For my advocacy campaign, I am really interested in taking my civic issues blog topic to a local level for the Penn State or State College community. However, I am still sort of in between a few ideas in terms of how I want to frame it. I was really interested in my last civic issues post where I explored the problems of standardized testing in the classroom and the long-term effects they can have on students and teachers. I am probably going to inform the audience that they should be encouraging their districts to improve these programs, or even take on an entirely different evaluation program (but not get rid of them altogether). As we learned from the videos, I don’t want to accidentally encourage getting rid of these evaluation programs altogether and accidentally encourage not holding under-performing district responsible. In terms of delivery, I am compelled to either make an infographic encouraging the audience to take action.
In the Photographer as Witness: A Portrait of Abuse piece, I was at first startled by how the photographer was taking the photos without intervening in the situation. However, when I continued to read, I understood the photographer’s decision when she explained how she confirmed that the police had already been called and how the police agreed that intervening would have only made the situation worse. After learning this information, I can now see how this piece could be seen as ethical as it is used to inform the audience. Like we talked about in terms of permission in the class video, I think that this piece is especially ethical because Maggie encouraged the photographer to share her story to help others in the future. One question from the Ethics piece I’d like to consider is “Is it okay to withhold information from someone that they will find painful or upsetting?” I think that people need to have the opportunity to access painful information if it has the potential to inform and improve their perspective in the future. However, I think that the audience also has to consent to see that information and decide for themself that they want to access that upsetting content. Because of the purpose of this collection to inform, and the consent Maggie gave to have these photos published, I think that this piece is an ethical work of advocacy.
I really like your idea for the advocacy project! As you already know, I really enjoy your topic as a whole and I am glad you are deciding to advocate for it! I agree that your taking your last civic issue’s blog would be a great idea as it incorporates the effects these test have on students. I think that you could take this information and spin it in a way that you are able to present it to your audience and show them how these test can have many negative impacts. I also see the concern with not advocating for the disposal of these tests, so I would definitely be sure to not advocate too far for how terrible these tests are, but use all the information you know and shine light on the issue. I think an infograph would be very smart to use! I also agree with everything you have said about the assigned article! I was shocked at first too that she did not intervene, but after reading the article in full, it is clear that that was probably the best idea! Thanks for sharing your ideas, I look forward to seeing your project once it is completed!
Hi Anna,
Your topic is thoughtful and well constructed. You could really go far with this. Not only do you have decent background knowledge but really have a passion for it. I like how considerate you are about advocating with precision, in terms of improvement rather elimination. As far as the audience, I think you’re right on the target. I am super excited to hear about this, and I just know you actually have the opportunity to make some real-life change. I also liked your perspective on the pictures. Abuse is an issue that people deal with everyday, and bring awareness is super important. Your reasoning for your stance is super compelling and allowed me to think in a different way.
Anna, thanks for the great post! I think you totally should continue on the theme of standardized tests, this can be advocated for at a local level like you said with the Penn State community. I think that an infographic of the information would be really cool! I am excited to see how it turns out!
The way you analyzed the Time piece was really great! I totally agree, permission was given and so it is ethical that is shared in that aspect. I also thought the same thing. I first just looked at the pics and then I read the piece and when I was looking I was thinking this has to be staged there is no way the photographer was just there. After reading I found out I was wrong lol but you brought up interesting points surrounding that.