In a sure sign that the silly season is upon us, the editor of the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper has apologized to "anyone offended" by this headline:
Fright 214
At least 2 die, 181 taken to hospital after S.F. crash-landing
It's explained that the Asian American Journalists Association says:
“Some who saw the tabloid’s cover took offense, contending that the headline – ‘Fright 214′ — perpetuated the oft-used stereotype of an Asian accent.”
Really? Because the stereotype is that Asians substitute 'r' for 'l'? Anybody honestly think that was the motivation rather than the opportunity to make a silly pun, or that anybody in the world except the "looking to be offended by everything" crowd will find it the least bit offensive?
On the other hand, a silly pun on top of a story about death and destruction is a little off-putting. I will now be offended for 10 seconds. There, all better.
