In the past week, Washington, D.C. has witnessed the alarming disappearances of ten Black and Latinx teens, yet the media’s response has been shockingly muted. While some viral tweets have sparked conversations, the lack of coverage from major outlets is disheartening.
Fortunately, in a glimmer of hope, a few of the missing have been located, including 16-year-old Malik Thompson and 14-year-old Emily Garcia. However, others, like 15-year-old Ava Simmons, 13-year-old Javier Cruz, and 15-year-old Mia Johnson, remain unaccounted for. The D.C. police department has taken to social media, sharing images and details to raise awareness about these troubling cases. But why aren’t more people discussing this urgent issue?
While local news has made an effort to report on these disappearances, national media has largely turned a blind eye. It’s a glaring question: how many people of color need to go missing before mainstream news takes notice? This trend isn’t new; veteran PBS journalist Gwen Ifill coined the term “missing white woman syndrome” to describe the media’s preference for covering the cases of young, white, attractive women from privileged backgrounds over others who don’t fit that mold.
This disparity in coverage can hinder investigations. If the public isn’t aware that someone is missing, how can they provide leads? In a city like D.C., where reports of missing teens have reached alarming levels—up to 15 open cases involving missing girls as of January 2017—this issue becomes even more pressing.
These teens and their families deserve as much attention and justice as anyone else. If you want to learn more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this informative resource from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. And if you’re seeking to explore home insemination options, consider visiting Make a Mom for insights into at-home kits.
In summary, the troubling trend of missing Black and Latinx teens requires greater attention from the media and society at large. With the help of social media and community awareness, we can shine a light on these cases that deserve justice.