Tag: cross

Obits Rarely Cross That Taboo “Write Ill Of The Dead” As They Look For The Positive In People’s Lives
JOURNALISMS

Obits Rarely Cross That Taboo “Write Ill Of The Dead” As They Look For The Positive In People’s Lives

Capturing a life accurately and sympathetically is a challenge, more so if it is one that lasts nearly a century. So when a notable person like the Duke of Edinburgh dies, obituary writers face a quandary: What should be highlighted, softened or even ignored? News organizations were quick to remember Prince Philip’s long marriage to Queen Elizabeth II and decades of public service. But any character flaws or mistakes, including past public racist comments, were diminished. CNN’s coverage on April 9 provides a good example of this softened approach. “The duke,” it noted, “was known for off-the-cuff remarks that often displayed a quick wit but occasionally missed the mark, sometimes in spectacular fashion.” The Associated Press made more direct mention of Philip’s racist comments – but fo...