From Pinkwashing to Blackout
30th June 2021
Ten years or so ago, when I was covering the cultural enrichment news from Sweden, I learned about a strange practice that Swedish TV news engaged in to protect the privacy of suspects in incidents of violent crime: not only did they pixelate out the faces of the alleged perps, but they lightened the skin tone, to make it seem like the thugs were ordinary Swedes. And this was done when police were actually seeking help from witnesses in finding the suspects. It made no sense whatsoever; it was completely insane. But that’s Sweden for you.