Why Do We Care About the Elite More Than the Common Man?

The media reports longer on elite tragedies.

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

December 10, 2024 update:

• I originally wrote this article on July 24, 2023. Two days ago, 1,500 world leaders and dignitaries were in attendance for the grand re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. It took five years to rebuild in all it’s glory and more.
• Meanwhile, the UK Grenfell Tower stands in North Kensington, covered in a protective wrap. No decisions have been made about its future and whether it will be demolished.

I have three cases to justify how the media reports longer on elite tragedies.

The Notre Dame Cathedral fire vs the UK Grenfell Tower fire.

It was April 15, 2019. The world was shocked by the news that the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was ablaze. Many world leaders sent messages of ‘thoughts and prayers’ and pledged to help if needed.

Let’s face it.

This was a building that had its beginnings in the 12th century. The UN has designated it as a World Heritage Site. I get the nostalgia and the dismay. Many people who have visited Paris have visited this magnificent building. Many have worshipped there.