The View from Somewhere

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#MeToo. #BlackLivesMatter. #NeverAgain. Amid claims of "objectivity" from both right- and left-wing media, the American public grows increasingly skeptical about truth and reality. In this exploration of journalism's history, Lewis Raven Wallace examines how the ideal of "objectivity" has been used to silence marginalized voices since the days of Ida B. Wells. The narrative centers on courageous journalists who have sought truth and transparency, often facing repercussions from both oppressive regimes and their own institutions. Wallace highlights the experiences of various journalists, including Desmond Cole, Linda Greenhouse, Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah, John Biewen, Gary Younge, and Meredith Talusan, who challenge the notion of objectivity with sensitivity and passion. He shares his own journey as a midwestern transgender journalist, detailing his dismissal from public radio for opposing the "objective" framing of issues like Trump and white supremacy. Through historical and contemporary examples, Wallace argues that journalists' choices are influenced by race, class, gender, and geography, and critiques the myth of objectivity as a standard for accurate journalism. He advocates for journalism that resists exploitative practices towards marginalized communities, emphasizing the necessity of subjective voices in the media landscape. This work serves as a powerful call to rethink journalistic neutrality and embrace diverse perspect