As I watched the MSNBC report on the opioid epidemic in Ohio; it was hard to contain myself because of Jacob Soboroff’s and the Sheriff portraying the story by changing the real face of those who are perpetrating the ‘crime’ in the aggregate.
The false changed face of the opioid epidemic
MSNBC Jacob Soboroff’s opioid epidemic report committed a fraud on all Americans by inferring criminality on a group as causal. Most know that the opioid epidemic is afflicting mostly, white people in the Midwest and Appalachia. There are many reasons for this but most agree that as loss of jobs and other stresses occur in these communities, using drugs becomes habitual and addicting. Living under stress is the modus operandi for communities of color since the countries inception. And at times these communities have had these types of epidemics as well. In fact, in the early eighties and early nineties, many black communities were going through the crack epidemic likely for similar reasons.
Living under stress is the modus operandi for communities of color since the country’s inception. And at times these communities have had these types of epidemics as well. In fact, in the early eighties and early nineties, many black communities were going through the crack epidemic likely for similar reasons.
Interestingly, the government treated the crack epidemic as a law and order problem then. Many people of color were put away with mandatory sentences for using small amounts. Worse, even though cocaine and crack are the same drugs in different forms, harsher sentences were given to crack users who were predominantly people of color.
Our government is now trying to treat the opioid epidemic as a medical problem. Any doubts why? Donald Trump promised to help his voters, many who have seen their communities decimated. Of course, he has since cut the budget that would have helped.
The police are always looking for a villain. In the case of Jacob Soboroff’s report, they used the arrest of black men to show their law and order acumen.
Soboroff never said anything racial in his report. In fact, if one read it, it would be entirely neutral. But the camera was telling a different story. It likely gave the impression to many that those black men inflicted this opioid epidemic on all these white people. These men neither manufactured nor created the junkies buying the opioids they are selling. Much of the opioids are generally prescribed by doctors and pharmacists. Where are the arrests of these physicians and pharmacists who must know the drugs they prescribe are being misused?
This report does little to enlighten America on something they already knew. What it does is subliminally install in the psyche of many, that those black drug dealers are making many sick or even causing their deaths. That fallacy foments racism, hate, and all the other phobias.
I received some insightful comments on the video.
Rod Reynolds: I saw this report on NBC and nearly lost my mind. Racist AF?. It was that Soboroff guy. He is no amateur. That report was the nastiest piece of work since 2003?
James Lee: You can go onto any college campus and arrest drug dealers, but it doesn’t happen. Honestly, police can go undercover on any large college campus and infiltrate the drug selling rings. Won’t be many black faces in those arrests.
Alan Conley: I am a Nurse it takes many times 15minutes to get a controlled narcotic to dispense to a patient. If your count is wrong you will be investigated there is a very good chance you could lose your nursing license. I watched that story and went on the same rant. WHY ARE THE PHARMACY AND PHYSICIAN OFFICES NOT COMING UNDER MORE SCRUTINY. WHY CAN A PHARMACY GIVE A 90 DAY SUPPLY OF SUCH AN ABUSED DRUG?
We must change the media. It is yet another drag on us.
Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and join the conversation for more insightful commentary and to support progressive messages. Together, we can populate the internet with progressive messages that represent the true aspirations of most Americans.
