I’ve been facing the working journo’s version of a devil’s cocktail: multiple deadlines mixed with lots of travel. But despite my burdens, I was still able to take note of Daily Beast’s over-the-top effort to render recent diplomatic spats between the US and China into something … scary. Specifically, a (re)package of stories that it labels “How scary is China?” Below, the very picture of mindless fear-mongering (click to enlarge).
Now, I happen to think a package of stories that examines recent diplomatic difficulties between the US and China is a fine idea. And I’m all for flashy headlines. But if, say, someone were looking for proof that certain elements of the US media are reflexively anti-China (define as you see fit), headlines that ask how – not whether – China is scary, would be a fine place to start. Me, personally, I don’t find anything particularly unusual about the recent US-China flare-ups – except for the amount of coverage they’re receiving from US and Chinese press compared to, for example, past coverage of Taiwanese arm sales. And, generally, I think that’s a good thing: it means more people are paying attention to US-China relations. A pity, though, that the Daily Beast”s contribution to that generally positive development is a headline unworthy of a high school newspaper, much less a news organization that fancies itself respectable. Way to go.
[Thanks to Anup Kaphle for pointing out the Beast package via one of his tweets.]
Adam — I realize you might not find the recent flare-ups unusual, but what’s your take on why they are getting so much press coverage right now?
Daily Beast has always struck me as a publication more bent on entertainment and sensationalism (pageviews!) than real journalism.
I have to agree with Dana. Tina Brown has always been a tabloid publisher in establishment clothes. On the other hand I think you are being too tough on her. This is the kind of headline that other US media anxious for a fight publish all of the time.
The Onion had a fantastic write up on China. It was almost like the articles were written by Youth Daily and they could have been if not for appearing in The Onion.
How about China/India relations? 20K troops on each side of the border, armor and artillery as well and a US spec ops/airborne base about 500 miles away.
The headline might be over-the-top but the core of the DB story is accurate. There have been a number of recent new frictions initiated primarily by China, which threaten US-China and World-China relations. It is a serious matter. China is beginning to get worldwide pushback as a result of a spat of arrogance.
Nanhe’s comment is so right on. The Daily Beast thing is like a parody of an anti-China bias. So lame.
I thoroughly agree Eli Owen’s comments, China is acting as if it has already been coronated as “global ruler” and now everyone better prostrate.