In-N-Out’s recent statement regarding the tragic loss of one of its employees in a mass shooting is telling, but let’s not kid ourselves—this is corporate PR at its finest. The burger chain expresses devastation and promises to support the victim’s loved ones, but when was the last time you saw a fast-food chain genuinely commit to meaningful social change rather than just their image? Corporate media outlets, like CNN and MSNBC, will likely spin this into another narrative about gun control or workplace safety, overlooking the deeper rot in our culture and political agendas.

Meanwhile, conservative outlets like Fox News might focus on the incident to push narratives around crime and safety, using it as a rallying point for their base. But let’s get real—neither side wants to engage in the hard conversations about mental health, the broken systems, and the community breakdown that contribute to such tragedies. It’s easy to slap on a hashtag for “thoughts and prayers” and then move on to the next sensational headline.

In-N-Out’s vows to help the victim’s family sound great on paper, but should we trust that the company won’t just cookie-cutter its response to appease social media outrage? This kind of hollow empathy is a business tactic, not a moral reckoning. While everyone gets wrapped up in corporate grief, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the deeper issues at play—ones that both liberal and conservative media conveniently gloss over to keep their narratives running smoothly.