Alumna Margo lives and works in the US: what America did she wake up to?

In 2012 Margo Vansynghel obtained a master’s degree in art history from Ghent University. She subsequently trained in journalism. After four years as a culture and lifestyle journalist with De Tijd and weekend magazine Sabato, she followed her heart to Seattle in 2016. Today she works as an ‘Arts Economy Reporter’ for The Seattle Times. What are her thoughts on the outcome of the US presidential elections?

“I woke up to a country that is anxiously awaiting what the coming years have in store. Some are genuinely frightened, others feel bolstered. That is why accurate reporting and journalism are more important than ever, both in the US and the rest of the world.”

Everyone’s going on about a divided America.

“People often say that here and while I don’t disagree, I do see a similar polarisation in Europe and other parts of the world. The elections revealed a pronounced shift to the right across most demographic groups and in nearly all states, with the exception of Washington State, where Seattle is located.

We often talk about political division but maybe we should focus more on a different kind of polarisation: the gap between rich and poor, which is larger in the US than in most other developed countries and which has only widened in recent decades.”

How do you see journalism in the US evolving?

“The press in general is under tremendous pressure. We are witnessing an increase in so-called ‘news deserts’, which are characterised by a fundamental lack of local journalism. The rift between those who have access to local news and those who don’t, continues to grow. I think this will have a disastrous impact on our society because research shows that in places where the news doesn’t penetrate, corruption thrives and voters tune out. In turn, this contributes to political polarisation and the spread of disinformation.

Another worrying trend is the worldwide increase in both physical and online attacks on journalists, threats and other attempts to curb the freedom of the press. Unfortunately I don’t see things improving anytime soon.”

Your main focus as a journalist is on culture. How will the election result impact this sector?

“The political situation will have a direct impact on the cultural sector. For example, it’s no secret that Donald Trump would like to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). As an independent federal agency, it is the leading funder and grant provider for artistic projects. Also, the cultural sector is still reeling from the financial consequences of the Covid epidemic.

I also expect an impact in terms of art and cultural production itself. Artists, musicians, theatre makers and writers are often those who clarify or even ridicule the sociopolitical

situation and put things in the proper perspective. They also offer an escape from reality, providing people with a place and time where they can find peace and joy.”