Dallas, especially the northeast neighborhood, has become the focus of the national media and even the international crowd. Helicopters have hovered overhead. Media trucks are more prevalent than ice cream trucks. Reporters are standing on sidewalks to interview worried parents and their children as they leave schools.
And that’s the rub.
While we appreciate their need to communicate information, the idea of media representatives interviewing grade schoolers about the Ebola virus is ludicrous, if not offensive.
Our governmental officials and healthcare professionals are on the frontline in handling the disease and the confusion and fear that travel with it. They will rely on technology, experience and education. They will be the responsible sources of information.
But school-age children are not spokespersons. They’re just kids. They should not be assaulted by reporters with cameras and microphones. The inquiries are way beyond their knowledge or experience. Respect their youth and their innocence.