Eliana Shapiro
12/4/18
Reflections
This class opened up my mind to themes and lessons that are so versatile and have made me look at my surroundings differently. Although this class focused on ethics and journalism, I did not realize how malleable this subject and how easily connected it was to different aspects of my life.
Social responsibility was one of the first lessons that really struck me and made a mark. Journalists’ job is to spread information and inform the public. That is a lot of power. The media for some is their only source of information. This gives media the power and obligation to have that information be truthful. Journalists write for the people so their obligation is with them. With that power to connect and to the power to reach the mass there comes responsibility. In most situations the truth prevails but it’s been interesting to compare news today and news years ago and seeing that “truth” line get blurred. It is up to the journalists to not succumb to sensationalism and really seek out newsworthy content.
Another ethical lesson that has stuck with me is objectivity in journalism. The journalists’ obligation and ability to be objective resonates with me. In class a case was brought up about a journalist attending and participating in gay pride parade when his paper specifically said not to. I at first thought the journalist had every right to attend the parade. I believed this was his personal life and he had control over it. After discussion and points made by my classmates I realized that along with his right to have a personal life, he also has an obligation to his paper and the people to be objective. Even though I disagree with the sentiment behind not being able to be open about what you are attending and whom you support, I came to realize the importance of being objective. I also realized the importance of understanding that a journalist is the face of the paper and information. This also speaks to the gravity of being objective.
The case of Karla Gutierrez was disturbing. Her car veered off into a lake in Florida and a 911 call was made while the car was filling up with water. She didn’t know how to get out. The ethical dilemma here was the decision to publish her frantic and disturbing 911 call right before she died. Was publishing this necessary? Was it just sensationalizing the event and not bringing any actual information to the case? It was discussed that with the parental permission it was okay. There was not any actual benefit from hearing the call. Speaking to the ability of the 911 operators to get Gutierrez out of the car or how the situation as a whole was handled would be beneficial but not the specific call. This case really made me think about in the end was is the main goal of publishing a story and what you want to get out of it.
This class made a large impression on me. As I stated above, this class not only gave me new insight on ethics in journalism but it also made me think about the other ways in life ethics are present. I took the lessons I learned and used them in a social context. I became introspective and realized different things I was doing or saying subconsciously. I really believe that these lessons will hold stake in my future and help me to live a better and more rounded life. I really appreciated how the lessons learned were so applicable to my daily life and have been one of the only classes to do so.
Thank you Dr. Z for a great semester!