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Even if you’ve managed to avoid the news, you’ve likely come across the story of Gabby Petito, a young woman whose recent disappearance and suspected murder have dominated the headlines. Her face has been everywhere, and the narrative surrounding her case has unfolded extensively across various media platforms. While Gabby’s story is undeniably tragic and deserving of attention, it raises an important question: Why doesn’t the same level of media coverage extend to missing Indigenous, Black, and other POC women?
The interest surrounding Gabby’s case is certainly compelling and has captured public fascination, but it’s disheartening for the families of countless missing Indigenous, Black, POC, and Trans women who often receive significantly less media focus. Gabby Petito was reported missing by her family on September 11, and her body was found on September 19 in a remote part of Wyoming. She was on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Following her disappearance, Laundrie returned home without her, leading to a massive media frenzy and extensive social media discussion.
The phenomenon of missing white women receiving disproportionate media attention has been termed “Missing White Woman Syndrome.” Studies, including one by Zach Sommers from Northwestern University, indicate that white women are far more likely to be featured in missing person news than women from marginalized groups. As noted by journalist Gwen Ifill, this imbalance reflects a troubling hierarchy in how society values different lives.
This observation is not meant to detract from Gabby’s story. Rather, it highlights the stark contrast in media attention given to cases involving women of color. For instance, did you know that in Wyoming, where Gabby’s body was found, over 700 Indigenous individuals, primarily women and girls, have gone missing in the last decade? Shockingly, only 30% of Indigenous homicide cases receive media coverage, compared to 51% for white victims.
Research shows that Black individuals, particularly children, often remain missing longer and are more frequently overlooked by the media. The disparity in coverage and resources available for search efforts underscores a troubling reality: victims of color are often seen as less worthy of attention and care.
While some may feel offended by the assertion that Gabby’s case received heightened coverage due to her ethnicity, acknowledging this fact does not undermine the tragedy of her disappearance. Instead, it emphasizes the need for equal attention to be given to missing Indigenous, Black, POC, and Trans women, who deserve the same urgency and visibility.
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Summary
The media’s overwhelming focus on Gabby Petito’s case raises critical questions about the disparity in coverage for missing Indigenous, Black, and POC women. Despite the tragedy of Gabby’s story, it highlights the need for equal attention to all missing individuals, regardless of race or background.