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Michael Shaw

Michael Shaw

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Reading the Pictures: What if the Media Stopped Sensationalizing Sarah Palin?

Posted: 05/31/11 09:52 AM ET

Palin Rolling Thunder 1

In other words, instead of glamorizing Sarah like The Times did with this (biker edition) Cover Girl photo and the movie lot "Easy Rider" title, what if the media published photos of Team Palin -- in this case, at Sunday's Rolling Thunder veteran POW/MIA motorcycle ride starting at the Pentagon -- as the flimflam they really are?

For example, why not show how Palin created a nuisance for the security people by showing up without an invitation -- while, at the same time, photographers from the major newswires knew exactly where to find her.

Palin Rolling Thunder 4 HuffPo Still

Bristol Rolling Thunder HuffPo Frame

What about publishing a photo like this screen grab, Bristol Palin casting a look that could kill in the direction of the HuffPo video reporter (Sarah just figuring out who she's talking to) not there to play the game.

Palin Rolling Thunder 2

And then, I couldn't find another photo from the event that showed Palin wearing this mega-cross -- but for as long as she had it on, it sure looked impressive. As mentioned before (I'm thinking of the Star of David Sarah had on for the length of time she was in the tunnels under the Wailing Wall), she's got this uncanny ability to accessorize.

Palin Rolling Thunder 3

Finally, supposedly out of camera range, it's actually refreshing to see Todd (aspiring to Washington) not wearing that happy face. As for Sara, I'm sure most people (mirror, mirror) would understand that wearing that badass helmet does involve relaxing about letting your hair down.

(photo 1: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images caption: Former Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (C) and her family attend a biker meeting in the Pentagon parking lot as she prepares to ride a motorcycle as a passenger in the May 29, 2011, Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride thru Washington, DC, in support of US troops in past and current wars. Thousands and thousands of motorcycle riders come from across the US to attend the demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars. screen shots 2 & 3 Jason Cherkis/Sara Kenigsberg - HuffPo. photo 4 & 5: Molly Riley/Reuters)

 

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huffyISaHottie
Nothing about me is micro;).
01:57 PM on 06/05/2011
What?..ignore sarah and miss those gems she blurts out once in a while?...did you hear hear her version of the Ride of Paul Revere?...I wouldn't miss that stuff for the world.
02:36 PM on 06/04/2011
And to help out, this will be the last time I click on a Sarah Palin headline. Bye.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
John Zorabedian
I'm a writer living in Mass.
03:31 PM on 06/05/2011
I doubt that ;)
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
DanBeach
non-profiteer
11:36 AM on 06/04/2011
What if the Media Stopped Sensationalizing Sarah Palin?

That would be GREAT!

Do it!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
liberalOrgonian
12:33 PM on 06/03/2011
Every one LOOK at Sara.
She NEED MORE attention than anyone on this planet.
She can't stand not being "the spotlight" of all things political.
Her love of slandering the president, dividing the country and MONEY
is all she cares about.
FlimFlam : Now THAT description fits the woman to a T.
Go home Sara we don't want to hear or see you again, EVER.
Your baby is crying and these is no food in the house.
Now that you walked away from your job as governor, be useful,
close your mouth, and go be a mom.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
inkongirl
10:12 AM on 06/03/2011
Flimflam...nice!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
John Zorabedian
I'm a writer living in Mass.
12:32 PM on 06/02/2011
The idea that the media should just ignore Palin is ridiculous. Whether you like her or not, she is a major political figure in this country, and merits coverage.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
InedaName
I voted 3rd party in '08.
05:12 PM on 06/02/2011
Sarah Palin is a Fox News commentator and reality show star. She holds no office (she once did but she quit halfway through because books, reality TV, Fox News, and the lecture circuit are more lucrative than being governor of the 4th lowest populated state in the Union). She might be hinting at it, but she has made no official announcement that she is running for any office. So other than being a former half-term governor and vice presidential candidate, how is she still a political figure?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
John Zorabedian
I'm a writer living in Mass.
07:50 PM on 06/02/2011
I thought I made clear: this is not about whether you or I like her. She is a major political figure, undeniably. Not because she holds any office, but because she has millions of loyal fans and could make major waves in 2012.
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bad spelling grammar
Help save Big Cats from extinction!
06:35 PM on 06/02/2011
"Major political figure" HA I can’t believe you just said that. I guess you must have really low standards for politicians. Sarah Palin is as qualified as the Boogie Man, Ronald McDonald or the Tooth Fairy for politics. She quit the last political job she had which was being the Governor of Alaska or did you forget. I don’t know how you could possibly support a quitter.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
John Zorabedian
I'm a writer living in Mass.
07:51 PM on 06/02/2011
I never said I support her. I said she is a political figure. She has a huge following. She is the Tea Party. She can influence elections.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
JudeOnPolitics
11:55 AM on 06/02/2011
News isn't news the way it used to be. Our news used to be immediate history of moments ago; and, it used to be sifted for meaning and importance.
Now all we get is the entertainment of rumor, innuendo, speculation, instigation, and voyeurism.
When these glory seeking sops appear on the tube, I turn the channel.

Our nation is in this mess because the media have fallen down to talking vaccant heads with no wits on what is important. Our Watchdogs are withered and wilted...no real news anymore.
03:58 PM on 06/01/2011
I didn't realize readers and viewers had NO CONTROL when it came to what they consumed. The "media," for the most part, is a money making machine. If you're not interested in the content they serve, stop funding them with your views and clicks.

The only thing more annoying than the incessant Palin coverage, is the incessant ignorance of the average reader/viewer and their blatant refusal to acknowledge their part in creating and maintaining Palin as a public figure.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Lemeritus
Been there, done that, lived to tell
09:49 AM on 06/02/2011
Points well taken.
06:04 AM on 06/04/2011
My sentiments exactly.
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
03:14 PM on 06/01/2011
Well, Mr. Shaw, I can tell you where we might give this sensational idea of yours to desensationalize Sarah Palin a trial run.............right here on pages of Huff Post/AOL! There are at least 8 to 10 stories about Palin today on this site. Every public breath she takes is reported on. Personally, I can't stomach the woman. But, I'm totally amused at how clever she is in positioning the media, including you, Mr. Shaw, to scamper about her like bumbling gnomes and report her every move.
jaslyn
why can't we all just get along?
05:59 PM on 06/01/2011
agreed. I've put out there, that we as readers stop commenting on her at all, and maybe they'll bring the articles down from 10 to 1.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Lemeritus
Been there, done that, lived to tell
09:50 AM on 06/02/2011
And, yet, here we are.
02:28 PM on 06/01/2011
Then they would have to sensationalize Michele Bachman. Face it, they have to have someone with no redeeming qualities to sensationalize. Paris Hilton, Donald Trump, Kobe, Kim, Jack, Jill, Newt!!! It HAS to be someone!!!!!
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
AwShucks
Obama-Biden 2012 Let's Do it Again
01:52 PM on 06/01/2011
Those are not flattering pictures of the old broad
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
total frizz
I'm not dead yet.
10:41 PM on 06/04/2011
As an old broad, I take exception to that remark.
Karma2U
Blessed are the Peacemakers
01:03 PM on 06/01/2011
There is an old saying: "If you ignore the devil, he will flee from you".
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
11:28 AM on 06/05/2011
I recall an old simpsons halloween episode where corporate logos came to life and attacked the town. They way to stop them was to implore the townsfolk to "just don't look" and they'll go away. If only...
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NRode
From the Midwest. Mother of 5. Grandmother or 5,
12:29 PM on 06/01/2011
what if they just stopped reporting on her altogether?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
123biteme
This we will defend
10:59 AM on 06/01/2011
No substance whatsoever. They look so damn fake but the media just cant help flooding the airwaves with this nonsense. What has she done to merit such coverage? This is insane? The media will help get this fool elected so they can report on the day to day destruction of this nation.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
1Troubles
03:34 PM on 06/01/2011
The media created her!!!!!
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
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booker52
avid reader
10:40 AM on 06/01/2011
If the lamestream media (Palin's words not mine) would stop showing, talking or tweeting about her she would disappear.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
auramac
03:20 AM on 06/03/2011
Why are we here?
dessertsfirst
because life is too short!!
07:03 PM on 06/03/2011
exactly!