This seemed to be the year of negative media coverage for the Dominican Republic. Media sources sensationalized it to such a degree, the general public must have thought every other person visiting there was passing away! This quick, informative video gives you "the scoop".
Spoiler alert - There's no reason to fear the D.R. As we anticipated, The State Department indicated the FBI's extensive toxicology testing was consistent with the D.R.'s findings ~ deaths due to natural causes. {So anything you thought you believed from the media; just wipe that slate clean.}
We've been witness to this year after year. The media loves to attack Mexico (usually unjustly). However, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Fiji, have each took temporary possession of the torch in recent years. Confession: It drives me completely batty.
I don't use the word "hate" lightly, but I do hate that media is continuously rotating fear based headlines for the sole purpose of obtaining clicks, reads, views & ratings... because in my estimation, about 90% of these destination stories are overly sensationalized, not vetted, thoroughly investigated or substantiated. Further, the perspective they shove down our throats is so narrow minded. It is not strictly fact based news where you can determine your own thoughts/feelings/conclusions. It's a speculative, strongly implied, demanding narrative that leads viewers down a rabbit hole of guilty until proven innocent. It creates devastating impacts on countries and their citizen's livelihoods. The negative connotation just sticks in the minds of viewers/readers forever after (we see/hear it every day).
We are in the D.R. at least once every year. We made a second trip this summer, during the height of the media coverage, for nothing more than to report live & demonstrate that you don't have to fear the crap they're force feeding you. (The sunny days, sand between our toes, warm waters and friendly locals didn't play any part in the decision making process for this second, impromptu visit! ;) )
This isn't the end. Another destination will be in the crosshairs of media's attempt to boost ratings before we know it. Do me a favor?
Spoiler alert - There's no reason to fear the D.R. As we anticipated, The State Department indicated the FBI's extensive toxicology testing was consistent with the D.R.'s findings ~ deaths due to natural causes. {So anything you thought you believed from the media; just wipe that slate clean.}
We've been witness to this year after year. The media loves to attack Mexico (usually unjustly). However, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Fiji, have each took temporary possession of the torch in recent years. Confession: It drives me completely batty.
I don't use the word "hate" lightly, but I do hate that media is continuously rotating fear based headlines for the sole purpose of obtaining clicks, reads, views & ratings... because in my estimation, about 90% of these destination stories are overly sensationalized, not vetted, thoroughly investigated or substantiated. Further, the perspective they shove down our throats is so narrow minded. It is not strictly fact based news where you can determine your own thoughts/feelings/conclusions. It's a speculative, strongly implied, demanding narrative that leads viewers down a rabbit hole of guilty until proven innocent. It creates devastating impacts on countries and their citizen's livelihoods. The negative connotation just sticks in the minds of viewers/readers forever after (we see/hear it every day).
We are in the D.R. at least once every year. We made a second trip this summer, during the height of the media coverage, for nothing more than to report live & demonstrate that you don't have to fear the crap they're force feeding you. (The sunny days, sand between our toes, warm waters and friendly locals didn't play any part in the decision making process for this second, impromptu visit! ;) )
This isn't the end. Another destination will be in the crosshairs of media's attempt to boost ratings before we know it. Do me a favor?
- Don't assume everything you digest is fact
- Don't develop a preconceived notion of a destination without first seeking real facts
- Do discuss news coverage with a respected Travel Advisor or visit travel.state.gov for more information.
- Do take into account perspective. Look at the issue through a wider lens.
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