Addict Quote by Ishmael Reed
![“How does the [New York] Times treat White pathology? They reported an epidemic of heroin addiction in the Philadelphia suburbs. which included emergency admissions and overdoses; these White people in the suburbs were doing heroin like it was going out of style. I counted the words: the article…” quote by Ishmael Reed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a16/ishmael-reed-7430_addict_how-does-the-new-york-times-treat-white_541651.jpg)
“How does the [New York] Times treat White pathology? They reported an epidemic of heroin addiction in the Philadelphia suburbs. which included emergency admissions and overdoses; these White people in the suburbs were doing heroin like it was going out of style. I counted the words: the article consisted of 200 words. "Heroin Epidemic" in the back section. Out here in California, the typical drug addict is a housewife or suburban White woman.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New York Times and White Pathology, Ishmael Reed, 2022
The author critiques how media frames White drug addiction as a novelty, minimizing its seriousness compared to other groups.
In simple terms: Media downplays White addiction, treating it as a trend.
Key Takeaway
Question media narratives on drug crises.
Themes
media bias
race
addiction
journalism
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
analytical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- public health policy
- news consumption
- community outreach
Key Concepts
sociology
critical theory
representation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media framing shape public perception of addiction?
- What responsibilities do journalists have when reporting on race and health?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook systemic factors affecting all demographics.
![“[On his heroin addiction:] I did it to myself. It wasn't society...it wasn't a pusher, it wasn't being blind or being black or being poor. It was all my doing.” quote by Ray Charles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a7a/ray-charles-6406_addiction_on-his-heroin-addiction-i-did-it-to-myse_1447821.jpg)
