WaPo writer: 'Baseless' Rolling Stone blowback is product of 'tedious outrage machine'

Sarah D. | 1:09 PM on July 17, 2013

Citizens from across the political spectrum are understandably disgusted with Rolling Stone’s glamorization of terrorist Dzhohkar Tsarnaev. But as the Washington Post’s Erik Wemple sees it, their anger is merely “the output of our country’s tedious outrage machine.”

right now on @CNN: @ErikWemple defending @RollingStone cover as capturing the essence of the riddle of Jahar Tsarnaev

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 17, 2013

Rolling Stone objections: Baseless. http://t.co/PB6DimsfBm

— ErikWemple (@ErikWemple) July 17, 2013

Here’s are two of Wemple’s “counterpoints” to those who “baselessly” object to Rolling Stone’s cover:

*This is good journalism, as the photo depicts the same Dzhokhar Tsarnaev that The Post and the New York Times — and others — depicted in deeply reported pieces. That is, a regular, good guy with friends, interests and activities — a “joker,” even.

*Showing this alleged bomber in his full humanity makes him appear even more menacing.

Bull.

Is the whole of Boston, Mass., a "tedious outrage machine," @erikwemple? | To Rolling Stone detractors: Please http://t.co/iokr5wTcms

— Ken Shepherd (@KenShepherd) July 17, 2013

https://twitter.com/BenRen20/status/357530681317920769

Put a cool-looking killer on every magazine cover #slatepitches RT @ErikWemple: Rolling Stone objections: Baseless. http://t.co/edFIo24KyM

— John Tabin (@johntabin) July 17, 2013