The Haitian immigrants are “eating the pets” in Springfield, Ohio. This statement was just one of the countless lies told to us during the presidential debate spoken by Donald Trump. This baseless rumor that JD Vance admits to having “created,” has made the city of Springfield face endless backlash. Less than two days after the debate, six buildings, three schools, the city hall building, vehicles and employees were a target for bomb threats all while derogatory language was being used toward the Haitian immigrants.
When it comes to persuading the opinion of others, both politics and media are key elements used to manipulate and influence society. So when a presidential candidate states to the media that 911 calls from other residents indicate that Haitian immigrants are “walking off with their pets” while they are in the parks, there are people who will wholeheartedly believe the words he says.
Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, debunked the rumor and clarified that “what we know is that the Haitians in Springfield are legal” he continues to say that “they came to Springfield to work.” DeWine made it clear that though there are problems within the economy, the problems do not include the consumption of pets.
Springfield police reported that “there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused” by the immigrants. Following the debate, a middle school had to be closed and two elementary schools were evacuated due to the extent of threats.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, a university in Springfield faced shooting and bomb threats, sent via email. According to Wittenberg University, the emails “targeted members of [the] local Haitian community.” Due to continuous threats, the residents of the campus were urged to go home as classes remained online for the week.
To better understand how politics are affecting the media by escalating a factless rumor, I spoke to Rome Motz, a freshman at Wittenberg University, to share his experience.
“I first heard about the threats from my roommate,” Motz said. “She mentioned how people online were being racist towards the Haitian community and they were speaking a lot of harmful rhetoric.”
He then went on to note that the campus’ anonymous app, which is used by many students, started blowing up when the town was brought up during the debate.
Shortly afterwards, Springfield started receiving threats and the students were told to check their emails for more information. “That was when we were alarmed by the first of many threats to our school,” Motz said.
“I strongly believe political figures should be held accountable for what they say. We have freedom of speech, but not freedom from consequence….The rumors that spread really tell a tale of how easily a lie can be taken out of hand,” Motz continued.
Even other Republican politicians have taken this fabricated story to social media, where they are sharing AI generated cat memes. Although many of the immigrants are in the U.S. legally, they are being threatened and persecuted for being “illegal aliens.”
“The words of a handful of people put so much stress on the citizens and students residing in Springfield. I read messages sent anonymously about how scared everyone was and how much they wanted everything to end,” Said Motz. “My roommate told me that the short lockdown on the dorms was the scariest threat she had to endure.”
This student’s perspective highlights how a political statement can spiral out of control in the media. I think the words he used to speak on accountability perfectly sum up my opinion on the matter: “we have freedom of speech, but not freedom from consequence.”
My thoughts and support go out to the people in Springfield, Ohio. In the words of the mayor of Springfield, Rob Rue, “We need help, not hate.”
During this crucial time in America please remember to spread kindness and positivity. Make sure you register and go vote on Nov. 5th.
chollywo@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @realdonaldtrump, Instagram
