Burkas, Therians, and Two Cups
The article discusses the media's disproportionate focus on the topics of burkas and therians in Spain, labeling them as minor issues that are being politicized by ultra-right influences.
This piece from El País reflects on the recent media attention given to the topics of burkas and individuals identifying as 'therians' in Spain, labeling both as insignificant phenomena. The author criticizes the media for inflating the importance of these issues, which represent a minuscule presence in Spain's social landscape. The reference to the saying, 'If you don't want soup, have two cups,' highlights the notion of overemphasizing minor topics, suggesting that the media's obsession with them serves a particular agenda rather than public interest.
The article asserts that the phenomenon of therians, whose existence was virtually unnoticed until recently, is partly being exacerbated by ultra-right groups to sow division and promote their narrative of social anxiety. The author recounts an experience witnessing a gathering that was meant to showcase this subculture, only to find there were no actual therians present, indicating the gap between media hype and reality. This dissonance raises questions about the role of social media as a catalyst for misinformation and sensationalism in contemporary discourse.
Ultimately, the author calls for a more grounded approach to media reporting, urging journalists to focus on substantial issues that affect society rather than chasing after sensational topics that reflect a distorted reality driven by fear and prejudice. The implications are significant in highlighting the need for responsible journalism that prioritizes truth over sensationalism, especially regarding issues that can easily be twisted for political purposes.