Staff Reports
The expanse of red states wedged between the two coastal liberals, New York and California, seems to be intentionally overlooked by mainstream media. It’s as if the media moguls have collectively agreed that the land of farmers, ranchers, and those who actually remember how to balance a checkbook doesn’t warrant any serious journalistic inquiry. This revelation should come as no shock to anyone who has flipped through a newspaper or watched the evening news, where flyover country rarely gets a nod unless it’s in a derogatory context.
The establishment media often portrays this heartland as a monolithic culture of “bitter clingers” who cling to their guns and religion. The nuances of life in states like Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas go unexplored, which is interesting considering these areas produce more than just corn and cattle. The sacrifices, stories, and values of the millions living outside the glittering bubble of Manhattan and the posh enclaves of Silicon Valley deserve a seat at the table, but apparently, narratives centered around hardworking Americans don’t sell as much advertising for the major outlets.
Even post-election, the media STILL can’t grasp that they’ve lost America’s trust https://t.co/XYSQ7G4edq pic.twitter.com/W7dy6GP4Ni
— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) November 12, 2024
Perhaps it’s the discomfort with genuine American values that keeps these media types at bay. Red states are often bastions of independence, self-reliance, and a commitment to family that would make any coastal elite squirm in their artisanal, gluten-free boots. Instead of engaging with these ideas, the mainstream media would rather focus on trivial pursuits, such as celebrity faux pas or the latest ludicrous social media trend, leaving out the perspectives and triumphs of rural America that contribute significantly to the nation’s fabric.
Moreover, the underrepresentation of this vast territory leads to a caricature of the American experience that is patently false. The reality is that the people in these states are not just some interchangeable stereotype. They possess rich histories and diverse hardships that could provide valuable insights into what makes America tick. Many live by the values of hard work, faith, and community, concepts that the elitist media often overlooks in their quest to deride anything that doesn’t align with their own worldview.
For those who inhabit these vast, red areas, life is not just about voting Republican or attending church on Sundays. It is about forging deep connections with their local communities, fostering traditions, and pushing back against the expansive overreach of the federal government. If the mainstream media would take a moment to step back from their coastal narratives, they might find a treasure trove of stories that not only deserve to be told but also resonate with the fight for freedom and individual rights that characterize the true spirit of America. After all, isn’t understanding the heartland the key to really knowing the nation?
