Let’s be clear: the video showing the final moments of Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir has ignited protests for a reason. It illustrates a chilling reality: the increasingly violent relationship between citizens and law enforcement. But do you see CNN, MSNBC, or the mainstream media diving deep into the ramifications? Of course not. Instead, they wrap it in their usual soft-focus, virtue-signaling rhetoric that often serves to distract rather than inform.

While networks like NBC might run segments highlighting public outcry, they conveniently sidestep any mention of systemic issues in policing or the moral implications of their footage. They splash “protests erupt” across the headlines, as if it’s just another sensational 24-hour news cycle. This is a classic case of corporate news chasing clicks instead of delivering meaningful context.

Then there’s Fox News, which may lean in to cover the protests, but let’s not kid ourselves—this is often framed through a lens of sensationalism. They love to sensationalize crime and chaos while neglecting the root causes, allowing them to perpetuate divisive narratives that lead us nowhere constructive. They’ll cover the outrage but will stop short of tackling the ugly truths about police brutality and systemic racism. It’s a cherry-picking exercise designed to keep us shouting at each other rather than working toward genuine reform.

Now, if we want to see real engagement, we need journalists willing to question the status quo and hold power accountable—not just replicate talking points that serve the interests of their corporate backers.