On Wednesday, Jezebel, a self-proclaimed far-left publication, issued an editor’s note condemning the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The note stated, “This story was published on September 8. Jezebel condemns the shooting of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms. We do not endorse, encourage, or excuse political violence of any kind.” Yet, their condemnation sounds hollow in light of a piece that ran just days earlier, titled, “We Paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk.”
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a public event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The FBI confirmed that a suspect is in custody. In a moment of rare unity, even members of the left denounced this act of political violence, with figures like Barack Obama stating, “this kind of despicable violence” must end, while Joe Biden asserted there is “no place in our country for this kind of violence.” Nancy Pelosi echoed these sentiments, saying, “[p]olitical violence has absolutely no place in our nation,” as reported by CNN.
Amidst the backdrop of this tragedy, Jezebel published a mocking piece filled with bizarre vitriol directed at Kirk. The anonymous author described him as a “far-right misogynist with a bad haircut” and went on to paint him as a purveyor of falsehoods and right-wing propaganda. The critique of Kirk’s efforts included claims that his organization, Turning Point USA, is less about charity and more about funneling “far-right propaganda” into college campuses under the guise of education.
The article continued with a tongue-in-cheek exploration of witchcraft, specifically mentioning how one can find spells on Etsy. Among the offerings, the author noted spells that promised to inflict curses like an “incurable rash” on an ex-lover or a charm to “make everyone hate him,” a clear reference to Kirk. While this whimsical tone may entertain some, it starkly contrasts with the gravity of the events that unfolded later that day.
The author appeared incredulous about the effectiveness of these spells, reflecting, “this is witchcraft, not Amazon. The forces operate on their own schedule.” Though the piece employs humor, it trivializes the very serious implications of targeting an individual, not just in jest but in writing.
Jezebel’s failure to retract the piece shows a shocking disconnect from the reality of political violence. An editor’s note claiming their disapproval of the shooting stands as a flimsy veil over the mocking tones of their previous article. It’s as if the publication failed to recognize the gravity of invoking “black magic” against a living individual, only to see that same person become a victim of violence within days.
Political violence is certainly a troubling topic, one that political figures have decried across the spectrum, but the reactions toward Kirk’s demise reveal a deeper issue. The left’s eventual outcry against violence rings somewhat insincere when it comes alongside such openly aggressive rhetoric from publications like Jezebel.
As tragic events unfold, the same media figures who once perpetuated political demonization are now racing to distance themselves from the implications of their words. This hypocrisy reveals a troubling inconsistency that not only affects public discourse but also raises questions about accountability in media narratives.
What remains clear is that the culture surrounding political discourse has become increasingly fraught. As some factions consider witchcraft as a metaphorical means of expressing disdain, they ignore the consequences of such publicly shared sentiments. The moral failures of not recognizing the danger in belittling another person’s existence demonstrate how easy it is to slip into a discourse that not only dehumanizes but also fuels the fire of violence.
Violence begets more violence, and in that cycle, when publications indulge in mockery and vitriol without depth of understanding or accountability, it reflects an unsettling trend in political dialogue. Instead of fostering constructive discussion, this kind of rhetoric serves to deepen divides and exacerbate tensions, leaving the public caught in a web of cynicism and mistrust.
"*" indicates required fields
