The tragic story today was the fateful flight of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 that crashed just after take off, two miles off the coast of Lebanon. The plane carried 90 people; 21 bodies have been recovered, so far no survivors.
Plane crashes are reported with regular frequency, statistics given, articles contain personal information about passengers, to help humanize the story and help the reader feel connected, invested. This particular article, however, contains a subtle element of mystery. Out of the 1,153 words that comprise the article, two small paragraphs leave the reader with a sliver of doubt as to the circumstances surrounding this supposed 'accident'.
'Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said terrorism was not suspected in the crash of Flight 409. "Sabotage is ruled out as of now," he said.'
The statement was tucked in between talk of a country in mourning and an aircraft with a spotless inspection record. It was followed later with the following information:
'The plane was carrying 83 passengers and 7 crew, Lebanese officials said. Aridi, the transportation minister, identified the passengers as 54 Lebanese, 22 Ethiopians, one Iraqi, one Syrian, one Canadian of Lebanese origin, one Russian of Lebanese origin, a French woman and two Britons of Lebanese origin.'
The questions left in the wake of 9-11, even 9 years later, surface with a few well-placed words. 'Terrorism', 'Sabotage', 'Iraqi', 'Syrian'. With no proof to the contrary, even in the face of wicked weather, poor visibility, and high winds, the reader is left with a sense of reasonable doubt.
It is the power of words. A writer who wields them wisely, can affect the world around her.
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