The Privilege of Tears: Understanding Missing White Woman Syndrome

Artwork  by Soni López-Chávez

Every woman's life is valuable and deserving of recognition, yet societal narratives often elevate some voices while silencing others. 

Missing White Woman Syndrome reveals the complex interplay of privilege and empathy in our society, where the struggles of white women often overshadow the voices and experiences of marginalized groups.

What is Missing White Woman Syndrome? 

“Missing White Woman Syndrome” is a term that describes the media’s tendency to give more coverage to missing white women than missing people of color. The term highlights the media's sensationalism and the ways it devalues the lives of women of color. It was coined by Sherri Parks, an American Studies professor at the University Maryland. She highlighted the media's obsession with and extensive coverage of missing or endangered white women, comparing it with the indifference toward the disappearances of people of color. According to statistics from the National Crime Information Center, there were 563,389 individuals reported missing in 2023. Of those, 57% were identified as white, including Hispanic individuals, while 40% were classified as minorities, and 3% were categorized as ‘unknown.’ Out of the missing category, about 3 out of every 100 were listed as ‘unknown.’

Why Do News Outlets Cover White Women More Frequently than Women of Color?

The larger question persists as the number of missing women of color continues to rise: why do news outlets prioritize coverage of white women over women of color? 

Some say that MMIW coverage sensationalizes the issue and devalues the lives of women of color. For example, the disappearance of Gabby Petito in 2021 received extensive news coverage, while some say that stories about missing women of color are often ignored. 

Another example of differing media coverage is the disappearance of Laci Peterson in 2002, which received extensive national attention. In stark contrast, the case of a murdered Black woman in Chicago around the same time, Nancie Walker, received minimal local media coverage despite her life as an entrepreneur. While Laci's story made national headlines and dominated the front pages of Chicago newspapers, Nancy's disappearance was refined to page 57 of a local publication, highlighting the disparity in media attention given to white women compared to women of color.

How does the framing of missing persons cases influence public perception and response to the victims?

In “The Long American History of “Missing White Woman Syndrome”, Jean Murley, a true-crime scholar, discusses the Gabby Petito case and the public’s fascination with certain kinds of victims. In her discussion, Murley examined whether the extensive coverage of the Gabby Petito case is truly helpful, especially when people express anger and frustration over the lack of attention given to missing Indigenous women and missing Black women. Murley said when a Black man goes missing, he won't get the same law-enforcement response that Gabby Pettio gets. She remains "cautiously hopeful" because, in addition to the significant media attention surrounding the Gabby Petito case, there has been unprecedented discussion about the unequal coverage and resources allocated to victims based on race, including comparisons between black and white victims, brown and white, and Indigenous and white. This increased dialogue has heightened public awareness of these important issues.

While media coverage was instrumental in uncovering evidence related to Gabby Petito's case, social media also plays a significant role in solving and addressing these cases. However, the imbalance in media coverage—especially when comparing it to cases involving missing minority women—is strikingly laughable.

"Missing White Woman Syndrome" highlights a troubling disparity in media coverage and societal attention regarding missing persons, particularly when it comes to race. The overwhelming focus on white women in distress not only skews public perception but also perpetuates systemic inequities in how cases are prioritized by law enforcement and the media.

Every life is precious, and the value of a person should not be determined by their race or background. As awareness of these disparities grows, it is crucial for society to advocate for more equitable representation and coverage of all missing persons, regardless of their race or background. By fostering a more inclusive narrative, we can work toward ensuring that every person's story is told, every life is valued, and every case receives the attention it deserves.

Addressing these issues is not just about justice for those who are missing; it’s about creating a fairer and more compassionate society for all. The fight for equality in media coverage is a fight for humanity, emphasizing that every individual’s life holds significance and deserves recognition. In a world where all lives are honored equally, we can truly begin to make strides toward justice and understanding for everyone.