It's not unusual these days to experience a sense of déjà vu when browsing the latest headlines on social media. The stories are the same, just with different words plugged in almost at random. It's as if our nation's journalists are gradually working their way through a giant book of Mad Libs (2019 Edition). For example:
1. (Old and revered American institution) is actually (something bad) because of (word ending in "ism")
The Apollo program was designed by men, for men. If we do not acknowledge the gender bias of the early space program, it becomes difficult to move past it. https://t.co/Mt7rVLgAaf
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 17, 2019
2. The (leadership title) of (prominent advocacy group) was fired for resisting (something woke)
As president of Planned Parenthood, Wen resisted using trans-inclusive language (believing it would 'isolate" some supporters), would remove the word 'sexual" from 'sexual and reproductive health," and resisted using 'abortion" as a stand-alone term: https://t.co/PBpLMsHghp
— Ruby Cramer (@rubycramer) July 16, 2019
3. (Someone you don't like) and other (group of people you don't like) defend (name of celebrity) after he/she was attacked on (social media website) for wearing (historic American symbol) (item of clothing)
Ben Shapiro, other conservatives defend Chris Pratt after he is criticized for wearing "Don't Tread On Me" t-shirt https://t.co/AQ71fHnDaK pic.twitter.com/zOJ5bCg2UC
— The Hill (@thehill) July 17, 2019
4. (Big tech firm) to unveil (token appeal to inclusivity)
Apple announces "disability-themed emojis" to arrive in the fall. https://t.co/fY5KkrDGtr pic.twitter.com/9t6XdJXXO2
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 17, 2019
5. (Ratings-obsessed cable network) slammed for inviting (irrelevant yet controversial figure) to discuss (explosive, Trump-related topic)
CNN ripped for having white nationalist Richard Spencer on to talk about Trump's tweets https://t.co/KSnr2M58mR pic.twitter.com/dJPrtYN4Kk
— The Hill (@thehill) July 17, 2019