The term “Missing White Woman Syndrome” highlights a troubling trend in how media focuses on cases of missing persons. Recently, cases like that of 24-year-old Massachusetts resident Tara Collins, who disappeared on a Sunday, and 23-year-old Mia Rodriguez from Michigan, who has been missing for over a week, underscore this issue. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Sarah Lee from Illinois hasn’t been found since her last contact with authorities. Unfortunately, these names may not ring a bell for many, primarily because they are not white.
The stark reality is that people of color, especially Black women and girls, receive significantly less media attention when they go missing. Jada L. Moss pointed out in her article for the William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice that there is a clear disparity between the number of Black Americans reported missing and the media coverage they receive. As technology becomes the primary means of accessing news, this gap remains glaring.
In a 2016 study by criminal law scholar Zach Sommers, titled “Missing White Woman Syndrome: An Empirical Analysis of Race and Gender Disparities in Online News Coverage of Missing Persons,” the existence of this phenomenon was confirmed. Sommers found that the disparities in media coverage are both large and consistent, reinforcing the idea that something is amiss.
The overwhelming media focus on missing white women, like Elizabeth Smart and Laci Peterson, overshadows the stories of countless Black victims. If asked to name three Black women who have recently gone missing, many would likely struggle to respond. This disparity reflects the painful reality that Black women face marginalization in society—being seen as less valuable due to their race and gender.
Moss explains that the media’s narrow focus on missing white women has led to this considerable racial disparity, reinforcing the narrative that Black Americans are not seen as “worthy” victims.
Compounding the issue, many missing children of color are quickly labeled as “runaways,” which excludes them from critical resources like the AMBER Alert system. Missing Black adults often face prejudiced assumptions about their character, leading to further neglect in their cases.
The lack of diversity in newsrooms contributes to this problem, as a predominantly white media workforce often prioritizes stories about missing white women over others. Furthermore, many Black families hesitate to report missing loved ones to law enforcement due to a history of discrimination and distrust.
While social media has become a platform for advocating for missing Black women, such as through hashtags like #FindOurBlackGirls, it should not be the public’s responsibility to raise awareness. The alarming rates of human trafficking among Black girls, who make up a disproportionate percentage of juvenile prostitution arrests, make it even more crucial to address this issue.
To combat “Missing White Woman Syndrome,” Moss advocates for tailored systems that address the specific needs of missing Black women, alongside existing frameworks. Advocacy groups and policies should coexist to reverse the biases that currently exist.
Activists also emphasize the importance of diversifying newsrooms and ensuring that stories of missing people from all backgrounds receive equitable coverage. It is essential to recognize the inherent value of every life, regardless of race.
Women like Tara Collins, Mia Rodriguez, and Sarah Lee deserve more than to be forgotten in the shadows of media narratives. It is time for society to acknowledge and address these disparities, ensuring that all missing persons receive the attention they deserve.
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Summary
“Missing White Woman Syndrome” refers to the bias in media coverage that favors cases of missing white women over those of women of color, particularly Black women and girls. This systemic issue results in significant underrepresentation and neglect of Black missing persons in news stories, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and inequalities. The disparity is exacerbated by a lack of diversity in media, as well as societal biases that affect how law enforcement responds to missing persons cases. Advocacy for tailored systems and increased awareness is crucial to rectify this imbalance and ensure that all individuals are given equal attention and support when they go missing.