Thanks, yes. I'm collecting a file of all of this because sexist and racist coverage of women politicians has been one of my beats since the 90s. I plan on writing about this for Ms. Magazine.
2/2: Second half of my 11-point, slapdash #MediaLiteracy guide to fighting disinformation and conspiracy during political violence/crisis. Happy to discuss strategies for lowering the temperature and remaining grounded during scary times (note: only with those who want to engage in good faith).
1/2: Dashed off an 11-pt #MediaLiteracy guide last night to fighting disinformation and conspiracy during political violence/crisis. It's crucial to dial down the temperature, stick to verifiable facts, debate in good faith, debunk, avoid bad actors. Here's how. Appreciate shares. (Now w/alt text)
...insist that the shooting was simultaneously staged/not real AND the media's fault. Apply advice above! This is all off top of my head, but I have several pages of tips on how to fight disinfo, misinfo & conspiracy theories in my forthcoming media literacy graphic novel from First Second Books.
9) It's ok to step away. You don't owe anyone your comments or opinions on a scenario like this. 10) Actively moderate your feeds: block trolls, sea lions, suspected bots, and so on. 11) Initial reports say the rally crowd began blaming the press. I already sae social media commenters (or bots)--
...as "proof" of your inhumanity, evilness, or participation in conspiracies. Deprive that toxic fire of fuel. 8) Bad actors--domestic & foreign, human & bots--use incidents like this to pit Americans against each other, to divide, to foment hate. Do not fall for it. Lower the temperature. Cont
7) It's normal, human, to experience a wide range of emotions in the face of political violence. Esp when f*cism is being openly supported. Be mindful of which of these emotions you share publicly in social media, and which you reserve for trusted, private convos. Remember, what you say in public --
Speak about the facts and explain your analysis plainly without amplifying the original fake story. 6) Videos of sh**tings can be traumatic to victims of gun violence, vets w/PTSD, more. Be thoughtful. Ask: is there truly an impt reason for me to share this vid, or am I doing it for clicks? Cont--
Sharing disinfo gives false and outrageous theories air; your mockery will be considered further confirmation. Instead, turn down the volume, suffocate the conspiracy by depriving it of attn. 5) Debunk, don't distribute: If you have factual info, &/or a strong argument about why disinfo is wrong.
#MediaLiteracy tips, cont: 4) Never share conspiracy theories or dis/misinformation, even to mock it. Snarky captions and emojis (ex:, "Look at what these losers are posting, can you believe this BS?" Or "WTF 🤣" etc) only reinforce the disinformation among those who want to believe it. Cont...