Black Quote by Al Sharpton
“If I use the media, even with tricks, to publicize a black youth being shot in the back in Teaneck, New Jersey... then I should be praised for it, and it's more of a comment on them than me that it would take tricks to make them cover the loss of life.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, Al Sharpton, date unknown
The speaker argues that using media tactics to highlight a tragic incident is justified, emphasizing that criticism should target the media’s failure to cover it rather than the strategist’s methods.
In simple terms: Highlighting injustice via media is acceptable; blame should be on media neglect.
Use media to expose injustice, not to claim moral superiority.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- civil rights protests
- community organizing
- journalistic coverage
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the media’s neglect the real problem?
- How can activists avoid exploiting tragedy?
Media tactics can be seen as exploitative or sensationalist.