That was an actual news headline
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We've chatted about this before, about journalists INSISTING on using the word 'fingered' in headlines when referring to people identifying or pointing out others.

I mentioned in a previous article: Now I know what it means to finger someone, but I think we know that it brings about laughter every time it is used. To identify someone or to point someone out can NO LONGER be described with the word "finger". It just can't be done. I am very sure there are people out there who think it is perfectly normal and makes perfect sense, which it does, but why risk it?

Hans Pienaar, who writes for IOL, clearly doesn't take his job very seriously. He used the above headline in a June article. Using the word 'finger' or 'fingered' is distracting enough, but Hans thought he would use it in a headline which also contains the word 'sex'.

"SA PEACEKEEPERS FINGERED FOR SEX CRIMES"

What are you trying to prove, Hans? Are you telling me that it didn't cross your mind that your headline was fucking ridiculous? Do you really think so low of your job as a journalist that you're happy for people to laugh and snigger at your headline? And please, Hans, DON'T tell me that you have never heard of the word 'finger' in a sexual context.

Can I tell you what MOST people thought the moment they read your headline? It's pretty obvious, Hans. They pictured SA peacekeepers being probed from behind with a pair of digits. After all, the punishment should match the crime. They are guilty of sex crimes and they should be punished sexually. How many years will they be fingered for, Hans?

Well done, keep it up.

*It is understood that the headlines are often dreamt up by sub-editors and not the actual journalists. I don't think that makes any difference whatsoever - any journalist with half a brain would have their sub-editors chage the headline after they've seen the likes of the one in question. Personally I'd have my sub-editor fingered for at least two years.

Seth Rotherham
Editor
2oceansvibe.com
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