Situation Definition –
“Shattered Glass” is based on the incident involving journalist Stephen Glass and his numerous fabrication of stories, either slightly or completely fabricated, under The New Republic. Fabrication in the journalist world is a major and fireable offense that carries heavy implications. If an audience does not trust a journalist, then his words mean nothing.
In the case of Stephen Glass, his serial fabrications and lies seeped not only to the audience but his colleagues too. As observed in class, colleagues and the audience are unacceptable targets. However, Glass committed both fabrication and deception without taking responsibility until he was completely exposed.
Analysis –
Those who pursue journalism are generally well versed in the importance of integrity and honesty. For example, a research study called “Ethics Gaps and Ethics Gain: Differences and Similarities in Mass Communication Students’ Perceptions of Plagiarism and Fabrication” by Mike Conway and Jacob Groshek, found that “the pattern found here is suggestive of a significant ethical difference between students with interests in journalistic careers and those expressing an interest in nonjournalistic careers” (Conway & Groshek, 2008).
However, glass obviously felt the opposite. In an interview on 60 Minutes, Glass explained how much he wanted the perfect story and his excitement when people would read his fantastical works. The movie also makes a point to the pressure and stress that already exist in the journalism world that is compounded with Glass’ age and background.
Glass would also go beyond the deception of his articles, but to his colleagues too. He sought comfort from his coworkers and lied to the very end. This association inadvertently placed his coworkers and editor into hot water, ultimately having to clean up his mess. His failure to take responsibility to this extent is a failure of integrity, another important journalistic trait. In an articled called “A Family of Falsehoods: Deception, media hoaxes and fake news” by Teri Finneman and Ryan J. Thomas, they state truth-telling is a norm with “deception, then, a violation of this norm and of the ‘rules’ governing human interaction, and is thus considered harmful interpersonal behavior” (Finneman & Thomas, 2018).
Although a majority of journalists are earnest in their ethical values, cases such as Glass can seriously threaten the community. Even if it was a single individual, Glass showed that his likeability and initial carefulness can slip through fact-checks and editors.
Conclusion –
Currently, Stephen Glass now works in California for the law firm Carpenter, Zuckerman, & Rowley–labeled ‘not an attorney’ on the website. His punishment, still affecting him today, is nothing short of harsh. However, it was a punishment necessary to send a signal of the importance of honesty in journalism. This outcome has certainly confirmed the consequences for myself.
Sadly, the rise of fake news dances around journalistic integrity. Misplaced words, political agendas, and fast-paced media have made this issue even more difficult to tackle. Furthermore, the selective filter of an audience and the internet. Deception is now a commonplace.
References –
Finneman, T., & Thomas, R. J. (2018). A family of falsehoods: Deception, media hoaxes and fake news. Newspaper Research Journal, 39(3), 350–361. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1177/0739532918796228
CONWAY, M., & GROSHEK, J. (2008). Ethics Gaps and Ethics Gains: Differences and Similarities in Mass Communication Students’ Perceptions of Plagiarism and Fabrication. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 63(2), 127–145. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1177/107769580806300203