Bogus Trend Story
Jack Shafer writes occasional articles, in Slate, about Bogus Trend Stories. These stories usually feature some expression of alarm (more teens having sex!) either without statistics to back it up, or statistics that directly contradict the "alarming trend" trumpeted in the headline and lead. Usually the assertions made in the body or the article are vague or laced with weasel-words. Some recent examples: Online Sales Losing Steam. Many Women at Elite Colleges Set Career Path to Motherhood. Vicious Attacks By Girl Cliques Seen Increasing.
Well, I was a bit surprised to read our very own local bogus-trend story in the Star-Tribune: Canada gives cold shoulder at the border to Americans with DWIs.
Weasel words: "many average Americans getting the cold shoulder at the border". The expert quoted that the number is "increasing" is the president of a company that helps people get permission to enter Canada; perhaps not an objective source. And "That may be happening more often in the future." But the best quote is the following:
Despite the heightened scrutiny, the Canadian government denies that it's refusing entry to more Americans. "We haven't seen an increase in individuals found inadmissible," said Derek Mellon, a spokesman for the Canada Border Services Agency, though he said he was unable on short notice to provide statistics supporting his statement.
Yes, the spokesman didn't have statistics to back up his assertion. But neither did the reporter who wrote the story...
Well, I was a bit surprised to read our very own local bogus-trend story in the Star-Tribune: Canada gives cold shoulder at the border to Americans with DWIs.
Weasel words: "many average Americans getting the cold shoulder at the border". The expert quoted that the number is "increasing" is the president of a company that helps people get permission to enter Canada; perhaps not an objective source. And "That may be happening more often in the future." But the best quote is the following:
Despite the heightened scrutiny, the Canadian government denies that it's refusing entry to more Americans. "We haven't seen an increase in individuals found inadmissible," said Derek Mellon, a spokesman for the Canada Border Services Agency, though he said he was unable on short notice to provide statistics supporting his statement.
Yes, the spokesman didn't have statistics to back up his assertion. But neither did the reporter who wrote the story...