I think you’re reading way to much into things.
Nine articles is not a “wave” or “trending”, and if you had read any of them they’re essentially non-sensational, explain that the image is notable because of its role in the development of digital imagery, why they’re moving away, and why that’s for the best.

Jumping from a small number of neutral articles in either explicitly technical or technology adjacent sources to a “wave” of sensationalist agitation targeting older dissatisfied white men is, frankly, really fucking weird.

With your “I don’t work in this field, why do I need to hear about this” it really feels like your saying anything you don’t care about shouldn’t be reported on, and if it is reported on, it’s because someone must have an ulterior motive.
It’s been a near standard test image for decades. Deprecating it is a model case for a low stakes info piece if you’re a tech publication. News you’re not interested in isn’t automatically cultural warfare.