We were posed a question in class: If you were the editor of
a newspaper would you choose to print disturbing photographs? Immediately my intuitive
reaction was yes, to post the image. It is interesting how everyone is
programmed and have their own immediate decision made with 0 thinking and
weighing both sides. For example, some members of the class thought it is not
worth disturbing the public.
Looking at both sides of the coin, I tried to come up with
pros and cons. There is historical evidence – in reference to disturbing
pictures actually having an impact. Napalm Girl is the most obvious example of
the girl whose clothes were burned off due to the bomb. This lead to many
Americans changing their stance on the Vietnam war. When looking at the
disturbing picture of the drowned Syrian boy on the beach, I feel like there
would be a similar effect, that governments would actually react to this.
Firstly, the fact that it is a young boy had drowned, this would
interest/attract more people to read about the situation in Syria. Moreover, it
is sad that it happens to be a boy, but this will work in favor of stirring the
public into pressuring their country into doing something for the cause. Of course, virtue ethics should be considered
when looking at why the photographer/editor is willing to publish the picture –
is it to attract more readers? Or to actually spread the seriousness and create
a strong impact – that will allow more people to talk about the problems.
However, it may have a negative impact in the sense that it
may offend people rather than be received for its true purpose. The media is
known for its manipulative images, so the readers may dismiss this picture as
another scheme to get more people to buy/watch a certain news outlet.
This brought me to thinking of two knowledge questions: what is the relationship between emotional instinct as a WOK and ethical decision making?
How does emotion assist us in making ethical decisions or impede
us?
In my opinion, and using consequential ethics, I think it is
better to publish the pictures, as I strongly believe the benefits outweigh the
negatives.
Interesting point about intuition and ethics. Did you notice that no one was really willing to do the thinking required to really challenge their own intuition. No matter how much I asked you to look at both sides, you all just looked for ways to support your intuitive response. What are the implications?
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