The world comes to us as headlines…..
It is a worldwide truism that many people interested in news simply read or glance at the headlines and then decide which stories to read. A word, a phrase, a sense of familiarity…all contribute to piquing our interest.
That makes perfect sense and explains why women will stop and carefully read headlines (and advance to the article) that proclaim something like “Scientist wins Nobel Peace prize” or “Global economics is a mess” and sometimes, “Brad Pitt gets better with age” or “George Clooney poses nude again”.
Men, for the most part, are more consistently elementary and earthy and will stop and peruse almost any headline that just might be punny or titillating, to wit: “(Some unknown ‘celebrity’) has wardrobe malfunction” or “Upside-down bikini fad pushing the limits of casual wear.”
As a former newspaper editor, I love headlines, all kinds of headlines, from the mundane to the intellectually stimulating to the drop-down-on-the-floor hilarious. All types are out there daily; all you have to do to fund them is peruse the myriad newspapers, magazines, and electronic news outlets.
Headlines that have “demanded” my attention…and should demand yours also.
“Pot grower crushed to death by policeman driving a bulldozer.” There are some actions in life that are right, partially right, partially wrong and double-dog dead wrong. There is no “right” in that headline.
“8-year-old homeless refugee becomes chess champion.” Who would not read this story? Only folks who hate chess, the homeless, or refugees. The young boy is not just a champion, but the overall champion of New York in the 6-9-year-old age group. And he has been playing the game for less than a year. His goal: To be the youngest chessmaster in history. (Did I mention he was a homeless refugee?)
“Arkansas ranks 1st in U.S. for highest percentage of residents facing food insecurity; Texas better, is in 5th place.” No words can do these rankings justice…except residents of those states should BE ASHAMED!
“House Republicans want to slash food assistance to infants…again.” Forget politics. Forget political labels. When billionaires and super-companies avoid paying their fair sharif taxes, while free school lunches and assistance for those living under the poverty line are cut by “budget-minded” politicians, you know – KNOW! – something is skewed!
“Gun in pocket of substitute teacher discharges in first grade classroom, one injured.” There is nothing about this headline that is right. Arming teaches is an idea akin to giving diabetics with no self control a washtub full of Little Debbie snacks.
“Florida school vouchers can pay for TVs, kayaks and theme parks.” What could possibly be a valid reason for underfunding public schools, underpaying teachers, and giving tax dollars to private schools? No debate necessary.
“A black man was handcuffed while moving into his own house.” Racism is alive and well in America, thanks to Neanderthal thinking. Headlines such as this one provide subtle hints that key leaders think that abusing people who are different or don’t believe as you do is A-OK. The tiny-minded minions that follow racist tendencies preached by so-called leaders are to be scorned. If you see nothing wrong with this headline, God help you.
“Ultra-wealthy charities that are helping no one and report nothing cost U.S. taxpayers billions every year.” Such loopholes in tax laws are intentionally written (or not written) by elected officials bought and paid for by big companies and lobbyists handing out money. There is no other explanation.
“DACA recipient working as a flight attendant detained by ICE.” This story from several years ago is about a woman who had been in this country since she was three. Her DACA status was in effect; she is married to a U.S. citizen and worked for Mesa Airlines. She was refused re-entry to the United States after a flight to Mexico. She has never been in trouble, works hard and pays taxes. Find something “right” about this situation and I will buy you dinner.
“Chick-Fil-A, other companies on the hot seat after ‘anti-LGBTQ policies.’” People deserve to be treated as they want to be treated. Many people love the low-maintenance food at this restaurant chain; many of those people will not be having that signature sandwich with the white pressure-cooked chicken chunk and the single pickle. Count me among that number; same with Hobby Lobby, My Pillow company. There should be consistent consequences for non-inclusion and outright hatred of lifestyles, religions and other human likes and dislikes by individuals and companies..
“Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress for lying, misusing campaign money.” Okay. There are 535 members of Congress. Who’s next? Line ‘em up!
Some social media headlines from offshoot so-called “news sites” are slanted and are stories unto themselves and do not need lengthy explanations; they just stand on their own merit as they claim to be fact-based. “The country is not in good shape; Donald Trump is no genius businessman who wields the magic touch of a political wizard; anyone who follows him blindly and refuses to see what exists behind the ‘curtain” will, one day, be dragged down with this snake-oil salesman and master manipulator.”
Then, there are headlines that all readers feel comfortable reading:
- “Chinese zoo under fire for disguising hairy dog as a lion.”
- “Watching cat piano videos are good for your health.’
- “Minnesota town re-elects dog as its mayor.”
- “A social media app translates your cat’s meows.”
- “Police find ‘very angry’ dog wearing sweater and pants.”
Me? I try and spend more time with piano-playing kittens than real-world folderol.
George Smith views the world from the back porch Bedspring Ridge, a dogtrot house he built in Sutton, Arkansas on old family land on a spot where his great-grandfather’s house once stood. There he lives and opines with his wife BobbieJean and a rescue dog, “Li’l Dawg.” A former newspaper reporter, editor and publisher, he has a master’s degree in business, is a retired director for a global technology company, has been a business owner, student of government and the behavior of politicians. He has been a college instructor, national motivational speaker, community development and festival development consultant and is a published author.