Why Not More Reporting on Canada, Mexico, and South America?

The question arises: why is there so little news reporting on Canada, Mexico, and South America in the United States? These countries are our closest neighbors, and one would think there would be more interest in their affairs. This article explores the reasons behind this underreportage, focusing on language barriers, cultural differences, and the impact of shared interests on international news.

Language Barriers and the Lack of Translation

One major reason for the underreportage of Canada, Mexico, and South America in the U.S. is language. These countries speak Spanish and Portuguese, and their media outlets do not broadcast English news to a broader American audience. For instance, news from the EU is often covered in English through international news channels like France24, which serves as an example of how content from different regions can be translated and made available to English-speaking audiences. This language barrier presents a significant challenge in terms of accessibility and understanding of local events.

Cultural Narcissism and Self-Focus

A second reason is what could be described as cultural narcissism. The American media often focuses on domestic issues, and as the saying goes, Americans want their own news. However, if there were more Canadians in countries like Chile, it is possible that the news from those regions would be followed more closely. The global perspective seems to be colored by a preference for stories that resonate closer to home. This narrow focus can be detrimental when it comes to understanding the complex interrelations between adjacent nations.

Excitement and Urgency in News Reporting

Another factor to consider is the nature of news itself. Exciting, urgent, and unexpected events often capture more attention than routine, stable developments. Canada, due to its well-established democratic institutions, tends to produce less sensational and dramatic news compared to its southern neighbors. Events like police shootings, institutional racism, and significant legal cases, such as the case involving Meng Wanzhou, can highlight the shared issues between the U.S. and Canada, but they are often overshadowed by more volatile occurrences in Mexico and South America.

Shared Border and Economic Interdependence

Given the longest unguarded border between the U.S. and Canada, one might assume that more attention is given to events happening in Canada. However, economic interdependence and border issues often receive limited coverage. The intertwined economies of the U.S. and Canada mean that significant financial interests and potential economic disruptions can have a profound impact on both nations. For example, the issue of extraditing Meng Wanzhou to the U.S. and the subsequent tensions it caused within Canada demonstrates the complex relationship between the countries. Yet, these matters often get less coverage than more sensational events in Mexico and South America.

Myths and Shared History

Historical and geopolitical myths can also play a role in underreportage. For instance, the 9/11 attacks brought international attention to Canada, with some U.S. press suggesting that some of the 9/11 bombers entered the U.S. through Canada. While this turned out to be a misconception, it took considerable effort to debunk, and some people still hold onto the belief. Similarly, the goodwill shown by Canada during the 9/11 crisis, especially in accommodating American planes in Newfoundland, is often underreported. Films like 'Argo' further perpetuate misconceptions by giving more credit to American agents and downplaying Canadian contributions. This highlights the need for more accurate and balanced reporting to counteract such myths.

Taking a Closer Look

Ultimately, it is crucial to take a closer and more objective look at the events and issues happening in Canada, Mexico, and South America. These regions and nations have significant impacts on global affairs, and their stories deserve more attention. By fostering greater understanding and highlighting the shared interests and challenges, the media can help bridge the gap in knowledge and appreciation between these neighboring regions.