On the German Democratic Republic (GDR) border, about 800 people were killed within 28 years. Rightly so, these victims are remembered on a regular basis. On April 19th 2015, the same number of people died on one day alone. What were the headlines in German newspapers two days after?
Spiegel Online: Confession during the Auschwitz Trial: "I beg for forgiveness." (German: Geständnis im Auschwitz-Prozess "Ich bitte um Vergebung.")
Bild.de: New details on Bayern Munich's doctor. (German: Neue details zu Bayern-Ärzte Knall.)
Zeit Online: "The Turk deserves the Museldeath." (Bedrohte Politiker "Der Türke verdient den Museltod.")
The price of oil is important - football is important. However, more important than 700 dead foreigners.
Since 2000, 24,000 people have died on the borders of the EU. However, this hasn't always evoked emotion. Apparently, the editors of major newspapers only become emotional if they can empathise with the victims' situation. A terrorist attack could happen to anyone. Anyone (editors included) could be the next victim. The coverage of an attack lasts for several weeks.1
An editor, living a life of complete safety, cannot imagine climbing into a crowded boat to flee from war and misery.
In one week it will all be over. No one is going to write anything else about the people who died two days ago, in the Mediterranean. No reports - no memorials - almost as if there were no deaths in the Mediterranean.
[1] As seen by the 9/11 and Charlie Hebdo coverage.