Disaster Porn

May 22, 2013

“i feel bad for the victims in OKL, was just in the state, but when there's no more to actually report, the media engages in #DisasterPorn” ~ Bill Maher

Bill Maher tweeted the above yesterday.  He took some flak for it.  I don’t usually agree with him, but in this case I will make an exception.  No one can deny that it is important to cover disasters.  People need information.  However, when there is nothing new to report, we are inundated with constant replays of the initial coverage or “human interest” stories that are meant to tug at our heart strings and garner ratings.

Is this a bad thing?  If it brings in funds for the relief organizations, the answer is no.  On the other hand, this type of coverage milks the suffering of others.  I feel like a voyeur.  I cringe.  I wind up turning off my television as I can no longer stand to see the pain reflected in the eyes of the victims.

It is train wreck syndrome and I believe that it does a disservice to those affected and those watching.  There is a well-known saying among journalists, “If it bleeds; it leads.”  Disasters bring in money.

The victims are fodder for the cameras.  I understand that most agree to tell their stories.  Yet, I doubt any of them realize how they are being used.  It stops being about them and becomes a sound bite.  When someone or something more interesting comes along, they are dropped in a New York minute.  Only then are they allowed to lick their wounds in private.

For the rest of us this constant stream of disaster porn is unhealthy.  People are either numbed by the constant barrage or become obsessed with it.  It isn’t good for anyone.

When the media does not have any new information to share, it needs to take a breath, return to normal programming and get back to us.  It isn’t that difficult.