Media 2070 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 99
DEFINITIONS
TERMS USED IN MEDIA 2070
Black
Reparations
For the purpose of Media 2070, we define “Black” as the identity lived
The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA)
by people of the African diaspora. Communications strategist Omolayo
defines reparations as: “A process of repairing, healing and restoring a
Nkem Ojo writes, “Historically, the African diaspora has been those of
people injured because of their group identity and in violation of their
African descent, whose ancestors were bought and kidnapped from the
fundamental human rights by governments, corporations, institutions and
African continent and transported all around the world to build up colonial
families.
empires.”
“Those groups that have been injured have the right to obtain from the
The present-day African diaspora in the United States includes African
government, corporation, institution or family responsible for the injuries
migrants, Afro Caribbeans and Afro Latinx people as well as Black
that which is needed to repair and heal themselves. In addition to being a
Americans. Ojo astutely points out, “While we might relish the nuances of
demand for justice, it is a principle of international human rights law.”
these distinctions, it should be noted that police — and others — don’t
discriminate based on nationality.”
The United Nations outlines five conditions that must be met for full
reparations: cessation, assurances and guarantees of non-repetition;
When U.S. media have perpetuated the myth of Black inferiority, denied
restitution and repatriation; compensation, satisfaction and rehabilitation.
Black people opportunities and participated in or misrepresented violence
against Black people, the perpetrators haven’t parsed nationality before
Media
committing these acts — and the harms have been well distributed. That’s
We use this term to refer to the overall profession and the many formats
why we define Black as any person with sub-Saharan African parentage or
that are available in U.S. society. The term includes not just white-owned
lineage.
corporations but also local and independent media outlets, bloggers,
artists, influencers and news sources that exist to serve Black people and
other marginalized communities.
Media System
We primarily use this term in reference to corporate-owned print,
radio, television and online outlets that provide the majority of mass
communication and information to the U.S. public. This white-controlled
system is defined by policies and narrative practices that uphold a
white-racial hierarchy — even amid efforts to diversify newsrooms and
on-screen representation. This system also encompasses government
policies that ensure white-owned media companies maintain ownership
and control of the media infrastructure.
Media 2070 is a project of Free Press, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization fighting for your rights to connect and
communicate. Free Press is working to create a world where people have the information and opportunities they need to tell
their own stories, hold leaders accountable and participate in our democracy.
Contributions from individuals and charitable foundations make our work possible. We don’t take a cent from business,
government or political parties — our independence is too important — so every dollar you give
makes a real and lasting difference. Learn more at freepress.net.