Coward Culture: The Growing Threat to Free Speech and Authentic Journalism
In today’s world of instant gratification and online information, it is not uncommon for anonymous individuals to spread false information and engage in malicious campaigns against people and organizations. These individuals, often referred to as “disinformation bots,” or “trolls” are a growing problem in the media industry, causing many journalists and media outlets to fall prey to their tactics of fear and intimidation. I have named this phenomenon “coward culture.”
Coward culture refers to the fear-based response of media outlets, journalists, conferences, sponsors, and other publications who remove speakers, quotes, videos, podcasts, and even entire articles because of anonymous individuals spreading false information and attacking their credibility. This is a dangerous trend that not only silences important voices but also undermines the authenticity and credibility of journalism.
Take for instance, the case of American attorney Irinia Tsukerman. Tsukerman is a well-respected expert in international law and human rights who has been quoted in numerous publications. Irina became a target of anonymous individuals who spread false information about her, leading some media outlets to retract her quotes and articles. The Newstack is an example of a publication that succumbed to the fear tactics of these anonymous individuals and recently removed Tsukerman’s quote.
This kind of coward culture is not just limited to Irinia Tsukerman. Many individuals, who are experts in their fields, have fallen victim to these malicious campaigns. It is a growing problem that needs to be addressed. The negative impact of coward culture is far-reaching, not only silencing important voices but also compromising the credibility of journalism. This undermines the public’s trust in the media, as well as the very foundations of a free and democratic society.
It is not just individuals who suffer from coward culture, but journalism as a whole. This is why it is crucial for journalists and media outlets to stand up against these anonymous individuals and their tactics of fear and intimidation. One example is Dark Reading, who, when faced with a similar situation, stood their ground and did not give in to the coward culture. Journalist Stephen Lawton held strong and refused to remove Irinia’s quote.
The fight against coward culture starts with journalists and media outlets. They need to stand up for their values and principles, and not give in to the tactics of anonymous individuals. The fight also requires the support of the public. By speaking out against coward culture and supporting journalists who take a stand, the public can help to ensure that the authenticity and credibility of journalism are maintained.
To combat coward culture there needs to be a comprehensive approach. One way is to understand the tactics employed by anonymous actors to spread false narratives and undermine the credibility of individuals and organizations. These threat actors often use tactics such as bots, fake accounts, and propaganda to sway public opinion. By having a deep understanding of these methods, journalists and media outlets can better protect themselves and others from such malicious campaigns. Next, it is vital that journalists adhere to best practices in journalism and thoroughly fact-check and verify information they are given from these threat actors. This critical aspect of journalism upholds the credibility of the media and strengthens public trust.
The rise of coward culture poses a significant threat to free speech and authentic journalism. The silencing of important voices and erosion of trust in the media undermines the very foundations of a democratic society. It is therefore imperative that journalists and media organizations take a stand against anonymous individuals and their tactics of fear and intimidation. With the support of the public, we can help ensure that journalism remains a credible source of information and that free speech continues to be protected.
