The White House Blocks AP Reporters Over One Word
make light of something: to treat a serious situation in a playful or humorous way
The body of water that borders the US, Mexico, and Cuba has been called the Gulf of Mexico for centuries. That changed when President Donald Trump declared it the Gulf of America. He pushed for journalists to use the new name. Some news media followed, but others refused.
The Associated Press (AP) is still calling it the Gulf of Mexico—and is now being punished for it. AP reporters have been barred from some recent White House press events. Critics say this is a serious attack on press freedom.
Google Maps took a different approach. The name changes depending on the website visitor’s location. For US users, it appears as the Gulf of America. However, for Mexican users, it remains the Gulf of Mexico. In other countries, Google shows both names together. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has asked Google to restore the “Gulf of Mexico” worldwide. She says that the US only has the right to change the name of the waters directly off of its own coast. If Google refuses, Mexico may take legal action.
One of the first online mapping websites, MapQuest, is making light of the controversy with a new online tool. It allows you to make a map naming the gulf anything you want.
Sample sentences
The doctor told Mia she needed surgery, but she made light of it and joked about getting a long vacation.
During the meeting, Mark made light of the budget problems, but his coworkers were very worried.
The team was upset after losing the big game, but their coach made light of it, saying, “At least we got some good exercise!”
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