Actually I think the bigger picture was the thing Owen Jones was thinking about, and it isn't the broader impacts of terrorism. Its an attitude ingrained in our western, 'civilized' society that is content to marginalize homosexuals and paint issues that affect the gay community as insignificant. It doesn't matter that it was unintentional on behalf of the reporter. His attitude is indicative of the 'bigger picture' the bigger problem. Reducing the Orlando massacre to a terrorist attack emphasizes the 'foreign' threat, form outside, and spectacularly fails to acknowledge the context of the ongoing threat the gay community feel inside their own countries, from their neighbors, fellow citizens and even their government. That is why it matters, and why Owen Jones was so upset.
Actually I think you make some very fair points, Sam, but I would probably have a slightly different emphasis. I think that Jones was thinking of the immediate picture, rather than the bigger picture, and he was, understandably, caught up in the emotions that this particular horrific outrage induces. I have no disagreement whatever on your take on the vulnerability of the gay community, and the fact that they feel threatened both from within and without their own countries, and of course this matters hugely. Let us not forget however that a string of atrocities have shown a variety of groups have been targeted in similar attacks from hate filled and obsessive individuals and groups, from tourists(Ivory Coast), children(Dunblane), youth workers(Breivik), Jews(Kosher Supermarket), journalists(Los Angeles), even the bombing of Government workers(oklahoma City) for instance. And this does not take account of the many indiscriminate killings which have resulted both from gun attacks and bombings. I think the bigger picture is that we are all vulnerable to such attacks from unscrupulous, hate filled individuals and groups.
Sadly, this particular attack, once the emotions have quietened, will take its place amongst the many other attacks, I feel, until the next atrocity emerges.
