I first heard Marshall McLuhan’s words as a communications major in my undergraduate studies. I had a strong sense then as a young man just how true McLuhan’s words were, that the way something is communicated speaks as loudly as the message being conveyed. That strong sense has grown into a conviction.

Consider the disturbing images we’ve seen from the insurrection at our nation’s capital. They speak volumes. Consider this picture of a noose—the symbol of killing, hatred, racism, and terror. Although the gallows was quickly constructed, there’s no doubt it was pre-meditated, planned to send a message to anyone who saw it. The medium is the message.