The media isn't always Black and white

When science teacher and wrestling coach Mark Black and student Blair Moore fought on the morning of April 4th, no one knew how big the story would get. What seemed like a tale destined to be whispered only in Samo’s hallways, exploded. Videos leaked and frustrated students and staff members weren’t camera shy. Conflicting narratives conjured up anger amongst Samo’s community. Everyone had his or her own opinion about what happened, and what should be done about it. In retrospect, it seems like the story was built to go viral. Before long the video had been posted across the Internet, from "The Los Angeles" Times to "World-Star Hip Hop." The media coverage and analysis however, was much more than just click bait. The ambiguous video and unofficial accounts became a malleable mouthpiece for political rhetoric. Instead of judging this case based on evidence and official investigation, media outlets across the Internet molded the story and it’s characters to become consistent with political beliefs.According to some, Black (aka the man) relentlessly attacked downtrodden Moore. Others (the majority at this point) have painted Black as an infallible hero, fighting the drug selling scum that plagues public education. Although, it’s clear to most that Black responded appropriately, neither of these romanticized and callous versions of the story can be taken seriously.A perfect example of the twisted narratives in the media today is the contrast between our local chapter of the NAACP and the conservative website American Thinker. According to local Santa Monica-Venice NAACP President, Darrell Goode, he isn’t sure “why a teacher would need to grab a student under any condition.” Goode then went on to state that Black should have just called security. This idea that Black should’ve just stood there and taken a beating is absurd. It’s an ill informed way of rationalizing an attack on a teacher. If Goode wanted to stay impartial and wait until an investigation was complete, then he shouldn’t be throwing out such ridiculous assumptions. Goode even went as far as to imply Black has a prejudice towards African Americans by just “reminding” the news media about a closed case of hazing toward an African American student. A case Black was found to have had NO part in. A case in which the victim’s MOTHER said Black was innocent. Goode bringing it up while at the same time telling the media he wants an investigation “so we’re not unfair to anybody” is shady at best.However, the other side of the isle is just as ridiculous. According to the website American Thinker, Black is a “inner city teacher” fighting a precedent of administrative defenselessness, set by none other than President Obama. It’s ironic that the people lambasting Sandra Lyons for her ill-conceived statement are simultaneously rushing to a judgment that fits their political ideas. We should be presuming Black’s innocence unless he is proven guilty. We shouldn’t however, be presuming he is a martyr.What’s dangerous about the American Thinker’s article is how it attacks the standard “administrator then a punishment” system. Lee Culpepper, author of the article laments, “Teachers must provide laborious documentation to simply remove a bona fide juvenile delinquent.” It’s possible there’s room to reform the way we punish students. Maybe we should be offering more support to troubled students or cracking down with stricter punishments. The use of force by a teacher should only be used in justified case in which the teacher is fighting for his safety or the classes safety. It should only be used as interim until security or police arrive. But overall there needs to be more research.The fight that happened the morning of April 4, shouldn’t be celebrated. It was a fight between human beings, not political caricatures. It was a fight with devastating consequences that will impact the lives of two men for years to come. Black has become a focal point of local politics and a topic of fervent debate.  Moore on the other hand will have this fight hanging over his head for as long as his name comes up on Google search. Regardless of positive changes, this event did happen and the story won’t just go away.If Black were to get a medal, it shouldn’t be for his actions Friday morning. Although Black responded justly to the situation, exercising self-defense is not a cause for celebration. In the media coverage following  the incident there seemed to be no moderation. There was no “gray” or room for error. For many in the media, a decision was made about what happened before the facts came out. I doubt the staunchest supporters of Black would have come to a different initial judgment if the facts indicated he was guilty. Black should be getting a medal for his years of dedication to his students and wrestling team. He should be getting a medal for the countless hours he’s worked after school inspiring students. He shouldn’t be earning a medal for properly handling a classroom brawl.