Weekly Assignment Two

Overdose is not something foreign to this society, but recent events have brought the term to headline news. XXL Magazine reports, popular rapper Mac Miller (Malcolm McCormick) was found dead of a potential overdose on September seventh 2018. Not too long ago in July of 2018 Demi Lovato had been found and survived an overdose after her recent relapse. People Magazine and XXL are reputable magazines that are known for dramatic stories and insider scoops. Both articles have very different tones, one sincere and distraught and the other annoyed. The XXL article reporting on Miller’s death shares little information, but explains how the musical community is reaching out to the family and using social media to express their grief. The story also points out his recent breakup with Ariana Grande and how many fans are blaming her for this tragedy. Miller’s substance abuse issues were briefly touched on, but overall the articles did not hold him accountable for his decisions. People on the other hand, highlights that Lovato had over dosed as a result of ‘a night of hard partying’ and binging. Representing the artist as a reckless abuser. The article also states that Lovato was sneaky and creative in smuggling her drugs in. Lovato is depicted as an unstable human who continues to make bad decisions. Her past substance abuse is heavily brought up throughout the article as if to say “here we go again”. These differences in how the same event is reported for different genders is shocking. Both instances are devastating and should be treated with sincerity. The victim should never be blamed, especially if they have reached out for help before. Addiction is a serious problem and there is no off switch to the cravings. Gender should not affect whether a society is compassionate or not, but somehow it does.