So, we learn that twelve out of thirteen victims in a recent tragic incident were foreign nationals, according to Spanish authorities. Suddenly, corporate media churns out symphonies of sympathy—a kind that seems to conveniently overlook the implications of these identities. CNN and MSNBC will likely splash dire headlines, parsing through the backgrounds of these victims as if their nationality adds layers of meaning to the tragedy. Get ready for a performance of the century, where victimhood gets cataloged by passport origin rather than the human cost of senseless violence.

But let’s be clear: the agenda’s as predictable as ever. This is about painting the world in a ‘us vs. them’ narrative. The New York Times will probably wax poetic about the ‘global connectivity’ of these victims, neatly sidestepping any conversation about how such events anchor in the wider conversation of immigration, security, and the uncomfortable truths of international relations. Meanwhile, Fox News, assuming it doesn’t misstep, will probably focus on ‘foreign nationals’ in a sensational way, subtly pushing an anti-immigrant frame without outright saying it.

Why is it that corporate media treats the identities of victims as narrative fodder? It’s to craft a compelling storyline that furthers their own agendas rather than delivering the raw, unfiltered truth of the situation. These outlets don’t just cover news; they craft narratives, and they’re not shy about who gets to be part of the story. In the rush to appeal to these narratives, what gets lost is the individual tragedy, each life a story in and of itself, rather than pieces in a geopolitical game.