Phrasing isn’t everything, but it’s a lot. Media outlets in particular have to be mindful of that.
Unfortunately, someone at the New York Post was less mindful than they should have been.
Check out this headline on WWE star and actor John Cena’s recent surprise visit with a seven-year-old boy battling cancer:
WWE's John Cena surprises Make-A-Wish 7-year-old with cancer https://t.co/uNlknz3iK2 pic.twitter.com/PkiMYjWXGs
— New York Post (@nypost) May 4, 2020
It’s actually a really sweet story. Unfortunately, a lot of people couldn’t get past the headline.
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THE REPLIES I AM LAUGHING SO HARD https://t.co/UnNTRO8Afs
— Erin Biba (@erinbiba) May 5, 2020
So are we. Here’s a sample:
why he give him cancer?
— ? (@27ringsbro) May 4, 2020
Geez, most times they just send the kid to Disneyland.
— GR (@yychoeman) May 5, 2020
kid: *asks for Animal Crossing*
Cena: *gives them cancer*— The butterflies are drinking the caiman’s tears (@Buddha6883) May 5, 2020
not inviting this dude to any of my birthday parties
— m i t h (@ManlnTheHoody) May 5, 2020
brings the worst gifts
— Barbara O'Toole (@barbaraot) May 5, 2020
“Surprise! you have cancer and you can’t see me”
— Clay (@cdouth) May 4, 2020
“SURPRISE, KID. YOU HAVE CANCER” pic.twitter.com/jRT43MTll4
— The Dank Knight ? (@capeandcowell) May 5, 2020
Worst Make-A-Wish surprise ever https://t.co/gk03irba6f
— Don Moynihan (@donmoyn) May 5, 2020
Petition to make John Cena stop giving cancer to kids.
— Ian Fortey: Poutine Sommelier (@IanFortey) May 5, 2020
Where do we sign?
The wording on this is not great, guys.
— ConsiderTheBees (@Wildfyrewarning) May 5, 2020
Hey NY post,
I am a professional writer. I've worked in newsrooms for over four years.
Based on this headline, it looks like you are hiring.
— Joe Begonis (@TheBegonis) May 5, 2020
