Spin Watch (10/28/25)

Earthquake in Turkey’s Balikesir province; buildings collapse

The framing of the article seems to normalize the collapse of buildings during an earthquake, which could be seen as a structural breakdown. The collapse of buildings during an earthquake is preventable and typically a result of inadequate construction practices or lack of enforcement of building codes. The language used in the article such as “unoccupied buildings” and “these structures had sustained damage in an earlier earthquake” might give the impression that the collapse is an expected or accepted consequence of natural disasters, rather than a preventable tragedy that results from lack of governance.

Moreover, the phrase “panic-related falls” used to describe injuries could be seen as euphemistic language that downplays the severity of the event. This phrase shifts the responsibility for injuries from the disaster itself and any potential failure in disaster management to individuals’ reactions. The contradiction in this article lies in the depiction of an earthquake as a normal and unavoidable event, rather than a disaster that could be mitigated through better building standards and disaster preparedness.

Original Article


Gazan search teams to expand operation for hostages

The language in this article could be seen as euphemistic, with the phrasing “Hamas terrorists” used instead of a more neutral term such as “Hamas members” or “Hamas fighters”. This language frames the group as inherently violent and delegitimizes their actions. Conversely, the term “hostages” is used instead of “prisoners” or “detainees”, implying a lack of legitimacy in their capture and reinforcing the narrative of Hamas as a terrorist group.

The statement by the US President that “Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages” implies legitimacy for the US and its allies in making demands of Hamas. This could be seen as presenting coercion (the threat of “action” if demands are not met) as a legitimate form of diplomacy. The contradiction here lies in the framing of the US and its allies as peacekeepers while implicitly threatening action against Hamas.

Original Article


Sa’ar: PA must stop paying salaries to terrorists

The use of the term “terrorists” to refer to individuals receiving salaries from the Palestinian Authority could be seen as a euphemistic and misleading way of referring to Palestinian political prisoners or militants. This language serves to delegitimize these individuals and their actions, framing them as inherently violent and criminal.

The assertion that the Palestinian Authority “must stop paying salaries” implies a legitimacy in the speaker’s ability to dictate the actions of another governing body. This could be seen as a form of coercion presented as a legitimate demand. The contradiction lies in the speaker, representative of one government, dictating the actions of another under the guise of suggesting “genuine reforms”.

Original Article


Hasidic education succeeds, despite what ‘experts’ say

The framing of this article suggests that Hasidic education is superior despite criticism from “experts”. This can be seen as a structural breakdown where the author’s bias towards Hasidic education is presented as an objective truth. Language such as “Hasidic education is markedly superior” is used to discredit opposing viewpoints without providing comprehensive evidence to support this claim.

The article uses misleading language such as “the documentary did not share Moster’s frank assessment of the community’s success” to discredit the documentary’s critique of Hasidic education. This implies that any criticism of Hasidic education is inherently biased and incorrect. The contradiction lies in the author dismissing “experts” while presenting their own subjective viewpoint as factual.

Original Article


Donald Trump dismisses possibility of running as vice president in 2024

The framing of this article presents speculation about Trump’s future political ambitions as a legitimate news story, which could be seen as a structural breakdown. The use of quotes from Trump himself as the primary source of information lends legitimacy to his personal views and decisions, which could be viewed as a form of coercion where media attention is used to shape public opinion.

The article uses euphemistic language such as “premature to anoint a successor” and “the leading contender to carry the Republican torch”, which serve to glorify the political process and the individuals involved. The contradiction lies in the article’s focus on the individual political ambitions of Trump and other potential candidates, rather than their policies or qualifications.

Original Article


Critical Condition: Baby Yisrael Meir Needs Our Help

The framing of this article positions the family’s financial hardship as the primary barrier to the baby’s treatment, rather than structural issues such as the high cost of healthcare or lack of insurance coverage. This could be seen as a structural breakdown where systemic issues are presented as individual problems.

The language used in the article, such as “the only barrier standing between Yisrael Meir and recovery is funding”, implies that the responsibility for securing treatment falls solely on the family, which is a misleading representation of the broader healthcare system. The contradiction lies in the appeal for community assistance, which suggests a collective responsibility, while the systemic issues contributing to the family’s financial struggles are not addressed.

Original Article