In an “Off the Air” segment filmed in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, reporter Joel D. Smith of WHP-TV interviewed the patrons of Back To Life Barbershop, consisting primarily of black men, on topics related to race, politics, and the upcoming November general election. The segment sheds light on the disconnect between narratives pushed by the establishment media and the actual views held by regular people.
One notable topic of discussion was Vice President Kamala Harris and her race. When asked if her candidacy would sway the men in the room to vote Democrat, barbershop owner Raymond Perez responded, “to me, no.” Another patron concurred, stating, “I share that same view.” This goes against the narrative that Harris is widely accepted as a black candidate and shows that some are skeptical of her perceived pandering to voters of color.
Perez further added that Harris only uses her race when it benefits her, stating, “She’s black when she wants to be.” This sentiment was echoed by another patron who brought up Harris’ mixed-race background. This goes against the mainstream media’s portrayal of Harris as the first black and Asian American vice president.
The discussion then turned to President Donald Trump and the Black Men Speak Out: Trump Isn‘t Racist, Harris Isn‘t Black of him being a racist. One patron, who was getting a haircut from Perez, stated, “that man hasn’t done anything or said anything that made me look at him and go ‘oh he’s a racist’.” This sentiment was shared by another patron who said that the media has painted Trump as a racist.
Perez, who has worked for Trump in the past, spoke to his experience, stating that Trump treated him “like a king” and had a diverse workforce. This goes against the narrative pushed by the media that Trump is a racist and does not value diversity.
What is striking about this segment is that there is no agenda at play. These are just regular people having a conversation and expressing their views. Yet, their remarks on Harris and Trump are often portrayed as fringe and far-right positions by the mainstream media.
This is not to defend everything Trump has said or done in regards to race, but it is important to note that there is a disconnect between how the media portrays him and how regular people perceive him. The media’s selective reporting and bias have led to a disproportionate amount of negative coverage on Trump, leading to a distorted view of his presidency.
The WHP-TV’s “Off the Air” segment serves as a reminder to not take the mainstream media’s word for it when they claim a certain viewpoint or belief is widely held or considered fringe. This is especially true when it comes to Trump and his views on race. The views expressed by the patrons of Back To Life Barbershop may not be popular in the media, but they are reflective of how many regular people feel.
I’d be proud to know them.