On Tuesday night, while having dinner with some friends, I received two almost simultaneous text messages. The content: the White House had listed a series of what it called under-reported terrorist attacks around the world, including the Parramatta shooting in 2015.
It was so ridiculous that I could only describe it as befuddling.
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Dad's shooting outside the Parramatta Headquarters was a tragedy. It was clearly reported. I know, because I followed and read many of the stories and articles in the 18 months since.
I know it was reported around the world because I received messages of condolences from around the world: the UK, Hong Kong, Israel, France, Russia and the US, to name a few.
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I know because I have consistently used messages of hope and compassion to address significant concerns about extremism and inclusion in Australia.
What is the White House implying when it is accusing the media of under-reporting? That the media did not exaggerate and include "alternative facts" to create hate and fear in the community? That the media did not immediately point fingers? That the media had the decency to focus on the messages of the families and people that are most affected by these incidents?
What I know to be under-reporting is when significant tragedies outside of the west do not receive the same outrage, concern and coverage.
I remember where I was when I first read about the Lindt Cafe siege. It was international news. But, to my surprise, I learnt much later that on the same day 132 school children were massacred at a school in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Reactionary and punitive responses in the name of national security are over-reported. We do not give nearly enough attention to preventative approaches.
It is clear that the US President gives limited regard to the victims and survivors of these incidents. It is clear that he will use any loose facts and stories to justify an anti-immigration, anti-Muslim and anti-humanity agenda.
This is what we should all call out at every opportunity.
Alpha Cheng is the son of Curtis Cheng, who was murdered in 2015.
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