What set this class apart from the rest of the classes I’ve taken for communication is that it isn’t designed to teach you standard information. Instead it teaches us ethical lessons. For me, There are two significant ethical lessons that I’ve taken away from this class. One is the consequences of deception and fabrication, as we saw with the case of Stephen Glass. Another is the importance of ethical reporting in our country, especially in politics.
The one that impressed me the most was the story of Stephen Glass. It was shocking how far one can go in order to protect their reputation. In fact it struck a personal chord with me. I am from Baltimore, Maryland; a town in which the crime reporting and politics go hand in hand. If anyone has seen the show ‘The Wire’ I highly recommend it. In fact in one season of the show it focuses on the Baltimore Sun’s news room and depicts a similar situation to Stephen Glasses, in which a reporter fabricates stories about a serial killer that doesn’t exist. And, like Glass, he paid the price for it.
Even if I don’t pursue a career in journalism, this class can teach ethical lessons that apply to all professions. In any professional environment honestly and transparency are vital for a good career. For me, I will remember this class and what it taught and apply it to my profession, regardless of what I pursue.
This class as a whole is one that I didn’t understand at first but now I understand why it is necessary. Ethical decision making can change the course of ones life for the better or for the worse, so it is important to recognize these lessons. I believe every student should take a class like this as it could have a profound effect on their lives and the decisions that they make.