Generally there is a week long news cycle on social media where everyday citizens reflect on the same set of stories. Understanding the significance of these reflections is necessary and often times of you’re not on a specific platform you might miss the piece of the puzzle that makes it all make sense. We share a summary of the discourse and a few videos that give clarity.
In a peculiar turn of events, the saga began with what we can now refer to as the “tunnel lady.” This tale unfolded when a privileged white woman embarked on the construction of a tunnel in her basement, sparking amusement and commentary from onlookers for months. NBC news even got in on the action, interviewing her about the curious project. However, a deeper investigation by a genuine journalist revealed a surprising twist – the majority of her neighbors, it turned out, were migrants who felt uneasy reporting the unsettling noises and vibrations to the authorities. As it unfolded, the tunnel builder had no permits or permission, but this incident ignited an appetite for tunnel stories among the public.
The subsequent news cycle brought forth another tunnel narrative, this time involving Hasidic Jewish individuals with a secret passage beneath their temple. Video footage captured police attempting to fill the hole. In the current climate, where discussions surrounding anti-racism and the Palestinian situation are sensitive, we approached this story cautiously. Recognizing the potential for false labeling of anti-Semitism amid such discussions, we refrained from immediate reactions. While some Black creators succumbed to speculation, we chose to call them in.. It was an effort of Black, Muslim, and Jewish creators working to establish positive community dialogue. A few creators responded positively, contributing to a more nuanced and constructive exchange.