Coverage of Supremacists

I helped to organize the counter-demonstration against the white supremacists in Simi Valley on June 6, and am appalled at how the media selectively covered the demonstration.

Most of the counterdemonstrators, which at its peak numbered over 700, gathered peacefully, albeit loudly and with righteous anger at the white supremacists who dared to capitalize on the racist verdict in the Rodney King beating case. The media focused exclusively on the violence that occurred when a few people attempted to confront the white supremacists and the police moved in.

Our counterdemonstration proved that people of all races, ages, sexes and sexualities can and must come together to combat the racism and bigotry that permeates our society. In the aftermath of the L. A. riots, the media has continued to pit people of color and whites against each other, inflaming the racism that already exists. This is totally irresponsible and extremely dangerous. The media must be held accountable for its portrayal of the facts and for accurate and honest information.

Citizens of Simi Valley have suffered enough at the hands of the media, which portrays them as a rich, white and racist community. This community came out in record numbers to protest the white supremacists, in spite of the Simi Valley police chief’s warning for residents to stay away from our demonstration. People from throughout the area as well as throughout California came together to build multiracial unity.

A very important event occurred in Simi Valley on June 6, 1992, and the media once again, completely missed the point.

CATHE CASHMAN

Radical Women

Member of Ad Hoc Coalition

Against White Supremacists

Berkeley