In the year 2014 mass panic ensued at the thought of a world wide Ebola epidemic. This idea was greatly sensationalized by the media who severely misinformed the public on the actuality of the situation and the means wit which infection could spread. Take a look at the the following article. The headline incites fear and panic with its word choice.
The heading of the article reads "Ebola in the air? A nightmare that could happen." The use of the word nightmare and the conclusion that, airborne Ebola could happen, equate an unrealistic situation with what was actually going on. For example, A piano could land on your head tomorrow, killing you. However, the reality of the situation is highly unlikely. It goes along with the saying that 'anything is possible but not everything is probable.'
The article is not very rhetorically sound. A proper argument would not constantly contradict the statement it was trying to defend. An example would be this line "The World Health Organization says its scientists are unaware of any virus that has dramatically changed its mode of transmission," and this line "Speculation that Ebola virus disease might mutate into a form that could easily spread among humans through the air is just that: speculation, unsubstantiated by any evidence." Oh and of course this line from the articles "cited source" stating that "Osterholm and other experts couldn't think of another virus that has made the transition from non-airborne to airborne in humans. They say the chances are relatively small that Ebola will make that jump."
The article fails to mention that rapid spread of the virus in industrialized cities is unrealistic due to the health systems in place, cultural taboos, and societal practices of American culture.
The reason Ebola was dangerous in Africa was largely due to a lack of health infrastructure, lack of access to clean water, and cultural burial practices that include lots of contact and touching of dead bodies. In order for ebola to spread the virus has to come in contact with an individuals mucous membranes. This would require an individual to get some sort of fluid from an infected individual inside of their eyes, nose, or mouth. According to the CDC and WebMD, Ebola is one of the least contagious viruses. HIV is considered more contagious than Ebola.
Due to this articles headline on a prominent news source like CNN, it instilled great fear and panic on the American people who lacked a general understanding of the disease.
This type of sensationalism is dangerous and it represents the power of slanted media.
On a lighter note, here is the meme on slanted reporting.
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