It’s because 100s of migrants drowning at sea is something horrible that regular people can’t do anything about. It makes us sad, and angry. Just like almost every other story about billionaire greed and the coming climate disaster.
Now, a bunch of ultra rich, regulation hating, planet destroying losers dying in a tiny submersible because they have the kind of money to go see the titanic for fun? That’s the kind of story that makes us feel good. It’s karma.
it’s also not that many migrants coming in ~ half a million over the last decade or so[1].
We have severe labor shortages in this country, and since we’re not upping wages, why not let them stay and work. Give them citizenship and they’ll even pay taxes, which is more than can be said for the ultra-rich in this land.
1: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/12/latest-statement-in-response-to-small-boat-crossings/
Oh no it’s so much worse than a random boat sinking in the night. The Greek Coast Guard was there and did nothing until after the boat went down. Despite calls for aid. There are also allegations they actively caused the sinking by trying to push the boat away from national waters.
The Greeks have been causing ships to sink in the Mediterranean for some 5,000 years. Its almost not a novelty anymore.
It is more about them caring about the rich.
Well the billionaires weren’t in the process of breaking any laws at the time. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It’s unusual, and taps into some deep-seated fears - people imagine themselves trapped in a submarine running out of air, get seriously frightened, and start desperately hoping they make it out OK just because they don’t want to think about the alternative.
There’s also the Colossal Fuck Up angle - people love stories about incredibly stupid disasters because it makes them feel smart and competent. “I’d never get in a submarine that uses a shitty Logitech controller” they say, congratulating themselves on their foresight. (Even more satisfying when the victims include a billionaire, because those are the very best people to feel superior to)
I’m kinda seeing this meme every month somewhere. It’s old, but always valid
