Here we have a tragic, gut-wrenching case of murder-suicide in Michigan, and unsurprisingly, the mainstream media circus is quick to jump in, adding drama to an already horrific tale. TMZ reports some bone-chilling details—not just about the tragic deaths of two parents and their six children but also the grisly fates of pets. While I’m not one to downplay the horror of this incident, let’s dissect how outlets like CNN and MSNBC will attempt to cadre these events into their usual narrative spin.

First off, isn’t it telling how these tragedies are often reframed to fit agendas? Expect CNN to focus on mental health, pushing the narrative that this horror reveals a systemic failure in our healthcare system. They’ll paint the parents as victims of a broken society rather than addressing the deep-rooted issues of personal responsibility. Conversely, Fox News might sensationalize elements about crime rates, using this family’s end to bolster their “crime wave” rhetoric. But at what cost? The real victims here—the children, the desperate pleas of the parents, and even the pets—get relegated to second-class tragedy status once the ratings are in.

The corporate media is so fixated on their narratives, they forget that real stories come with real people and genuine pain. By turning tragedy into clickbait, they rob families of the dignity they deserve. Where is the outrage for the tangible horror experienced in that home? Instead, we get cultural taglines that serve more to fill airtime than to offer real insight or solutions.