The saying “all the pieces previous is new once more” speaks to tendencies that see pale Nirvana and Weapons N’ Roses live performance tees flying off the cabinets and shortly affixed to a era of teenagers who’ve probably by no means listened to both. It’s a factor. It’s an announcement. It’s a celebration of classic coolness. But it surely’s not a development that ought to be embraced by journalists of their present reporting. 

A latest New York Instances article about shrimp dug deep into outdated postures about seafood apparently to be able to recycle hyperbole. Unable to disregard the FDA calling shrimp a “best option”, the article searches far and large for “well being downsides” and comes up with the admonition that individuals who have “sulfite or phosphate sensitivities could need to keep away from” some shrimp. Ahhh sure, the immense sulfite and phosphate delicate group thanks the Previous Grey Woman for sounding the alarm.   

Retreading the numerous instances disproven mercury fantasy, the article wonders aloud if the chemical aspect could possibly be current in shrimp. It even employes an professional biologist from unique Spain to inform readers there’s “no extreme threat.” Narrowly avoiding the kind of embarrassing pronouncements and prognostications printed by Client Studies solely 5 months earlier than.  

Taking purpose at “antibiotics in imported shrimp”, the Instances asks an professional from Louisiana concerning the subject. Take into account Louisiana is the epicenter of anti-imported shrimp activism. The paper may have requested any toxicologist from a good college, who was aware of the subject, however they selected Louisiana. Regardless of the fairly obvious arrange, the professional finds no “grave well being threat” related to the considerations raised. 

With a watch in the direction of a much-needed inexperienced angle, the report wrings its proverbial fingers about coastal habitats, air pollution, and an “huge ecological worth” by citing earlier Instances tales from 2003, 2008 and 2012.  Maintaining in lock step with the “all the pieces previous is new once more” mantra. 

Like all meals farmed or caught to feed a rising planet, shrimp manufacturing has an affect. It has features the place it may use enchancment and it has sides the place it excels.   Articles that attempt to revive outdated considerations with little to no new reporting aren’t cool and classic, they’re awkward and tiresome.