Real World Ethical Dilemmas (Terrorism Special)

Q. I've just been assigned to the terrorism beat at my paper but unfortunately, the total extent of my knowledge of the subject is limited to watching the "Die Hard" series of movies. Do you think this is a problem?

A. Not at all. In fact, I'd say it's definitely to your advantage when it comes to reaching those ever-elusive 18-to-25 readers that advertisers crave. Pepper your articles with references to these classic films and watch your editor's face light up with joy.

For example, you could write, "Unlike in the classic Die Hard movie, police sources said that the planned recent attacks on New York bound flights were not intended as a clever cover for an elaborate high-tech robbery of the Bank of England." Or, if you're in the mood for a slightly more ambitious piece, try "Unlike in the much-beloved Die Hard II, sources at the British Home Office today denied that an elite unit of Special Branch officers were planning to use this latest incident as cover for taking over Heathrow Airport."

So, in other words, don't be ashamed of your ignorance. Celebrate it.