Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Mollie Hemingway, Ed. ·
January 24, 2013 at 5:49pm
This correction of an error-riddled graphic that ran in the Chicago Tribune is not just one of the longest corrections I've read, but one of the most telling.
If you like examples of how to be defensive and avoid self-reflection, make sure you read it to the end.
*I've decided to start using the descriptor "assault" as liberally and incorrectly as journalists do.
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Sep '10
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Chicago Tribune summary:
"We're stupid, not malicious, so don't hate us too much."
Jan '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
I would give this a "partially true", because although the sling attachment is usually used for straps to carry a gun across one's shoulder (rather than mount a bayonet or grenade, as claimed by the article) - the sling, when attached to the gun, could be used to provide centripetal velocity to hurl a gun (even when unloaded) at an individual. That would constitute assault. QED, partially true.
May '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
That title made me laugh. Good point, too.
Feb '12
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Their intent in publishing the totally overblown graphic was purely to educate.
Yeah, right.
Mar '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
So if I understand the physics here, attachment of a sling AND a bayonet makes the gun an atl atl?
Aug '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
I have a friend who has taken to adding the word "assault" to anything that might cause harm. He recently addressed the problem of "assault windmills" for example.
Dec '12
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Knowles'...corrections...are all quibbles over minor points. Which destroys the credibility of his claim that the Trib had no agenda in publishing such a blatantly misleading item.
Apart from that, it's hard to believe that writers and editors, for whom words are their professional stock-in-trade, could be so careless with their words.
Eric Hines
Sep '10
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
This has much in common with the Clinton 'explanation' of the handling of the Benghazi debacle, as I noted here.
The Tribune fell victim to its own confirmation bias. In the minds of the reporter(s) who wrote the original story, assault weapons are bad. Bayonets are pointy and spears are pointy. Both are scary. Given the reporter's predisposition, that loose connection is good enough. No need to split hairs. Flash suppressors are bad too, regardless of their principal purpose (safety).
Once you believe a narrative, any evidence or pseudo-evidence is accepted uncritically; skepticism is suspended. Inconsistent facts are overlooked. From the paper's point of view, they were not promoting "...a specific liberal agenda on the topic of gun control." They just overlooked some facts and made a "careless mistake." I'm sure they believe this sincerely.
What's missing is any understanding of how wishful thinking contaminates rational thought. The lesson to take from this is not that the media is biased, even though that's true. This disease of thought afflicts everyone, conservatives and liberals alike. Well, maybe not alike, but I've seen it on Ricochet. Ultimately, it's self-defeating. Be vigilant.
Mar '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Here is what they should have run.
Jan '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
skipsul - re the atlatl - if the rifle is launched as the projectile, it would probably be better viewed as a "dummy spear", as there aren't any pointy parts.
Sep '10
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
skipsul
Here is what they should have run. · 10 minutes ago
Its a club with all kinds of gnarly parts that could cause someone to lose an eye or give someone a concussion.
May '10
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Everything is a weapon. Every single thing.
Jun '10
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
In the interest of fairness, the story correctly identified which end the bullet comes out of. Sure, it got a few minor things wrong, but it was spot on about that, thus assuring that no unsuspecting person would pick up the wrong end.
Apr '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Wait ...
Is an assault reply to this assault post an assault violation of the assault code of conduct?
Jan '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
On a more serious note, I'm reminded of the Gell-Mann amnesia effect. (ie you read an article about your area of interest or expertise, and think that's all wrong, but then read with confidence all other articles in the paper)
Mar '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
My favorite part is that the correction still gets the flash suppressor wrong. It doesn't "hide the flash" from anyone being shot at, it hides the flash from the person firing the weapon.
Dec '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
The correction, though, continues to promulgate ignorance of the subject. The long weapon illustrated is a rifle, not a gun, as we had reinforced for us ad nauseum in basic training (even using delightful and off-color rhyming verses).
And, EJ, the Morton graphic is hilarious.
Jun '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Hillary:
What does it matter, really?
Mar '11
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Just because liberals are wrong about everything doesn't mean that someone who is wrong about everything is a liberal.... geesh!
Nov '12
Re: Assault Media Runs Assault Correction On Assault Weapon Graphic*
Excellent link thanks!
Weak-minded susceptibility to such "amnesia" versus strength in the basic principle of "falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus". Love it and live by it, just did not know these concepts had precise terms. But then, as far as the Latin phrase, nothing pertaining to human behavior and interaction is really new. No?