Double Standard for Ukrainian Refugees & Media Coverage

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Have you noticed anything strange about the news coverage of the war in Ukraine? Just about everyone was surprised that Russia went ahead and invaded, but few more so than the Western journalists covering the conflict. While many expressed their horror at the war, some did so by saying how shocking it was that a “civilized” country like Ukraine would have bombs dropping in it. Cringe-o-meter breaks.

The war in Syria is still raging, almost 10 years after it started. The war on Yemen by Saudi Arabia and other allies –including the United States– has killed over 100,000 people and displaced millions! In Afghanistan, the U.S. occupation of the country only ended a few months ago after starting in 2001. While many reporters felt like war was “only natural” (or some other orientalist garbage) in the Middle East, these same folks are shocked that it might happen in a country full of “white” people.

Furthermore, while the bravery of the Ukranians has been commendable, and inspiring, it’s not so shocking that a smaller country is able to resist the imperial aggression of an occupying power. When do we celebrate molotov cocktails being made by brown people or Muslims? From the Viet Kong successfully resisting the U.S. military for decades, to the Haitians fighting off the French, English, and Spanish during their revolution, to even the Taliban against the U.S.S.R. and then U.S., this type of thing has indeed happened quite a few times. To only recognize this feat when it's Ukranians is probably a good indication that you have some self-reflection to do.

Andy Kindler is a comedian and cohost of the podcast “Thought Spiral.” Get his comedy album “Hence The Humor” on all platforms. Follow him on Twitter

Wajahat Ali is a columnist at The Daily Beast, a Senior Fellow at the Western States Center, and the author of “Go Back to Where You Came From, And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American.” Follow him on Twitter

Recorded February 27th, 2022

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