Not A Social Media Phenomenon: The Roots of Disinformation As An Anti-Black Weapon

In an age where the term ‘disinformation’ often conjures images of social media trolls and foreign interference, a critical truth is frequently overshadowed: disinformation is not a modern invention, nor is it a phenomenon confined to the digital realm. This deceptive tactic, deeply intertwined with the fabric of white supremacy, has been a relentless weapon against Black and minority communities for centuries. Its roots run far deeper and its impact much wider than the confines of our current social media landscape. The history of disinformation as a tool of oppression against Black Americans is a silent, yet insidious narrative. From the falsified police reports that twist the truth to serve a biased agenda, to the systemic manipulation of media narratives, the use of disinformation has long been a calculated strategy employed by those in power to maintain control and suppress Black voices. This article aims to unearth the long-standing history of disinformation, shedding light on its role as a cornerstone in the architecture of systemic racism. What Is Disinformation? At its core, disinformation is the deliberate spread of false or misleading details on a broad scale, typically to gain social or political power. This tactic, historically, was aggressively used against...