The Onion satirized Chicago's summer homicide rate, calling it a "hot new murder craze." The story has been gathering lots of buzz, and we at RedEye had some differing views on it. Was it funny or tasteless? That's our great debate today.
No one thinks homicides are funny on the personal level. Human beings are being gunned down in Chicago by the scores and those victims have mothers, fathers and friends who miss them. But attention should be drawn to the violence in our city by any and all means available, and if those means include making jokes about blood running in our streets, then I say joke away. If that fake news story educates or shocks one person, it's done some good. Save your outrage for the murderers and those who fail to stop them. Don't waste it on the comedians.--Georgia Garvey
I'm not easily offended. And I won't say The Onion's "Hot New 'Murder Craze' Sweeps Chicago" story made me shake my fists in anger, but it did make me feel a bit uneasy. I realize the intent is to satirize, but I'm not sure this topic is a good one to poke fun at. And if you do, take this test, if you will. Print the story out, make a bunch of copies of it and deliver it to the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of Chicago murder victims. Or, just walk around Englewood or Humboldt Park tonight and pass them out randomly. Think anyone will laugh? I rest my case.--Brian Moore
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