Staff Reports
Once again, the mainstream media has once again propagated false narratives and fabricated news, this time attempting to distort a supposed “book ban” incident in Florida that never actually occurred. Various liberal media outlets alleged that a poem by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman had been banned at an elementary school in Miami-Dade. However, the truth is that the poem was simply relocated to a different shelf designated for a different grade level. This constant misrepresentation of facts by the media is contributing to a growing lack of trust among the public.
Ron DeSantis Is Getting an Assist From This Unlikely Figure on 'Book Ban' Narrative https://t.co/Lu8gb2wYTw
— Marlon East Of The Pecos (@Darksideleader2) June 1, 2023
Even Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a presidential candidate, fell victim to the misinformation spread by the left-leaning media and expressed criticism towards Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in a tweet. However, he subsequently acknowledged his error and clarified that the poetry book had not been banned, but rather moved to a different section of the library. It is reassuring to witness someone taking responsibility for their mistake and rectifying the situation.
It’s ironic that @washingtonpost would take an anti-censorship stand, however, given its participation in the censorship-industrial complex in recent years. The left is outraged at the removal of Amanda Gorman, but fine with canceling anyone who deviates from its core ideologies.…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) May 30, 2023
CORRECTION: I got some facts wrong in my initial tweet. The poetry book was not banned, just moved to a different section of the library. And to clarify, DeSantis had nothing directly to do with the school’s action. The WaPo was criticizing his failure to defend the author,…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) May 30, 2023
https://twitter.com/CharlesLWolff3/status/1663646785032663046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1663646785032663046%7Ctwgr%5Ef8658bcfc17859e54a9611c092c671653a8d9ab1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftownhall.com%2Ftipsheet%2Frebeccadowns%2F2023%2F05%2F31%2Fron-desantis-is-getting-an-assist-from-this-unlikely-figure-n2623913
Here is USA Today's headline and here is the subhead IN THE SAME STORY.
A media that consistently does this has to be destroyed and rebuilt. pic.twitter.com/lExLI5Uuvn
— Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) May 24, 2023
More outlets spread the false version…
CNN was pretty much the only major outlet that had an accurate headline and got the facts right.
And then you wonder why no one trusts the press?
They actively and consistently spread misinformation. pic.twitter.com/NmWrAIKQAW
— AG (@AGHamilton29) May 24, 2023
So they ban my book from young readers, confuse me with @oprah , fail to specify what parts of my poetry they object to, refuse to read any reviews, and offer no alternatives…Unnecessary #bookbans like these are on the rise, and we must fight back 👊🏿 DONATE here:… pic.twitter.com/p96dlnrSp4
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) May 23, 2023
They won't call it a ban. Yet not only has my book been moved, but now elementary schoolers must request a copy from a specialist at its new site AND then also PROVE their reading level before seeing a copy. All these hurdles for a young reader just to access a poem in history… https://t.co/Zth8BUAXeC
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) May 28, 2023
This entire incident serves as a confirmation of the growing influence and negative impact of cancel culture. Instead of addressing concerns from individuals with opposing views, authorities often succumb too readily to the demands of a single parent and proceed to remove specific titles. Governor DeSantis, however, is not endorsing such behavior; rather, he is attempting to resist it. His enthusiasm in this situation indicates his belief that having a group of concerned parents generating cultural controversies whenever possible will only benefit his chances in the 2024 GOP presidential primaries.
It is not solely The Washington Post that can be accused of sensationalizing this story and amplifying its significance beyond its actual scope. Numerous media outlets, including USA Today, The Hill, POLITICO, and the Associated Press, also attempted to turn a trivial matter into a major issue. Even Amanda Gorman became involved in a lawsuit regarding this alleged “ban,” despite the fact that the book was merely relocated.
The media should prioritize reporting accurate information rather than advancing their own partisan agenda. Governor DeSantis deserves recognition for his efforts to confront cancel culture and safeguard freedom of speech within educational institutions. The left’s endeavors to suppress dissenting perspectives are likely to have adverse consequences in the long run.
