Emily’s post (does anyone remember Emily Post?) yesterday made a very important point, while reminding me of one of my Top Ten Pet Peeves in Journalism. All too often, lazy TV and print reporters begin a story with this hackneyed construct:
“At 37, Generic Person seemed to have it all. A loving spouse. Two healthy children. A steady job, adoring friends, gorgeous house, generous parents, amusing siblings, and excellent health.”
Then comes the shocking reveal. Generic Person’s life is not, after all, perfect. Maybe cancer strikes a child, or the job is lost, or GP has a shameful secret that he manages to hide from the whole world, including his loving spouse – and it’s tearing him up inside!
If I’ve learned nothing else in my 50 years on earth, it’s that, as Emily said, nobody has it all. I just wish reporters would learn the same thing.
