Of my earthly possessions, one of my favorites is a USA Today newspaper box where I keep my old clips stored. In the window of the box is a copy of the paper’s first edition, printed on Sept. 15, 1982.
It wasn’t a great day for news. Princess Grace died in a car crash in Monaco. On the same day, a massive charter plane crashed en route from Spain to New York. Somehow, out of 382 passengers, 327 lived.
The paper took a calculated — and vilified — stance on the headline. “Miracle:” it began, “327 survive.”
Competing papers had a field day with us. Between our short stories, color photographs and full-page weather forecasts, we gained a reputation we’d never shake: Journalism Light.
Today, here were the top headlines from the Thanksgiving weekend:
California’s fire contained; search for bodies continues
Trump thanks himself for low oil prices
MLB wants $5,000 donation back after senator’s comments
Amway Coaches Poll: Georgia up to No. 4, Ohio State rises to 6
Snow: 650+ flights axed on post-T’giving Sunday
49ers cut LB arrested on domestic violence charge
Travelers scramble to get home ahead of blizzard
2 killed in shooting outside Orlando pizza eatery
Notice anything missing? Miracles.
Scratch that. Forget miracles. Simply find a positive story in the headlines.
After being eviscerated by The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and innumerable competitors, USA Today retreated from its unofficial editorial policy of putting at least one “bright” — a simply positive story — in its front pages.
What a mistake. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then our decision to mimic the competition’s dour worldview was tantamount to a journalistic blowjob.
Well, screw the “No news is (going to be) good news” theorem. Particularly now, the idea that grimaces trump grins has left the media in lockstep with the nation’s fixation on sadness and anger. If anything, USA Today should make it editorially mandatory to note there is good in the world still.
To that end, The HB offers The Silver Linings Journal, outlining when media coverage is actually warranted:
When this gentleman helped this other gentleman with his tie before a job interview.
When these strangers hugged it out in a food court.
When this adult decided to hand 1,000 arcade tickets to a random kid.
When this pizza hero came to class.
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Just delivered pizza to a elementary school and all of the kids started a “pizza” chant as I walked in and put it on the table. Was giving out high fives on the way out, felt like the fucking man
When this group handed out extra bouquets from a formal event to strangers on the street.
When this tipper made a server’s night.
When this person paid the bill for these new parents of twins.
When this commuter hooked it up.
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The guy next to me on the train was watching the office, so naturally I not so subtly watched along. He noticed me watching with him and turned on the subtitles. I hope he knows that I would die for him tbh.
When these strangers with similar fashion taste bumped into each other at the airport.
When this man let this woman have the last generator for her father’s oxygen tank.
When these strangers got seated next to each other on a plane.
When this Chick-Fil-A employee went above and beyond.
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I went through the chick fil a drive through bawling and the girl asked me if I wanted a chocolate or vanilla milkshake. And I was like no I ordered a sweet tea and she goes “no honey you need a milkshake”
Service: unmatched
When these subway riders split a bottle of wine that rolled out from under the seat.
When this gentleman offered to help this man down the escalator.
When this generous neighbor gave the green light to a young basketball player.
When this driver looked out for his passenger.
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My Uber driver was telling me “stop apply lipstick!” and “start lipstick, Miss!” because of holes in the road… not all heroes wear capes
When this person sacrificed their umbrella to save a car’s sunroof.
When this anonymous benefactor paid for a stranger’s tires.
When this man offered to split his tips with those in need.
When these ladies had the best girls’ night of all time.
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When an undercover parking authority reserved a spot for this special bike.
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My son has parked his bike by this lamppost just about every day for the last year. This morning, this sticker had appeared. Absolutely made our day. People can be so brilliant. Thank you, whoever did it
When this photographer captured love in one frame.
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Today a stranger took a picture of my boyfriend dropping off breakfast to me at work, then came back to my job to give me the photo.
When this person helped complete a tribute for a stranger.
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This note was left on the gate at the water this afternoon. No name or number left but whoever you are, rest assured your rose is in place in the middle of the lake.
On the same day, a massive charter plane crashed en route from Spain to New York. Somehow, out of 382 passengers, 327 lived.
