Fact Check: Political violence from the left is often ignored by mainstream media.

Fact Check: "Political violence from the left is often ignored by mainstream media."

What We Know

The claim that political violence from the left is often ignored by mainstream media has been a point of contention in recent political discourse. Proponents of this view cite various incidents and statements suggesting that left-wing violence is underreported compared to right-wing violence. For instance, during a hearing on May 16, 2023, Homeland Security Subcommittee Chair Dan Bishop emphasized the need to recognize left-wing violence, arguing that it has been downplayed or ignored by federal agencies and media outlets (source-1). He pointed to specific events, such as riots and disruptions at universities, as examples of organized left-wing violence that he believes deserve more attention.

Conversely, research indicates that political violence, in general, has been on the rise across the political spectrum. A study highlighted by the Greater Good Science Center noted an increase in political violence and support for it, particularly in the context of the January 6 Capitol riots, which were predominantly associated with right-wing extremism (source-2). Furthermore, a recent UC Davis study revealed a complex mix of attitudes towards political violence, showing that while some Americans endorse it, a significant majority do not (source-3).

Analysis

The assertion that mainstream media ignores left-wing political violence is partially supported by some anecdotal evidence and statements from political figures. Bishop's remarks during the congressional hearing reflect a sentiment among some conservatives that left-wing violence is not given equal weight in media coverage compared to right-wing violence. This perspective is echoed in various conservative media outlets, which often highlight specific incidents of left-wing violence while critiquing the media's focus on right-wing extremism (source-7).

However, the reliability of these claims can vary significantly based on the sources. While conservative outlets may emphasize left-wing violence, mainstream media has also reported extensively on political violence from both sides, particularly in the context of the January 6 insurrection, which was predominantly characterized as a right-wing event. The New York Times and other major outlets have covered the rise in political violence, including instances attributed to left-wing groups, but they often contextualize these events within a broader narrative of political extremism (source-6).

Moreover, the perception of bias in media coverage can be influenced by the political leanings of the audience. Research indicates that individuals may interpret media coverage through the lens of their political beliefs, leading to claims of bias regardless of the actual content (source-4).

Conclusion

The claim that "political violence from the left is often ignored by mainstream media" is Partially True. While there are instances where left-wing violence may receive less attention compared to right-wing violence, the overall narrative of political violence in the media encompasses incidents from both sides. The perception of bias often depends on the political orientation of the audience and the specific incidents being highlighted. Thus, while there is some merit to the claim, it does not fully capture the complexity of media coverage regarding political violence.

Sources

1. It's Past Time We Recognize Left-Wing Violence for What it is
2. What's Driving Political Violence in America?
3. New study looks at attitudes towards political violence
4. New cases of political violence roil US ahead of contentious election
5. Podcast: Is there more political violence in the U.S. now?
6. Opinion | Political Violence Is Rising. This Is What We Can ...
7. The Growing Threat of Political Violence From the Left