Observations 
Dustin White

When writing headlines, it can be difficult to find a balance between catching ones attention, and accurately detailing what the story is about. The balancing act becomes even more important when one realizes that it is often just the headlines that many people read. 

I have strived to make sure that the headline matches what the article is about, while keeping it engaging. I also know that there are times that I am more successful than others. Hopefully, if anything, I have erred more in the way of being boring than deceitful. 

As a reader though, I have found myself falling prey to catchy headlines that promise more than they really deliver. In a recent case, the headline, and story, were brought to my attention by my wife. 



The story in question claimed that ancient humans could not see the color blue, and had no words to describe it. My wife was initially skeptical about the claim, and had asked me about it. 

Having some background in classical languages, specifically ancient Greek, I had my doubts about the argument, but wanted to do additional research. 

Digging into the claim, I quickly found dozens of instances of ancient cultures having words for the color blue, and that the color was often used. In Roman writings, blue-eyed barbarians, whom they were fighting, were often described. In the ancient Middle East, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon was colored blue, and inspired awe. And throughout the Mediterranean, paintings of peacocks, colored blue, could be found. 

The claim ended up turning out to be a bit of poor researching, and a good deal of overblown headlines. 

Recently, there was also another similar case of poorly researched material and exaggerated headlines. In this instance, the story that has been touted is that Earth is headed towards a mini ice age.

It isn’t the first time that this claim has surfaced though. In 2013, the same argument, that the sun was going to enter into a more dormant stage, was being circulated. 

While it is definitely possible that the sun will enter into a more dormant stage, and with the blizzard that ripped through North Dakota making it easy to think we are going into an ice age, in regards to solar flare activity, many scientists have been quick to point out that the effects on Earth’s temperature are negligible.

The problem though is that one story is more interesting than the other. Ancient people not being able to see the color blue, or the Earth heading towards an ice age, are exciting ideas. 



So it isn’t much of a wonder that when experts came forward to correct the misunderstanding, those stories never gained the same traction. Ancient humans could see blue just isn’t a catchy headline. 

What’s the solution then? Regretfully, it will most likely fall on the reader to be diligent in what they read, to find sources that they can trust, and more importantly, to be willing to question. 

At the Midwestern Scout, I hope you find a source that you feel is trust worthy. And if at times we fail, let us know, keep us honest.