In response to how the Associated Press is characterizing the group of mostly Honduras migrants traveling together in Mexico, National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Hugo Balta appeared in a new AJ+ video and explained why #Words Matter.
https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/1898474783606511/
Before this video came out, NAHJ issued the following statement:
While it is significant to address the issues surrounding the migrant caravan moving through Mexico, this caption [now deleted] by The Associated Press pressures language that invalidates the plight of these migrants.
NAHJ acknowledges that this group is strong and courageous for leaving the place they call home in pursuit for a better life. This group has braved a long journey to find a new environment where they can excel and find pride in themselves and how they support their families.
While not all may recognize the extremity that these individuals may have suffered through and what they have endured to escape such struggles, however it is imperative that the press portrayals this battle they have fought in a fair and accurate light. Therefore, terms such as ragtag and poor must be exchanged for words that are less bias and assumptive.
Here are some the examples the AP was tweeting earlier this week. It has deleted several of these tweets and issued Twitter explanations:
This is the deleted tweet by @AP_Politics. An "army?" Seriously enabling @realDonaldTrump
propaganda and xenophobia. Thanks for nothing. pic.twitter.com/TEAxOLZVJQ— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 22, 2018
And this tweet from @AP yesterday, yo. Just another media outlet enabling @realDonaldTrump language and propaganda of an "invasion." Pretty pathetic, coming from AP. pic.twitter.com/oAM10WSek8
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 22, 2018
These types of tweets and the stories being published raised serious questions about the AP and its coverage.
No, @AP_Politics, you deleted the tweeted because you used the words "army" and "march," literally playing into the fear of an "invasion." You need to offer more than a tweet being deleted and an apology. @NAHJ should connect with @AP tomorrow. This is not good. https://t.co/tcTfSCu3Cs
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 22, 2018
The question still remains, @AP. Why did you characterize this in the first place? I really hope you take a meeting with @NAHJ and begin to look at the root causes as to why your coverage so far plays more into @realDonaldTrump talking points than anything else. https://t.co/We31CGCiyI
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 22, 2018
The entire coverage of the CA migrants by @AP has been derogatory, stereotyping, and playing into xenophobia. Not just that one line in a tweet, but dozens of other lines in your actual articles…. (cc: @julito77) https://t.co/fCCUXDGGOX
— Matt A. Barreto ?? ⚽️ (@realMABarreto) October 22, 2018
And it’s not just the AP that is using language that is sensationalizing the coverage. Some more examples:
Mainstream news outlets in the US continue to play into the sensationalized language that inaccurately portrays the root causes of migration. These outlets are literally spouting @realDonaldTrump's propaganda points. No context, no history, no depth at all. https://t.co/rmjHVjroUs
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 21, 2018
And @AP is not the only outlet that continues to use "invasion"
language about #CaravanaMigrante. Looking at you, @CBSNews. pic.twitter.com/EJEDh2VsJP— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 23, 2018
"Thousands of migrants inching closer to the US border" was actual text just read by @MSNBC anchor right now. This needs to stop. This "invasion" language needs to stop.
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 22, 2018
The caravan of migrants, "pushing deeper into Mexico," says @HallieJackson on @MSNBC. Hallie, I have immense professional respect for your work. I just ask that you refrain from reporting this story like it's some "invasion." It is sad to see.
— Julio Ricardo Varela (@julito77) October 22, 2018
According to NAHJ, a meeting with the AP has been scheduled. Here’s hoping there is actual impact here.
Yes, they did respond and we have a meeting scheduled this week. We look forward to sharing an update soon!
— NAHJ (@NAHJ) October 23, 2018
