Like a lot of people, I have a love-hate relationship with the media. While, generally speaking, I have a great deal of respect for the mainstream media in keeping us informed, even going to such great lengths as to place their own lives in jeopardy in order to garner and report news, they also have a tendency to frustrate and annoy me. At no time is this more apparent than when a devastating storm, such as Hurricane Harvey, hits the country. Sure, I think such a storm and story are of great significance and should be reported as such, but while I feel it's important for the people at large to be informed about such a horrific event, I think it's incredibly stupid and insensitive for many of these reporters to, instead of actually reaching out to and helping the victims, asking them questions when they're in their worst state, such as:
- "So, how's it going?" (Uh, how do you think?)
- "What's the water like where you live?" (You know it's a record-breaking flood, right? The water is high.)
- "Did you lose anything of significance?" (Look around you... Yes!)
- "What was your reaction when the hurricane started and you realized there was going to be a great deal of flooding?" (So happy! It was like their wedding day all over again!)
- "Who are you calling out to? Is this person a family member of yours? Are they dead? If so, tell us how you feel..." (This is when the cursing and punches may come flying...)
These victims should not be used as props to garner bigger ratings. This isn't a reality television show; this is real life. Such a storm ravages an area, where up to hundreds of thousands, even millions of people are impacted. Many have lost their homes, electricity, food and beverages, memories, even loved ones. Then is not the time to be asking them, "So, how's your day going? Have anything fun planned for the weekend? Are you excited about football starting soon?" Then is the time to set down the microphone, turn the camera off, and try to help these individuals and families in need. I should note that there have been occasions where this has occurred, and I salute the reporters who have placed humanity over ratings. However, these good deeds seem to be more of an aberration than a trend, and in my opinion, if these reporters don't have any aid to offer or provide the victims, leave them the hell alone!
- "So, how's it going?" (Uh, how do you think?)
- "What's the water like where you live?" (You know it's a record-breaking flood, right? The water is high.)
- "Did you lose anything of significance?" (Look around you... Yes!)
- "What was your reaction when the hurricane started and you realized there was going to be a great deal of flooding?" (So happy! It was like their wedding day all over again!)
- "Who are you calling out to? Is this person a family member of yours? Are they dead? If so, tell us how you feel..." (This is when the cursing and punches may come flying...)
These victims should not be used as props to garner bigger ratings. This isn't a reality television show; this is real life. Such a storm ravages an area, where up to hundreds of thousands, even millions of people are impacted. Many have lost their homes, electricity, food and beverages, memories, even loved ones. Then is not the time to be asking them, "So, how's your day going? Have anything fun planned for the weekend? Are you excited about football starting soon?" Then is the time to set down the microphone, turn the camera off, and try to help these individuals and families in need. I should note that there have been occasions where this has occurred, and I salute the reporters who have placed humanity over ratings. However, these good deeds seem to be more of an aberration than a trend, and in my opinion, if these reporters don't have any aid to offer or provide the victims, leave them the hell alone!
Comments
Post a Comment