Saturdays are usually a time for leisure, but not in America when we have a mass shooting to dissect. Chad Williams, a 24-year-old suspect, is accused of killing at least three people. As if this weren’t horrifying enough, brace yourself for the media circus that will ensue. CNN will undoubtedly turn this tragedy into a soapbox for gun control, framing Williams as a manifestation of all that ails our society, conveniently ignoring the millions of responsible gun owners who won’t draw a gun unless it’s needed for self-defense.

Meanwhile, Fox News will likely pivot to highlight the suspect’s background, possibly painting a narrative of moral decay in youth culture. They’ll quote some mental health expert, as if putting a label on it truly addresses the root problem. Both outlets thrive on dramatization, creating a polarized environment designed to keep viewers glued to their screens.

Let’s be clear: both narratives serve their own agendas. CNN will exploit fear and desperation to push for stricter regulations, while Fox will root around in the gutters of psychology and morality. What neither will focus on are the real conversations we need to have—like examining the breakdown of community, the glorification of violence in media, and the very real mental health crisis. No, those issues don’t fit neatly into their divisive boxes.

At the end of the day, tragedy should spur constructive dialogue, not more of the same tired narrative slinging that benefits only the corporate media. Wake up, folks; both sides are playing the exact same game.