A stupid question asked by some reporters (pet peeve)

lookagain

Elite Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
3,230
"Do you consider yourself a hero?"

I just saw a female reporter ask a man this within the past week. He used
a bulldozer to clear some land of brush/trees/growth away from his neighbors'
properties as fires were a threat in the area and/or were advancing to them at
the time.

----------------------------------------------------------

The question makes me think of these opposing scenarios.


Scenario One
----------------------

Reporter: "Do you consider yourself a hero?"

Person: "No, I was just doing my job."

Reporter: "Well, just doing your job sounds like you were playing it safe.
Can you point me to someone who will admit to going above and
beyond their job? We need a hero for our report."

------------------------------------------------------

Scenario Two
----------------------

Reporter: "Do you consider yourself a hero?"

Person: "You're d a r n e d straight I'm a hero!"

Reporter: "Whoa there, buddy! Real heroes are humble."

---------------------------


It's stupid to ask someone that question.


The question can put the person on the defensive, and it's insulting. It questions
the motives behind the action, in my opinion. It's a lose/lose situation to give a
"yes" or "no."

If I could think clearly and quickly enough on my feet at the time, I would like to
tell the reporter that it is inappropriate to ask someone that question.
 
Last edited:
"Do you consider yourself a hero?"

I just saw a female reporter ask a man this within the past week. He used
a bulldozer to clear some land of brush/trees/growth away from his neighbors'
properties as fires were a threat in the area and/or were advancing to them at
the time.

----------------------------------------------------------

The question makes me think of these opposing scenarios.


Scenario One
----------------------

Reporter: "Do you consider yourself a hero?"

Person: "No, I was just doing my job."

Reporter: "Well, just doing your job sounds like you were playing it safe.
Can you point me to someone who will admit to going above and
beyond their job? We need a hero for our report."

------------------------------------------------------

Scenario Two
----------------------

Reporter: "Do you consider yourself a hero?"

Person: "You're d a r n e d straight I'm a hero!"

Reporter: "Whoa there, buddy! Real heroes are humble."

---------------------------


It's stupid to ask someone that question.


The question can put the person on the defensive, and it's insulting. It questions
the motives behind the action, in my opinion. It's a lose/lose situation to give a
"yes" or "no."

If I could think clearly and quickly enough on my feet at the time, I would like to
tell the reporter that it is inappropriate to ask someone that question.
Another one that irritates me:

Reporter asking a visibly distraught person (in the scene of disaster): "What are you feeling?"
 
Another one that irritates me:

Reporter asking a visibly distraught person (in the scene of disaster): "What are you feeling?"
to be fair it gives the distraught person a chance to vent about the disaster, and the reporters and journalists are always looking for some eyecatching "words of a victim" exclusive to them to better publicise their work so it's a win/win situation (I think)
 
to be fair it gives the distraught person a chance to vent about the disaster, and the reporters and journalists are always looking for some eyecatching "words of a victim" exclusive to them to better publicise their work so it's a win/win situation (I think)
Yes- that is a very possible scenario ...

But it feels so fake at that time....
 
Top