amnesty International.
The media's obsession with missing white women is not just a harmless oddity of news coverage. It is a deeply rooted problem that perpetuates racism and discrimination against people of color. By overemphasizing stories about missing white women, the media conveys a troubling message: that the lives of people of color are less valuable and less worthy of attention.
Rather than highlighting their accomplishments or positive contributions to their communities, news stories about missing black women often focus on their personal struggles, such as a history of drug addiction or abusive relationships.
Similarly, Latina women are often portrayed in the media as being involved in criminal activity or drug use, leading to victim-blaming and a lack of sympathy for their cases. Language barriers and immigration status can also make it even more difficult for families of missing Latina women to navigate the media and law enforcement systems.
Compounding these issues is the fact that data on missing Latina women and girls are often grouped together with white women’s, making it difficult to measure the true scope of the problem. Without accurate information, it is impossible to fully address the unique challenges faced by the Latino community.
The mother of missing 5-year-old Dulce María Alavez, who disappeared in 2019, expressed concerns that many in the local Latino community are afraid to offer tips for fear of deportation. Photo Source: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
In today's society, the media wields tremendous influence over public opinion and perception. The way in which missing persons cases are reported and covered can have a profound impact on the families and communities affected by these tragedies.
The National Crime Information Center revealed some concerning statistics regarding missing persons. Shockingly, nearly 40% of those reported missing in 2021 were people of color. To make matters more complicated, there is a concerning misrepresentation happening. The classification of "Hispanic" under "White" is problematic and potentially harmful, obscuring the true scale of the impact on this community and hindering efforts to address the issue of missing persons within the Latino community.
The Black and Missing Foundation highlighted the fact that many minority children who go missing are initially labeled as runaways, which means they are not immediately flagged for Amber Alerts. Moreover, missing minority adults are often stigmatized as being involved with criminal activities, gangs, and drugs. This is exacerbated by the sad reality that there is a general perception that missing minorities live in impoverished areas where crime is rampant, which leads to a lack of urgency in solving their cases.
We can all name Gabby Petito, Natalee Holloway, Chandra Levy, and many other white women who have gone missing. But can any of you name a person of color that has garnered national media coverage? We want our missing to be household names too.
In recent years, there has been increased attention on the issue of Missing White Woman Syndrome, with media outlets and advocacy groups making efforts to diversify their coverage of missing persons and raise awareness of the issue. But there is still much work to be done to ensure that all missing persons, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status, receive the attention and resources they deserve.
Missing White Woman Syndrome is a pervasive issue that demands urgent attention and action. However, the question remains: what can we, as individuals, do to combat it?
To combat Missing White Woman Syndrome, we can begin by holding the media accountable for their coverage of missing persons cases. This entails highlighting disparities in attention and resources given to cases involving people of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds, and demanding more equitable and inclusive coverage of missing persons cases, irrespective of race or socioeconomic status.
Supporting organizations that provide resources and assistance to families of missing persons from marginalized communities is another effective way to demonstrate support. By amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, we can raise awareness and generate public interest in cases that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Advocating for policy changes is a critical step in addressing this disparity. This includes advocating for changes in the way resources are allocated and distributed for missing persons cases, as well as advocating for greater accountability and transparency in law enforcement investigations.
And lastly, our social media channels are a powerful resource that we can use to spread awareness, amplify messages, and advocate for justice for missing individuals from marginalized communities. Even a single share of a missing person's photo can make a difference.
Fighting against Missing White Woman Syndrome requires ongoing effort and commitment from individuals and communities, but educating oneself and others about these systemic biases is essential in creating meaningful change.
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When it comes to domestic abuse, victims are often faced with the same unhelpful and hurtful questions: why didn't you just leave? It's a form of victim-blaming that shifts the blame onto the wrong person, and it's incredibly damaging and harmful.
The truth is, leaving an abuser isn't as simple as it may seem.
Everyone's situation is unique, and the reasons why someone stays in an abusive relationship are complex and varied. But let's be clear - the victim should never be blamed for the abuse they have suffered.
That being said, there are certain motives that are common among victims, and they can help explain why breaking free from the cycle of violence is so difficult:
Fear of Retaliation
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence, such as beating, burning, or strangling, from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Additionally, according to NCBI, domestic violence is responsible for over 1500 deaths in the United States every year.
Abusers are dangerous and unpredictable. It's natural for victims to fear for their safety and worry that speaking out or seeking help could lead to their death. Often, abusers use the threat of murder to maintain control over their victims. These statistics highlight the harsh reality that victims face, and it's not just about the numbers. When it comes down to it, humans will do whatever it takes to survive.
Financial Dependency and Isolation
A crucial aspect of domestic abuse is the abuser's narcissistic manipulative behavior. Victims often find themselves trapped in a cycle of violence because the abuser exerts complete control over their lives. One tactic is to isolate the victim from their family and friends, making it almost impossible for them to leave the abusive relationship.
In some cases, the abuser is also the primary source of income, using this as yet another manipulation technique called financial abuse. The victim may feel threatened with losing their home or going hungry, especially if there are children involved. Vulnerable individuals such as children or elderly persons may depend entirely on the abuser to meet their basic needs.
Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological condition that can develop in people who are held captive and abused by their captors. Essentially, the victim starts to form a bond or even sympathy towards the abuser, oftentimes because they believe it will lead to less harm and kind treatment. This is especially common in children who are being abused by a parent or guardian figure who they should be able to trust and rely on for protection.
The syndrome can also cause the victim to develop negative feelings towards those who are trying to rescue them. While the research on Stockholm syndrome is still ongoing, experts believe that this could be a survival and coping mechanism that develops after being in an incredibly frightening situation. This phenomenon highlights the deep psychological effects of abuse and captivity.
Familiarity becomes a comfort for abuse victims
It's not uncommon for victims of abuse to be in a relationship with someone they trust or love, whether it's a partner, spouse, parent, or another close figure in their life. This person is often responsible for meeting their basic needs for survival, which can make it incredibly difficult for the victim to remove themselves from the situation.
When the thought of leaving does come up, it's natural for uncertainty to arise. Victims may worry about what will happen next and whether they'll be able to cope without the abuser. After all, this person may be all they've ever known and relied on, which can make the idea of leaving feel even more daunting.
Grooming
Grooming is a predatory tactic that can be used by abusers to establish control over their victims. It often starts with subtle signs of affection and attention, gradually escalating to more intense displays of love and devotion. In some cases, the abuser may even seem to be the perfect partner, catering to the victim's every need and showering them with gifts and attention.
The purpose of grooming is to establish a deep emotional connection between the abuser and the victim. By doing so, the abuser can manipulate and control their victim more easily. The victim may feel trapped in the relationship, believing that they have no other option but to stay with the abuser. The abuser may also use the victim's feelings of love and loyalty to keep them quiet about the abuse, warning them that no one else would love them as much as they do.
Grooming can take many different forms, and it can be difficult for the victim to recognize what is happening. They may believe that the abuser truly cares for them and that the abuse is just a temporary setback in an otherwise loving relationship. However, the reality is that grooming is a calculated tactic that abusers use to establish control over their victims.
Social and Cultural Barriers
The plight of Latinas in the US who are victims of domestic abuse cannot be ignored. The statistics, such as those from Esperanza United's research, are alarming: about 1 in 3 Latinas will fall victim to intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. The obstacles that they must surmount to seek help are no less intimidating, compounding the trauma and sense of isolation they may already be experiencing.
Language barriers, lack of legal documentation, fear of deportation, limited access to resources, and cultural beliefs that prioritize family unity and loyalty all contribute to the challenges that Latina victims of domestic abuse face. Additionally, there is the very real fear of being ostracized by their community, which can make it incredibly difficult for them to report the abuse or seek medical and legal assistance. All of these challenges combine to create a daunting road to recovery and healing for survivors.
The issue of domestic abuse is multifaceted, and there is no single reason why victims may stay in an abusive relationship. However, it is important to understand that the victim is never to blame for the abuse they endure. It is the abuser who is responsible for their actions, and it is up to society to hold them accountable for their behavior.
Instead of questioning the victim's choices or actions, it's crucial that we shift our focus to the abuser and why they feel entitled to use violence as a means of control. We must work to create a culture that supports and empowers victims of abuse, providing them with resources, and helping them to break free from the cycle of violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You are not alone. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 to provide confidential support, resources, and information. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website to chat online with a trained advocate.
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In 2021 it became official: Juneteenth became a federal holiday meant to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Africans after the American Civil War. The fact that it took as much time as it did to officially acknowledge the momentous occasion shows just how big a deal making Juneteenth a federal holiday actually is.
Why is Juneteenth Commemorated?
Juneteenth commemorates the date that enslaved Africans were officially freed from slavery in the U.S., but we know that despite that, Africans and descendants of Africans continued to be enslaved, discriminated against, and killed for many years after their official liberation.
How Did Juneteenth Become a Federally Recognized Holiday?
Photo via the National Archives
June 19 marks Juneteenth as the official holiday now, but the official government declaration came through the Emancipation Proclamation made on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. It took more than two years, or June 19, 1865, to be exact, for the Union Army’s Major General Gordon Granger to ride into Galveston, Texas, and declare the enslaved people there to be freed through General Order No. 3. The Order reads as follows:
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.
Thus, June 19 was chosen as the day to commemorate the event; though Texas has been observing the holiday since 1980, it wasn't until 2021 that it became the first year as an official holiday. Many take the newly minted national holiday to take time to reflect on the harm caused to enslaved people and how we can grow from that, while some have let it take its place as their own independence day, often being referred to as “Emancipation Day” as well.
Juneteenth was met with renewed interest to be observed as a national holiday in 2020 following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Both Floyd and Taylor were victims of police brutality that led to national protesting and widespread social justice activism.
This Juneteenth, take time to acknowledge the lives of humans who were enslaved and learn more about the history of Black Americans. It took 150 years to get here, but there’s certainly a long way to go.
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