Print headline’s word choice on donation disappointing

Published 1:30 am Friday, April 1, 2022

Recently, The Herald’s print edition published article headlined, “Habitat for Humanity hits the jackpot; $436M from Bezos’ ex. (“MacKenzie Scott announces nearly $4 billion in donations,” HeraldNet, March 23) I was very disappointed that such a generous woman was referred to by her relationship to a man. By comparison, the original AP article had the headline, “Scott Donates $436 million to Habitat for Humanity,” while your online edition read, “MacKenzie Scott announces nearly $4 billion in donations.” I would like your print edition headline writer to be more thoughtful with word choice.

This issue was eloquently brought to light in February 2019 by author Tabitha King, who is married to Stephen King. Ms. King addressed a headline, “Stephen King and his wife donate $1.25M to New England Historic Genealogical Society.” Her entire response is worth reading and remembering, but can be summarised by her phrase, “Wife is a relationship or status. It is not an identity.”

Susan Rochat

Monroe