Press Action ::: Passive Israelis, Active Palestinians

Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Passive Israelis, Active Palestinians

Mr. Michael Getler
Ombudsman
The Washington Post

Dear Mr. Getler:

George Orwell in his famous essay, Politics and the English Language, observed that in bad writing “the passive voice is wherever possible used in preference to the active.” It seems that the Washington Post follows a bad writing style whenever Israeli occupation forces kill Palestinian civilians, but not when Palestinian militants kill Israeli civilians or even occupation soldiers.

Contrast example [A] with example [B]:

Example [A]:

"At least 11 Palestinians were killed and more than 135 were injured Monday in five attacks by Israeli military aircraft on Palestinian militant targets in the Gaza Strip. Most of the casualties were women, children and other bystanders, Palestinian hospital officials and witnesses said.” ["Strikes by Israeli Aircraft Kill at Least 11 in Gaza, More Than 135 Hurt, Many Women and Children” by John Ward Anderson, The Washington Post, Tuesday, October 21, 2003; Page A19.]

Example [B]:

"Palestinian gunmen ambushed a group of Israeli soldiers on a foot patrol near a Palestinian village in the West Bank on Sunday night, killing three and injuring a fourth, according to Israeli military officials.” ["Palestinian Gunmen Attack West Bank Patrol, Killing 3” by Molly Moore, The Washington Post, Monday, October 20, 2003; Page A17.]

The use of passive voice for Palestinians civilian victims and the use of active voice for Israeli soldiers killed is not only poor use of the English language but really a form of poor journalism. I hope that you will urge the staff of the Washington Post to use a consistent style of reporting for all victims of violence, whether Israeli or Palestinian. Kindly note that I shall send a copy of this letter for publication in Pressaction.com, edited by Mr. Mark Hand.

Sincerely,

Tanweer Akram

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