Friday, August 05, 2005

SPIN: Headline writer politics

The Chicago Sun-Times (Aug 5) headline read, "Bush shrugs off al-Qaida videotape," followed by the subhead, "Day after 14 Marines killed, al Zawahri promises more dead." I say "shrugs off" is a loaded term. It clearly carries the connotation that Bush gave little meaning. Place next to the death of 14 Marines, the headline suggest callousness on the part of the President. The dictionary defines it is a gesture of "indifference" and," and "to minimize the importance of."

Such an impression was not evident in the report by Nedra Pickler. The story centered on Bush's reacton and resolve in the face of threats. By definition or connotaton, Bush did not "shrug off" the threats or the deaths.

No comments: