Dear Matzav Inbox,
I write with frustration over a glaring inconsistency within the frum media landscape, one that is far too blatant to ignore any longer. It is beyond time for us to face this uncomfortable truth: While print publications like Yated, Hamodia, Ami, and Mishpacha have consistently and commendably chosen to exercise sensitivity toward their readership by not publishing images of women, the leading frum online news outlets, such as Matzav and Yeshiva World, are doing the exact opposite.
This dichotomy is not only baffling but speaks volumes about the misplaced priorities that have seeped into our community’s media platforms. How is it that respected print publications adhere to the halachic guidelines of tznius and respect for our frum values, while their online counterparts, Matzav, YWN and others, blatantly disregard them, posting pictures of women without any thought for the sensitivities of their own audiences?
The hypocrisy is appalling. These same websites and social media platforms, which hold themselves out as paragons of frumkeit, have no problem crossing boundaries that their print counterparts have consciously drawn. The excuse that “times are changing” or “the digital space is different” is not only tired but insulting. If these outlets truly care about preserving the integrity of our hashkafos, they would follow the example set by the established print publications and not expose their readers to images that undermine the standards of modesty we hold dear.
These online platforms perpetuate these inconsistencies across their social media channels and WhatsApp groups too. While frum print publications are extremely vigilant about maintaining their readers’ sensitivities, these digital outlets do the exact opposite, as if the rules of modesty no longer apply in the digital world. It seems that online platforms, which are supposedly more accessible and reflective of our values, have chosen to ignore the profound responsibility they have in shaping the attitudes and practices of their audiences.
What kind of message are we sending when we allow the frum online platforms, which reach an even broader audience than print and WhatsApp, to disregard the very values that others are so careful to uphold? How is it that we can claim to be a community that values tznius, but we fail to ensure that our most far-reaching and accessible forms of media, our online outlets, uphold these ideals?
We cannot allow these platforms to continue their double standard without serious consequences. We must demand consistency across the board.
If print media can show the world that it is possible to respect our community’s values by choosing not to post images of women, then there is no reason why online platforms cannot and should not do the same. Our standards of tznius should not be so easily swept aside in favor of convenience or digital trends. It’s time for Matzav, Yeshiva World, and other online outlets to step up to the plate and hold themselves to the same standards as our print publications.
It’s time to call out the hypocrisy and demand consistency. Our community deserves better, and our values deserve to be protected.
Sincerely,
Disgusted
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