Though Jamaican media is closely modeled after both British and US media, its different lingo is worth mentioning. Tact is used at a much lesser degree.
Upon reading Jamaican Observer headlines and stories over the past few months, I discovered that both the tone and language would be considered inappropriate in the US. The stories containing the most graphic language are those regarding violence and/or deaths, but it seems that censorship in violent content is overlooked. Jamaica is obviously considered to have a different dialect than American English, but is that to blame for its blunt reporting?
These two stories that were covered by the Jamaica Observer are examples of stories that contain harsh language. One was titled, "I Clobbered Him With the Hot Dutch Pot Cover", and another is called, "Man Chops Ex-Girlfriend's Family Then Hangs Himself"
The first story, interestingly, is written in the form of a feature story. It discusses how a woman's longtime experience causes her to "retaliate" against her abusive husband. The story even includes a clip-art-looking visual of a man and woman fighting. The tone of the article is light and borderline ridicules the topic.
The second story briefly covers a homicide and suicide. The headline uses the word, "chops" and forms of repeatedly throughout the article. I found this offensive, and I think the writer, editor and whole publication lacks sensitivity to violent subjects.
These stories illusstrate the biggest cultural differences in comparison with the US regarding the reporting of violence.
After researching more articles from different news sources, including the Jamaican Gleaner, The Star and RJR News, I found that it was only the Observer releasing such graphic headlines.
Interesting post. Good discussion of cultural differences.
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