The other day I had an interesting conversation with someone about whether or not the following is an improper headline: “Illegal accused of burglarizing several houses.”
My impromptu debate opponent said it is was sensationalism to use “illegal,” and that we should have just used “man,” since his crime had nothing to do with him being here illegally.
After about 30 minutes of friendly debate, we agreed to disagree.
However, I posed the question to my Facebook friends, some of whom have been in the media at some point in their lives — although most of them have gone on to more lucrative fields. Following are some of their comments. Feel free to weigh in on the issue either on our forum at www.jacksonvilleprogress.com or by sending me an e-mail to editor@jacksonvilleprogress.com.
From a hometown friend, who is now a teacher
Illegal accused of illegal act. Does the double illegal make him legal? (That was one of the first comments, and my favorite!)
I’m just a reader who would more likely read the story with your headline than the proposed one.
From a fellow journalism student who is now a
college volleyball coach
There IS a reason why I left the field of journalism! Facts or sensationalism? Hmmm, what did Susan teach us? It didn't make much 'sense'! Lol Good luck with the morality of journalism coverage.
From a former newsroom coworker in Baytown
If his residency status had something to do with the crime he allegedly committed, it goes in the lead. If it doesn't, then work it in somewhere after the second paragraph.
From a former Jacksonville Daily Progress reporter
Also to consider: because he is an illegal, he will have a different “punishment” for the crime, most likely. Like a jail term followed by being deported. Dunno — I think it's the editor's call. *passes the buck back to ya!*
From a high school classmate and fellow church member growing up
The way I see it, you're in a “No win” situation. Half of the population (actually more) is probably wanting to call him an outstanding, falsely accused citizen. The other half is thinking something totally different.
From a friend who is an instrumentation tech
If he truly is an illegal then even if he did not buglarize the home he is still breaking the law. That is not an opinion, that is fact. Please feel free to look the term illegal up in your dictionary.
From my junior college
journalism professor
(Former newsroom co-worker in Baytown) suggestion has clarity, fairness, and perspective. That said, I'm not sure humans are illegal. They might be in the country illegally, but I'm not sure the U.S. has officially declared humans illegal.
From me
So, if someone whose documentation proves him to be a child molester is accused of robbing a house, y'all wouldn't try to work that into the headline? The two crimes have nothing to do with each other, yes, but it's a criminal accused of another criminal act. What's the harm in pointing it out in a headline?
Guarantee you if I, as an editor, was nabbed for something breaking into houses, the headline would read, “Editor accused of breaking into houses.” It would entice people to read the story, more than the headline, “Man accused of breaking into houses.”
More from my junior college journalism professor
I think the bigger picture has to do with current issues surrounding immigration. The “Editor analogy” doesn't hold very well since there is not a national debate surrounding editors or journalists. I'm not saying the information about residence status doesn't belong in the story. I'm saying it doesn't belong in the headline because putting it in the headline suggests some correlation between status as an undocumented resident and being an accused burglar. The headline would suggest a relationship that does not exist.
And, finally, more from me
Being in the trenches day after day for years now perhaps has dulled the sense of textbook correct and incorrect. I do believe my analogy of “Editor arrested ...” works in this case. Of course, there is no political-correctness movement for editors, as there is for just about every other group. As an additional bit of info, we do have significant population of illegal immigrants, and our citizenry is concerned.
So, here’s my solution
“Man suspected of burglarizing houses” or wait, that's prejudicial toward men ... “Person suspected of burglarizing houses” ... wait, that's prejudicial to humans ... “Lifeform suspected of burglarizing houses” ... but, maybe that leads some to feel insecure about living in a house ... “Lifeform suspected of burglarizing residence?”
• • •
As with my debater, in the end, my former journalism teacher and I agreed to disagree!
Richard Nelson is editor of the Jacksonville Daily Progress.
Opinion
Lifeform suspected of burglarizing residences
- Opinion
-
-
Jacksonville will always be her home
The newsroom is always changing. You never know who is coming, who is going, as so many public officials told me when I first came to the Daily Progress over the summer.
-
Not just who we are, but who we aspire to be
Rarely in our country's history have non-elected officials had a profound effect on public policy. While rare, it does happen from time to time.
-
Just Ask Janet: Update on circulation situation at JDP
In keeping with my ongoing commitment to communicate with you about things at the paper, let me update you on our circulation situation.
-
County budget discussion needs to begin soon
When county commissioners were forming the current fiscal year's budget this past summer, there was a lot of talk.
-
Silence from LMC can be deafening
Each time there's news about a change at Lon Morris — whether it be the departure of an official or the delay of paychecks — the rumor mill in the area begins to fire up again.
-
Transparent government a must for JEDCO, city
The concept is simple — those who handle public funds should do so in as open and transparent a manner as possible.
-
Just Ask Janet: Kudos to the engines behind the hit parade
I went to the Christmas Parade Thursday night, and I am so tickled to tell you that it was wonderful! I say kudos to the Chamber of Commerce and all those who participated in the parade for making this year’s event so much fun.
-
Just ask Janet
This year, for the first time, the Marine Corps League is collecting toys in Cherokee County for needy children. All toys collected will remain in Cherokee County and go to Cherokee County children.
-
Don’t outsource tax collections
Received my letter from the appraisal district, very alarming. It seems someone (little/flowers) is discussing to combine the appraisal district and the county tax office.
-
Just ask Janet
This time last year I ran a survey in the paper asking you what you like and don’t like about the Jacksonville Daily Progress.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Jacksonville will always be her home
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
