Posted on 12/29/2010 5:15:26 PM PST by jazusamo
Are "illegal aliens" simply misunderstood "undocumented immigrants?" The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Diversity Committee believes so, and it's engaged in a campaign to "inform and sensitize journalists as to the best language to use when writing and reporting" on the issue. That may sound nice, but there is nothing insensitive about calling a crime a crime.
Leo E. Laurence of the SPJ diversity committee contends that, "Frequent use of the phrases 'illegal immigrant' and 'illegal alien' by our mainstream media is being questioned in order to remain faithful to the principles of our U.S. Constitution." The issue, however, is more political than constitutional. SPJ asserts that because under the Constitution someone is innocent until proven guilty, the use of the word "illegal" is prejudicial. "Simply put," writes Mr. Laurence, "only a judge, not a journalist, can say that someone is an illegal."
Mr. Laurence is confusing several points. First, there is a difference between the use of the word "illegal" as applied to an individual and as applied to the general issue of illegal immigration. A person arrested for stealing may be referred to as an alleged thief, but those who are collectively committing burglaries are rightly referred to as thieves. As well the Constitution applies to the behavior of government, not individuals. Journalists don't face the same constitutional restrictions as the government and don't have to observe the same formalities. If the logic of fealty to constitutional restrictions were applied generally to the journalistic profession, it would mean the end of reporting as we know it.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
What happened to freedom of speech?
It is an attempt to hide facts from the readers/viewers/listeners. It is NOT journalism.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Diversity Committee. I’ll bet you can smell the flatulence 30 miles away when these clowns have a meeting.
How dare you stupid, little Tea Bagger racists think we’re biased!
Don’t you know that calling people names is demeaning?
/sarc
The slime in our society will do ANYTHING for power. Pure hypocrisy: they accuse others of being “un-Constitutional” when they, and their radical leaders, break Constitutional law on a daily basis.
What heresy is this?! Oh wait, it's the Washington TIMES, not the Washington POO.
I work with LEGAL immigrants, who are now citizens, they jumped through hoops to get there, earn an honest living, pay taxes, etc., and if you think that YOU are upset about this issue...
Oxy-MORON
There lots of politically correct rules in journalism.
For example, the MSM always refer to the Founding Fathers as the “Founders” or the “Framers” of the Constitution. They do this because the term “Founding Fathers” is allegedly offensive to feminists. In that case, it doesn’t matter that they were all men, we can’t use a term that would offend liberal females.
Anyone in a criminal case is said to be an “alleged” criminal in the media. Major Hassan “allegedly” killed those people in Ft. Hood. The people aren’t “allegedly” dead, they are actually dead, but the media always says that some crime “allegedly” happened when a trial is pending.
If I recall correctly, there have been efforts to make pronouns gender neutral.
Homosexual activists have brought pressures to use the term “gay” rather than “homosexual” in any news stories dealing with homosexuality.
After Jesse Jackson made a speech saying that blacks should be known as “African-American”, that term became standard in the MSM, though black is still used. Years ago, the term Negro fell into disuse and was replaced by black.
I’m sure there are other examples of MSM framing discussions by the words they use.
I just call them illegals. The problem is not that we have laws, the problem is, people ignore them. And our politicians cheer the lawbreakers on. Not to mention the mush-headed news media.
I just call them illegals. The problem is not that we have laws, the problem is, people ignore them. And our politicians cheer the lawbreakers on. Not to mention the mush-headed news media.
Rare is the person consistent in the use of language. Entering the USA without permission from the nanny is a paperwork misdemeanor. Tancredo’s HR4437 tried to make it a felony and failed.
Every day I speed and don’t wear my seatbelt on the way to work. So I to am an illegal and working illegally because I get to work illegally, just like other illegals.
We have politicians who swear to uphold the Constitution and then violate both the oath and the Constitution. So they too are illegals in a worse sense than illegal aliens.
Semantics is inconsistent in non-political areas also. When a notorious athlete plays for the other team he is slandered. But when that same athlete signs with my team he suddenly rivals St Paul’s conversion.
Is there objective description of anything? If a tree falls in the forest is there no noise until the courts rule on whether noise occurred?
The fun begins when black Africans are described as “African American Africans.” I have actually seen this in print...
This is a great article and I am glad they had the guts to write it.
Me too, it's easier and more descriptive at the same time.
I call ‘em invading barbarians.
If you look at the history of Rome, the similarity between the illegal aliens and the barbarian invasions is striking.
You and I know that folks with visas of any kind are subject to far more restrictions and penalties than are the "illegals", so why not CREATE A VISA for the "illegals".
They don't need to apply for it, but the second they cross that border, or their visitor's visa expires, they got this new one called "Visitor2" or "Student2" (to cover the "illegal"'s kids).
First off, they have to show evidence of having MEDICAL INSURANCE. Certainly a whole host of penalties can be applied to foreigners here without MEDICAL INSURANCE. Secondly, they need to start paying the fee for the VISA ~ which is $5,000 per person, and renewable only 1 time for $10,000 per person. This fee is not refundable (lest they apply for a different visa and get it) and cannot be dismissed through a bankruptcy preceding.
Their kids (born here or not) must be fingerprinted for future reference ~ just like US Government employees or soldiers.
Failure to pay the Visa fees, or provide proof of medical insurance is a Class A felony subject to fine and imprisonment for 16 to 21 years.
That would go a long way toward FIXING the problem, and in this case we are no longer dealing with "illegals", just folks with "Visitor2" visas!
Oh, yeah, and the "Student2" visas? The leftwingtards have never complained about the practice of requiring student visas ~ even Obama's baby-daddy had one so it's gotta' be good!
It has nothing to do with political correctness and everything to do with avoiding being sued for libel. There is a presumption of innocence for anyone charged with a crime, even if they're caught with the victim's blood dripping from their hands, until a court actually pronounces them guilty. At that moment the word "alleged" vanishes.
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