Media Faces Backlash For Abbreviating Dallas Shooter’s Middle Name
Now that we know the deceased suspect in last night’s Dallas shooting is named Micah Xavier Johnson, various websites and outlets, including this one, have been working to educate news consumers about who he was. What we know is that police officers were shot last night as they marched with peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters and it looks like Johnson was behind it.
You may have noticed some outlets referring to him as Micah X. Johnson. A lot of people noticed that. Some of those people were none too happy about it and have called the media out for what they see as implying parallels between Johnson and Malcolm X.
Micah X pic.twitter.com/yxlWOMFiri
— PokerFaceDutch (@DutchieFlair) July 8, 2016
Bruuuuh, They got Micah Xavier Johnson on the news in a dashiki and abbreviated his name to “Micah X”…tell me they don’t want a race war..
— Richard Steele (@RichSteeleMusic) July 8, 2016
Calling Micah Xavier Johnson, Micah X is propaganda at it’s finest. Stoke fears.
— The Almighty Xilla (@BlogXilla) July 8, 2016
#Dallas gunman ID’d as Micah X. Johnson.
Not Micah Xavier Johnson?
Media we see what you’re doing ?
— RYΔN N!LE (@RyanNile) July 8, 2016
Disgusting to see mainstream media calling the shooter Micah X Johnson. His middle name is Xavier. Nothing more than a racist dog whistle.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) July 8, 2016
For 50 years, mass killers have been called by their first, middle, and last names. Calling him Micah X. Johnson is a racist ploy.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) July 8, 2016
Full names are normally cited.
James EARL Ray
John WILKES Booth
Etc.But they wanna call this man Micah X Johnson? pic.twitter.com/XAK15z0AdS
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) July 8, 2016
People who call him Micah X. Johnson know exactly what they’re doing. His name is Micah Xavier Johnson. Be responsible.
— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) July 8, 2016
From the New York Daily News to the Daily Beast, news outlets all over the place have reported on and are continuing to report on “Micah X.”
Pay attention to what other outlets are calling him. What do you think of it?
[image via Twitter]
