After reading numerous postings on Jessica Lynch, the following words were used to describe her: good kid, good girl, pretty blond girl, soldier, and hero. The pictures I saw of her symbolized the all American girl with fair white skin, blond hair, and blue eyes.
The following words were used to describe Shoshanna Johnson: chef, not a soldier, doesn’t regret her military career. The pictures of her depict her as if she is always in despair or not really aware of what is going on around her.
Lynch has book and movie deals; she is a hero in the media.
Johnson is barely known to anyone as if she were forgotten. She received a smaller disability pension than Lynch for her injuries in the service. This demonstrates that the government values her less than Lynch, a sentiment felt by many Americans that Black people are inferior and simply don’t matter.
After examining photos and words associated with each woman, I conclude that this is definitely a matter of race. White women in America are valued more than Black women as evidenced by this entire fiasco. I am very disgusted that Lynch has become a household name and hero, while countless others in addition to Johnson have suffered so much pain from this ordeal and are virtually forgotten. It seems like the media and government is saying that a white soldier is valued more than a black soldier.
In the case of Natalee Holloway, she too is depicted as the all American girl. All of the photos I have seen online and in the news depict a “good girl” image, blond hair and blue eyes. This again is a matter of race and status. Countless women of color are abducted as well, but never receive as much media attention. Quite frankly, Black people are seriously undervalued in this country as evidenced by the blatant neglect to acknowledge and help victims of color.
Race is the foundation of these issues. Until America deals with its tumultuous past, racism will continue build momentum and destroy our nation.
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