Situation Definition
The movie Shattered Glass, which focuses on the life of controversial journalist Stephen Glass, shows several unethical behaviors, which are becoming more prevalent in our society. Stephen Glass was a writer for the New Republic who fabricated at least twenty-seven of his forty-one articles and is now known as one of the greatest liars in American history. Glass’s story brings two ethical issues into examination; lying and the misuse of trust.
Analysis
Stephen Glass was a master liar. He made up stories, sources, and personas all to satisfy his desire to create the perfect story and reap the benefits of being an incredible journalist. The problem is that a journalist job is to tell the story, not to make it up. As said in Media Law and Ethics: Intersection of the New York Times Code of Ethics and Cases, ” Klaidman and Beauchamp (1987) argue for the journalistic principle of truth-telling, avoiding harm and basis, establishing trust, serving the public, resisting outside manipulation, and welcoming criticism to be held accountable by the public.” Glass’s duty to the public was to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. He could not have failed harder. Lying is one of the most unethical things possible but it is magnified when you have such a public stage like Glass’s. After seeing the consequences of Glass’s actions its is clear that lying is never worth the benefit, especially in the media. All aspiring journalist should examine Glass’s story because of how clearly its magnifies the profound issues of lying.
One of the reasons that Glass was such a good liar and got away with fabricating stories for so long is because he created trust between his co-workers and audience. Glass’s persona, along with many other master liars, is not a malicious or susceptible one. Glass was an incredibly likable and seemingly genuine guy. As said in the article the Great Pretender, “Stephen Glass was a bright, prolific writer and prodigious reporter. He had a likable demeanor, an eye for detail, and an ear for language. He also had a fatal flaw-a stunning lack of integrity.” People wanted to trust him and because he was such a good guy no one ever even thought to think twice about mistrusting him. Betraying someone’s trust is one of the most harmful things one can do. Glass clearly had a deep ethical problem, which led him to use trust to manipulate his readers and friends. I have a new appreciation for the importance of trust after analyzing Glass’s story.
Conclusion
The movie Shattered Glass is a great movie to show aspiring journalist because it highlights to of the most critical ethical issues in the media industry; lying and the misuse of trust. As a result of Glass’s ethical failings he was out casted from the media and will forever be remembered in shame. Though his story is unfortunate at least it has provided a platform for discussion on ethical issues which hopefully continues to progress.
Sources
Dowd, A. (1998, July 1). The Great Pretender. Columbia Journalism Review, pp. 14-15.
Conley, D. (2009, January 1). Media Law and Ethics: Intersection of The New York Times Code of Ethics and Cases. New York Times.