Media Just Can’t Stop Presenting Horrifying Stories as ‘Uplifting’ Perseverance Porn

8/31/2019

This article discusses the phenomenon of the media presenting horrifying stories as uplifting tales of perseverance, often referred to as "perseverance porn." It criticizes the tendency of media outlets to focus on an individual's ability to overcome adversity, while neglecting the systemic issues that led to the adversity in the first place. The article argues that this type of storytelling can be misleading and harmful, as it disguises the need for social change and reinforces narratives of individualism and exceptionalism. It calls for a more critical and nuanced approach to storytelling in the media, one that acknowledges the structural inequalities and addresses the root causes of the problems faced by individuals.

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