You know when something truly tragic happens and the media gets its hands on it and tries to play the sympathy angle but just comes off like a total asshole? That is today.
As I type, the RCMP are diving in a lake looking for the body of a kid who is presumed drowned after the canoe he and two other boys were in capsized. Two of the boys were saved, but, hours later, it would appear the third has been lost to the water, his life over, his family bereft. In the piece being played on a loop throughout the dinner hour on the national television channel, the reporter repeatedly refers to the police as saying that "the most tragic thing about it is that none of the boys were wearing lifejackets or flotation devices." Really? REALLY? That is what you see as the most tragic aspect of this horrific day? Because I am absolutely certain that the most tragic thing is that ONE OF THOSE KIDS DIED. Police believe that this all could have been avoided if the kids had just put on life jackets. Right. This is THE PERFECT TIME to point that out. The fact that kid is dead? ALL HIS OWN FAULT.
Let's be realistic here: the news is a business, and announcers want your attention. They will play on your sympathies and interview a poor tearful boy about his probably dead friend, which is tasteless, perhaps, but at least relevant. But is this really the time to preach to the public about proper water safety at the cottage this summer? Yes, that information should be shared, but now? Now, when divers are underwater trying to find him? Now, when surely his family are lost in despair and prayer, making deals with any deity who will listen, hoping against unrealistic, fading hope that they may see him again? Now, when the people he came to the lake with are still clustered around the shores, not having eaten or gone to the bathroom since that canoe capsized because they cannot bear to walk away?
He is dead. Here are the facts. There is nothing you can do. Breathe. Let the mourners come. Breathe.
Leave the water safety for tomorrow.
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