point of this headline? "Thousands gather to hear, cheer Iran's Michelle Obama"

[Lerkfish]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/24/iran.wife/index.html

what is the point of this story?

"some say" is used throughout to justify the comparison, but in actuality, the entire point, IMO, is to link "Iran" with "Obama"

[babylonsister]

1. I think it's valid given the context of the story...

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Dancing in public in not allowed in Iran, but thousands could hardly contain themselves at a recent presidential campaign rally in the capital city, Tehran.

On this day, the deafening cheers were not for presidential hopeful Mir Hossein Mousavi, but rather for his wife -- a woman some are calling Iran's Michelle Obama.

The comparisons to the first lady of the United States stem from the role Zahra Rahnavard is playing in her husband's quest for the presidency.

Never in the history of Iranian presidential elections has a candidate put his wife in the forefront of his campaign.

:shrug:

[Lerkfish]

3. yes, but view the headline by itself, what does it imply?

that Michelle is from or for Iran.

I realize what you're saying, but I'm saying that writing the story in the first place WITH this context, and prominently using Michelle's name is promoting an intentional slant that is unnecessary.

The same information could be packaged differently, for example:

headline: Iran's first lady joins other first ladies in Husband's campaign

Story: Like Michelle Obama, Zahra Rahnavard is garnering the same level of acclaim in public appearances.


and THAT IS ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID.

The make the entire story ABOUT Michelle Obama, is exactly what I'm talking about.

[WhiteTara]

2. it must be terrible for those people

who write this stuff. I'm thinking you would have to be filled with self loathing to have to always poison the air as your job.

[ensho]

4. I think it was meant in a good way. Iran's women are speaking out,

and being very political. It is a good thing to see the wife of a man running in politics in Iran and having her speak out, etc.

the women in Iran are excited and energized.

more power to them.

[mmonk]

5. I agree with you. There is an intent with that headline.