Misleading Vividness

Describing an event in vivid detail to convince someone that it is a significant problem, when the event in question is a rare or extreme case. This trick uses emotional impact to focus attention on one problem, when other problems might cause more harm over the long term despite being less emotionally impactful.

Example

Last night's murder is one of the most brutal and horrific crimes that I've ever seen. It will leave this community scarred and in fear for a long time. Our country is going to hell in a handbasket.

Famous Examples

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