I am always wondering if the media manufactures empathy. Like with the Boston bombing, people wondering if the city will "pull-through". What the hell is that all about? Is Boston going to kill itself?
A lot of that is said in respect to the victims.
It would be disrespectful to the victims to say "Well, that was that. Same old Boston by tomorrow!"
it is a social mannerism, a "ceremonial" thing to say.
Norway was full of it after Utøya, while MOST Norwegians were mostly just struck by morbid curiousity, rather than actual grief. It's rather unlikely for people to feel grief for someone they've never met, even if the incident was quite dramatic.
Media always talked about a devastated nation, crying its eyes out - FOR the victims sake, their families, rather than to bluntly go "Well shit happens, at least we can read about gory stuff in the newspapers now. Can't wait for the trial details!" which was the actual sentiment.
