STAFF ED: Media should focus on reporting, not exploitation of Norway tragedy

The tragic shooting in Norway is just that: a tragedy.

However, many news organizations and pundits almost instantly decided to politicize the tragedy to further their political ends. To name a few we have Fox's Bill O'Reilly criticizing the usage of the word "Christian" to describe shooter, Anders Behring Breivik. "No one believing in Jesus commits mass murder," O'Reilly said on his show.

And on the other hand, there's the LA Times, blaming radical right-wing thinking for the attack.

"Conservative pundits are getting back some of what they've been dishing out for years, finding themselves being unfairly blamed for the actions of those who share their ideology but take it to violent extremes," the newspaper said.

Haven't we had enough of this? Instead of being united in the horror of this tragedy, we're divided by this foolish and ridiculous rhetoric. Such mean-spiritedness prevents us from healing. Furthermore, it is unfair to the people of Norway and others who have been affected by this act of violence.

Terrorism is terrorism no matter what political beliefs the terrorist subscribes to. Anyone who uses his or her beliefs as justification for a mass killing or harming of others is wrong to do so.

In the years after the terrorist attacks that touched our country in 2001, our nation has become more polarized and divided. Ideology, not careful consideration and thought, define the talking points. The media have played into this and become a punchline - a money machine that reports the news and comments blatantly to appease the base audience. Let us hope this kind of irresponsibility in both politics and the media will not plague Norway in the years to come, as it has plagued us.

What we need are solutions to the problem of terrorism, not finger pointing or smug behavior. Let's put aside our differences so we can have a brighter and better tomorrow.

opinion@dailynebraskan.com