Biggest Challenge for Journalists is Not Slanting Headlines

adam Nov 18, 2010 12 Comments

“Biggest challenge for Kozy fire victims is finding shelter for the long term.”

“Biggest challenge for Kozy fire victims is finding new housing.”

“Biggest challenge for Kozy fire victims is finding digs for this winter, and the future.”

“Biggest challenge for Kozy fire victims is finding new accommodations that fall within income and professional requirements, as well as meeting preferred geographical placement and/or a proximal bus lines and/or with parking (and Wi-Fi wouldn’t hurt).”

“Biggest challenge for Kozy fire victims is finding new “bad area” to set up cardboard boxes from which to commit [perceived] continued nefarious crimes and victimize the upstanding, white citizenry of Duluth.

Maybe it’s just me. Link to original story.

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12 Comments

Derek Montgomery

about 14 years ago 

I'm just going to ask the question, how was the headline biased when the story talks about finding long-term housing for displaced Kozy victims?

CatLady

about 14 years ago 

I'm with you adam, there seems to be a disconnect among some people about what this actually means for residents of the Kozy. Do you think they would be living above the Kozy if there were a lot of options available to them? And those who think it's a blessing in disguise that this "blemish" will be gone from Duluth should try walking a minute in someone else's shoes. Or try to find low-income housing in said shoes.

Jadiaz

about 14 years ago 

I read the article. I see nothing wrong with the original heading. It brought up points about how some housing, aka shelter, is available only for the short term. It then discussed how, because of some previous tenants records, the lack of housing low income or otherwise, long term housing aka shelter, would be challenging for these individuals to find. I for one am glad the bar is gone, but am also very sad it came at the cost of those individuals homes. I'm sorry Adam I just can't see your point about this being a slanted headline.

Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago 

I'm with those who don't understand where you're going with this. At worst (and even this is stretching it) the headline is simply less than ideal. This post is misdirected energy.

TimK

about 14 years ago 

From DNT 11/17: "BRAINERD, Minn. — A 52-year-old Brainerd man says he will not accept the Brainerd Citizen of the Year Award after he was charged with possessing child pornography." Perhaps a better (worse?) example?

Bob

about 14 years ago 

I don't dig the digs of the DNT just for the sake of knocking them down, adam.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago 

This is one of the most confusing criticisms I have ever read.

Claire

about 14 years ago 

Adam, does your criticism of the headline have to do with the word "shelter," as opposed to another, less-loaded-in-this-context word? 

I thought the article was well-written, respectfully-reported, the reporters actually talked to a lot of people to present a pretty clear picture of the challenges these displaced persons have to deal with. I am gratified there doesn't seem to be the usual over-the-top sensationalism with this ongoing story that we've come to expect from the DNT.

Claire

about 14 years ago 

I take it back -- today's article was pretty sensationalistic. The "she said/she said" stuff about the deposits was not news.

adam

about 14 years ago 

"Shelter," yes. Again, maybe it's just me.

rediguana

about 14 years ago 

I think adam's heart is in the right place here in trying to make a point about perceptions and stigma and how they knock people down--in Duluth in particular. This city is really a rather judgmental, unwelcoming place for anyone deemed an "outsider," which includes those with criminal records or substance abuse issues. We would all do well to put our perceptions aside and help out our fellow human beings who suffer from this and many previous tragedies.

mac

about 14 years ago 

Adam could be a little more clear about what he's talking about.  The story talks about people who will be needing long-term shelter.  You can say shelter is a loaded term, but some of the stereotypes might fit here considering even Ringsred has come out and said that without him many of those people would be on the street.  So in a sense, he is providing "shelter" in the loaded sense of the word.  However, to go so far as to call "shelter" in the headline an obvious sign of bias/slanting is a stretch at best.

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