Oxymoron - Intentional Accident
There are numerous egregious examples of media using the word "accident" reflexively and incorrectly.
Road Rage:
Casco, Maine – February 23, 2015
Despite considerable evidence that this was an intentional
act, the Portland Press Herald referred to this incident throughout the story
as an “accident”.
Murder:
Los Angeles, California – January 29, 2015
Rap mogul Suge Knight runs over and kills man in altercation
in parking lot. Charged with murder in
this allegedly intentional act. Yet
media around the world, including the Daily Mail, referred to it as an “accident”.
Fraud:
Long Island, New York – January 7, 2015
5 people arrested for allegedly staging crashes in an
insurance fraud ring. Despite the clear
intent, media refer to the incidents as “accidents”.
2 drunk 2 care:
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – February 18, 2015
Woman tweets “2 drunk 2 care” then drives the wrong way on a
highway killing two girls. Media call it
an “accident”.
The problem is that media no longer consider the meaning of the word "accident". It is now used without thought about whether the circumstances fulfill the definition of "accident". Very rarely do traffic reporters, or general assignment reporters have any awareness of intent, fault or blame when reporting on roadway incidents.
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