If Nancy Holloway was African American, Asian or Latina would she still be in the news 2 years later?

Question

I was sad when I heard that she disappeared two years ago in Aruba. But I am curious as to why this story is still domoninating the news. I suspect if she was Asian, Hispanic or African American, less coverage would be given.

Correction on the first name. Natalee not Nancy. I am not saying that it is not a sad story, but there have been thousands of missing children stories that have not got any media attention. What is the does this story persists, while others are not mentioned. I do think race and social status has to come in to play on some level.

Answer 1

I agree 100%

Thankfully though, as America becomes more diverse and the older more racist generations that control the media die off you will start to see much less of this.

Answer 2

It is still in the news because people see her as the stereotypical all-American girl. She must have come from a somewhat affluent family, the kind that nothing is ever supposed to happen to. That's what shocks people and gets them hooked on a story. But more than anything, I think the hype is due to the unlikely suspects--rich kids with connected parents. Adding to this is the fact that her body has not been found. This leaves a feeling of mystery to the whole tragic case.

I don't know how much race has to do with it. It does seem most of the missing-persons cases that get attention have to do with blonde girls. But, I can't say if that is the fault of the media or the audience that keeps tuning in.

Answer 3

Perhaps race plays an issue, but that doesn't explain the extensive coverage of the Manendos brothers or OJ Simpson - I suspect it's more to deal with what sells newspapers and gets ratings. I doubt that it has any humanitarian roots what so ever and I doubt that it matters much what color or ethnicity the victim is if the story is somewhat sensational.

Answer 4

I understand your point, but in this particular case I think the answer is yes. This is far more than a narrative about a missing lady. There is possible political corruption (one of the suspects has a father in government) and questions about the competence of the Aruban system. Aruba is also "exotic" from the perspective of most Americans so that adds to the interest in the story. I will agree with those who say that a disproportionate number of missing person stories involve whites but this story is unique.

Answer 5

She is a pretty white girl that gets ratings in the media. This is a sad story but when her mother demanded that world leaders ban Aruba, ( yea ok we will because an American says so) I have just tuned this story out until now. Did OJ or Britney Spears confess to it or something?

Answer 6

You may be right....... but there is NEW evidence against the 3 dirtballs....... one of which is the son of a high political figure in Aruba.......... it may be hard for 3 people to commit a crime and keep a secret these years past......... I hope justice is served

Answer 7

I don't know. If 6 white boys stomped 1 black boy, would a bunch of whites march on the town to celebrate the felons?

Would the media treat it like a civil rights march?

Answer 8

nope,of course not.she was from alabama and Birmingham is number 6 in the worst crime rates,i think its also in the top twenty for missing person in America.for some reason when a white girl goes missing the whole world has to stop for some reason while their are many going missing as i type this that will never be mention by the media

Answer 9

She must not be in the news enough. You don't even know her name.

Answer 10

her name is natalie, but no, if she wasnt as cute as she was, it would not be a headlining story still.