Myth, Narratives, and the Death of Renee Good

Stephen Soukup discusses how modern media and political leaders manipulate narratives to influence public opinion and behavior. It compares historical struggles, such as the Civil Rights movement, with contemporary issues surrounding immigration and societal responses.

1. Manufactured Narratives: Soukup argues that media feeds us controlled versions of the truth to elicit specific emotional responses, steering ordinary people towards desired political actions. This manipulation forms a divide between the elite and the general populace.

2. Historical Context: The piece references French engineer Georges Sorel, who believed in the power of myths to inspire group action. He emphasized that it is the idea of a movement, rather than its actual execution, that could incite fear and unity among workers.

3. Present-Day Narratives: Today, narratives are framed similarly. Instead of myths, we call them "narratives. " These are crafted to encourage desired social behaviors, often simplifying complex issues for easier public polarization.

4. Civil Rights Movement Comparison:

• Ben Hunt's reflections on the Civil Rights Era illustrate how the media's focus can suppress political engagement among moderate groups. The narrative presented to his father discouraged action against segregation.

• Soukup relates this concept to current narratives surrounding immigration, noting how selective reporting can shape public perception regarding illegal immigrants and law enforcement actions.

5. Current Political Climate:

• The article discusses how both sides of the political spectrum create narratives, with examples from the Trump administration regarding immigration, showcasing issues like crime and innocence to support a particular viewpoint.

• Soukup claims that the current resistance narratives often lack moral clarity compared to the righteous cause of the Civil Rights advocates.

6. Leadership and Accountability: Soukup criticizes contemporary political leaders for failing to act courageously in the face of social issues, contrasting them with historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. He implies that today’s leaders act performatively rather than sincerely, allowing others, such as activists, to face the consequences of their political stances.

7. Case Study of Renee Good: The piece concludes with the story of Renee Good, who was killed during a confrontation with an ICE agent. Soukup posits that her tragic situation is a result of the manipulative narratives pushed by leaders who position themselves as heroes without risking personal consequences.

The article highlights the importance of understanding the constructed narratives that shape public discourse today. By drawing parallels between past movements and current issues, Soukup urges readers to interrogate the narratives they consume and recognize the manipulation at play among political and media elites. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/12/myth-narratives-and-the-death-of-renee-good/