1-25-23 Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the J6 Defendants and the Media’s Role

J6 defendants, aka J6ers, are individuals who have been unjustly charged with various crimes related to the protest at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. In the aftermath of the event, media coverage has been extensive and often critical of the defendants. However, we can objectively argue that this coverage has been biased and unfair.

One aspect of the media bias against the J6 defendants is the use of loaded language and emotive language. For example, many news outlets have referred to the defendants as “rioters” or “insurrectionists,” which carries a negative connotation and implies that they were actively trying to overthrow the government. To this day however, no one has been charged with insurrection. On the other hand, some individuals who were present at the Capitol on January 6 have been described as “protesters” which carries a less negative connotation and is more objective. One could argue that if such a large crowd had wanted to actually conduct and plan an insurrection, they would have brought lots of guns and ammunition and they would have succeeded as the police could have been easily overwhelmed. However none of this happened.

Another aspect of the media bias is the selective reporting of the defendants’ actions and statements. For example, some news outlets have highlighted statements made by the defendants that could be interpreted as violent or threatening, while downplaying or ignoring statements that could be seen as peaceful or non-violent. Also, it would be fair to note that often one uses hyperboles when posting on social media but would never in a million years act on what was said or writen. This type of reporting can create a skewed impression of the defendants and their motivations.

Additionally, some have argued that the media has not given enough attention to the political and social context in which the events of January 6th occurred. The social media as it has been proven now with the Twitter files was advised, if not ordered, to suppress dissent concerning the election that many thought was stolen. The fact that the media ignored the mounting evidence of fraud does not help. Not giving attention to these context can lead to a biased understanding of the events and the defendants involved.

Finally, we know that defendants are reluctant to give interviews to the media in order to have a chance to tell their side of the story. Many defendants have been arrested and charged without having the opportunity to speak to the media or to have their statements reported in a balanced way. This can make it difficult for the public to understand the defendants’ perspectives and motives.

Overall, while media coverage of the J6 defendants has been extensive, it has been evident that it has been biased and unfair. The use of loaded language and selective reporting, lack of attention to context, and lack of opportunity for defendants to tell their side of the story, can all contribute to a skewed understanding of the events and the individuals involved.

The other problem that defendants are facing is the media barrage that is difficult to overcome. Most Americans listen to the media without realizing that it is mostly editorialized and not just the news as they would expect. It seems that they should start being more discerning when for example during the summer of 2020 they saw an anchor with fire and destruction in the background, calling the incident as “a mostly peaceful protest”.

There might be some hope as Americans become tired of being lied to and seek different ways to consume news using different outlets.

Fortunately, many view today’s national media as being similar to the famous Pravda, the mouthpiece of the Soviet Union during the cold war.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”  — John 8:44

Mostly Peaceful Protests – The Summer of 2020

Praying for the Country at the Capitol on January 6th 2021

Washington Prayer March