Argumentative Essay On Integrity And Respect

1150 Words3 Pages

Integrity and respect. Two reasons why I think news and media outlets should not release ISIS’ beheading of American journalist James Foley. In the midst of the ongoing war between ISIS and the United States, American freelance journalist James Foley was captured in Syria. Initially being held captive since 2012, Foley was shown being decapitated in a video ISIS posted to Youtube in 2014. The terrorist group then threatened to behead Steven Sotloff, another captured American journalist, if Obama refused to end U.S. military operations in Iraq and Syria. This now leads to whether or not news and media outlets should show the video of a man being decapitated. Reasons, why news organizations should not show this egregious act, is because they should not feed into ISIS’ propaganda because they seek attention. Another reason is to abide by the SPJ Code of Ethics and elect to minimize harm. News and media outlets should also stay away from publishing stories just for clicks. Lastly, it is not in American culture to show frightful acts of terrorism such as this. Journalists should have the integrity and respect of the public and themselves and do what is right. Although this is a visual-driven era, the best option is to cover the story but not show the gruesome clips and stills. If news and media …show more content…

This provides them a chance to recruit, spread their message, and inspire copycat killers. This theory of “copycat” has become more prominent with people committing suicide on Facebook Live after seeing other go through it. The idea that showing the video will bring about change is not a concrete reason. This is between ISIS and the U.S. military. This does not change anything in America but fear in the minds of its citizens. It could be possible to let viewers watch at their own discretion but that still gives ISIS a platform and the attention they

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