OK, you chimed in on Britney Spears. Now check this one out. Is it acceptable for journalists, especially talking heads on broadcast, to refer to tomorrow's primary battle as "Tsunami Tuesday"?
Sensitivity also matters in advertising and public relations (check out the pieces for this week's Discussion Arena).
I have my own view. What's yours?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Acceptable Lingo or More Morbidity?
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5 comments:
I think using the term "tsunami" to describe tomorrow's political events is acceptable. The usage of the word is not meant to reference the tragedy caused by natural disasters, but rather the overwhelming impact the day has in the presidential election. Using "tsunami" helps readers to understand the impact of tomorrow's outcomes. Besides if you called it "Crazy Tuesday", then people with mental illnesses could take offense.
I highly doubt that "Tsunami Tuesday" is meant to link the political event to the disaster of 2004, but I have to admit when I read Tsunami that was the first thing I thought of. These commentators have to realize the connotations this word has, and how such a descriptive word can bring up emotional ties to the tragedy. Whatever happened to just calling it Super Tuesday?
At first glance I thought the controversy over calling Super Tuesday "Tsunami Tuesday" was simply a product of the politically correct culture we live in. However, when paralleled with a campaign "going down like the twin towers" this attempt at a fresh name for the day seemed a little inconsiderate. Still, the comparison between the general term "tsunami" and a direct reference to 9/11 appears a slippery slope argument. Maybe journalists are searching for a name with more imagery, yet it seems unnecessary. I do not think calling it "Tsunami Tuesday" is morbid, but I do think it is an unnecessary, far-reaching attempt to put a fresh spin on a heavily covered issue.
I agree with the post just above this one. I don't think that the primary issue with the term is its offensiveness, but rather its lameness. I also agree with the idea that the generalness of the reference makes it difficult to attack. I know that the tsunami destroyed many lives, but I think it is unreasonable to think that any metaphorical or other references to tsunamis need to be eliminated. Does that mean that saying something like "Plaxico Burress tore through the end zone last night like a hurricane, causing an obliteration of Patriot defense" would be unacceptable because Katrina was such a difficult disaster for so many?
We all love alliteration, and "Tsunami Tuesday" is no exception. What's sad is that the word "tsunami" now has so much baggage attached to it. To be honest, it took me a minute before reading the article to figure out why it would be offensive in the first place. I mean, we all know "Throw in the Towel Tuesday" "Tequila Tuesday" would be much more accurate descriptions of what is about to occur, but I'm sure people would be a bit perturbed at what those names entail.
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