Wesley Yang Criticizes Major US Publications for Failing to Uncover Truth Behind Propaganda

Prominent essayist and political commentator Wesley Yang recently expressed strong criticism of major U.S. media outlets, asserting that they largely failed to investigate the realities underpinning propaganda campaigns run by their own publications. In a social media post, Yang stated, "Reasonably sure that this didn’t happen in US media because literally no one (with maybe 1-3 exceptions) at any of the major publications cared enough about the reality behind the propaganda campaigns run by their publications to find out the truth." His remarks highlight a long-standing debate concerning journalistic integrity and the influence of ideological narratives within mainstream media.

Yang, a columnist for Tablet magazine and a contributing editor for Esquire, is known for his critical analysis of cultural and political trends. He previously coined the term "successor ideology" to describe what he perceives as an emerging left-wing movement focused on identity politics, which he views as a challenge to traditional liberal values. His work often scrutinizes the role of institutions, including media, in shaping public discourse.

His critique aligns with broader discussions about media bias and the potential for news organizations to become conduits for specific narratives rather than objective reporters. Yang has previously suggested that "legacy institutions—particularly large media outlets—intensively cocoon themselves under the guise of critical self-reflection," contributing to a form of "authoritarian language of gate-keeping." This perspective suggests that internal incentives within media and cultural industries may prioritize certain narratives over a rigorous pursuit of truth.

The essayist's comments resonate with an ongoing public skepticism regarding media trustworthiness. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of how news is produced and disseminated, particularly in an era of rapid information flow and heightened political polarization. Yang's statement implies a systemic issue where a lack of genuine inquiry within major publications allows propaganda to flourish, unchallenged by internal mechanisms.