Words by Mr. Al Pete
Yeah…from the jump…I’m praying for you DMX.
I’ve been quiet about this…until now, due to the good ol’ innanets *sigh*. Last night, my phone chirped more than usual, because people were wondering if the news was true that DMX has transitioned. Before I replied back, I went to the trusty Twitter to find out.
**Note: I go to Twitter for about 95% of my information, whether its funny, informative, etc. Now do I BELIEVE in the information is a different…tweet.**
Yeah…fake news. People jump so quick to being the bearer of bad news…but won’t share any good news. Pew-pew.
I was winding down from the day and the news, and the thought of humans doing something pointless, like sending DMX to the Gods, didn’t surprise me. What didn’t surprise me either was my realization that media played a role in this fiasco. I include myself in the media world, whether it be when I rap a song, DJ, record a podcast, tweet some information that I came across, run MPN, and much more…so when I experience a media run doing something left field, I get embarrassed.
Why embarrassed? Because it makes us look bad. On the flip though, do people even consider me to be media? I ask that question all of the time. The deeper question is: do people realize how they are a part of media…AND…do people understand how important media is?
I don’t feel like people get, understand, respect, or even know the power of media. The flip of this is some people despise various forms of media…but are drawn to it. I’ll break it down, scatter brain style.
Let’s speak on the despise route. While scrolling Twitter and praying that the news wasn’t true, I saw people saying ‘if TMZ didn’t report it, it isn’t true’…but…isn’t TMZ a disrespectful and insensitive example of media? When did we switch to depending on TMZ to give us news? Funny how the shunning switched…BUT…in this case, I see how and why. Why…because ultimately, people care…on a humanity tip. Life has a funny way of having a bad source become…good (in a sense)…to said situation. It’s like how you find out your ex got married from their mother that hated you, but you knew she served and stood for something. To add on, your ex’s mother can’t stand the new spouse, but felt compelled to tell you.
Yeah…the understanding part.
I let my circle of podcasters (and people who follow me…on Twitter) know that we’re a part of the media, whether you realize it or not. Just like news outlets, TV, and radio…blogging, and definitely podcasting, has become a major source of delivering information, whether it be right, wrong, indifferent, cruel, informative…whatever. With that said, the power of delivering news can lie in anyone’s hands. I believe that the people that occupy this space have a big responsibility to deliver news accurately. Now…if you’re going to share with the world and it’s your opinion, make that clear when delivering. It’s as easy as saying ‘these views are from me, not from said source’…so people can grasp SOME understanding of it. To deliver information that isn’t verified…or to have click bait material…is senseless to me. Why would you want to misinform people, especially when it comes to death?? SENSELESS, I tell you.
Yeah…the respect part.
Communication is key. Effective communication is having the right key that’ll open the door. With the DMX situation, it’s obvious that these ‘sources’ didn’t reach out to the public relations team…or didn’t get any information from them TO present this. Now you got everyone fired up at midnight, when hell…we should be sleep and prepping for the next day. Imagine how DMX’s family feels. You, the source that started all of this, are killing the man off. SMH.
Yeah…wrap up mode.
Going through my journey with being a Hip Hop musician, I realize the importance of media in my works. Hence why I created The MPN Network…to properly inform people of the various works of artists, and soon come, inform the community of various topics that are vital for the people to know. I won’t put anything out unless I have a full understanding of what we support. I’m BIG on integrity and respecting what is released from this outlet. Yes, it’s for us and by us…but we still practice structure and accountability with what we share. I would love for everyone else that share this media space to consider this…and more. Media has to do better…and the people involved need to truly realize how serious this could be.
Let me know your thoughts on media and it’s role in your life and in your community’s world. Be great everyone…and thanks for reading my quickly scattered thoughts…that are simply my opinion. Take that for what it’s worth.
P.S. I’m still learning about how media plays a tremendous role in the worlds I exist in. I don’t claim to know it all, but…I know a great bit.
