Introductory Remarks (problem statement, research questions presentation, thesis)
Non-consequentialism, relativism, and absolutism as philosophies and ethical theories will be central to the research into the nature of media portrayal of different minorities in various states and the way the theories and philosophies shape people’s perception of such representation. Portrayal is often the problem due to it being incomplete, biased, or distorted for a variety of reasons, whether political or otherwise. Besides evidence and opposed attitudes, the project will offer practical recommendations as to how to improve the coverage of different minorities.
Thesis statement: non-consequentialism, relativism, and absolutism influence how people perceive the problem of the inadequate portrayal of minorities by different media, be it incomplete or biased.
The Chief Ethical and Philosophical Pillars of the Project:
Ethical Relativism.
As follows from the tenets of ethical relativism, the moral wrongness and rightness varies from society to society (Feldmeth, n.d.). Put otherwise, what is right in one society is not in the other, based on their perceptions of ethicality. Culture is often an overlooked aspect of the coverage of such question as homosexuality despite it being considered from other essential angles. The principles of ethical relativism may influence the way people view the problem in the sense that the degree of its implementation by media determines the extent to which people understand the problem of the often unidimensional depiction of homosexuality rejection lacking comparison, nay, the explanation of cultural uniqueness of this perception is a good case in point. One of the thing that will be needed will be a comparative coverage of the problem and an emphasis on the cultural rationalization of the problem on the part of newspapers. To present an opposing view, several newspapers will be cited to demonstrate the attempts of versatile coverage of the sex-based minority.
Non-consequentialism.
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. (2011) noted that the most influential of non-consequentialist approaches came in the shape of Kant’s moral theory. In his considered opinion, right actions have moral value if done for duty’s sake and with a good will. The knowledge of this principle, whether through the awareness of the ethical theory or the unconscious acceptance of the ethical postulate of the Kantian philosophical rhetoric, may lead people to develop an understanding that the twisting of reality or nondisclosure of truth may be due to journalists considering themselves morally obliged. The moral obligation is to engage in misrepresentation for the sake of moral duty to their country. Distortion in the depiction of Libyan population, inclusive of ethnic minorities, by the American media like CNN will be one of the most telling examples of non-consequentialism. The myth of financial gifts to all newlyweds, including ethnic minorities, reported by CNN I Report (2012) will be exposed as fabricated. The presumed rationale is the noble and patriotic cause of the national media to misrepresent Gaddafi as a positive leader to cushion the strong, formerly well-known bonds to the USA, thereby keeping its international image rather intact. American media resources will be cited to challenge the presumption of the misrepresentation of the situation involving the ethnic minority. The solution may come in the shape of the revelation of truthful information and the publication of articles with disclaiming content. Public pressure on the newspaper may also prove efficient.
Ethical Absolutism.
Ethical absolutism holds that there are firm moral principles never to be broken. One of such may be telling the truth at all times (Feldmeth, n.d.). For readers to come to realize that certain media violate the sacred obligation of ethical absolutism people master and follow early in life may render them irate over its violation. They may perceive the problem of truth concealment or misrepresentation as such that requires solving, which may translate into pressure on media. Such situation may be the case in Russia where media has gained notoriety for the violation of ethical absolutism. Although not numerous, protesters still find ways to demonstrate how the ideas of ethical absolutism have shaped their negative perception of the national media coverage of minorities. One of solutions to the problem of misrepresentation violating ethical absolutism may be vocal protests and pressure on the part of people, the intended audience of the media. Political and age minorities are being considered as potential examples. Articles with the numerical evidence of quasi-correct representation of minority-related trends will act as a counterargument to the claim of distortion.
Concluding Remarks (the summary of the portrayal methods and the ways they are possible to improve).
References (the list of reputed sources employed to prove the project thesis).
References
CNN I Report. (2012, November 21). Facts about Libya under Gaddafi that you probably did not know about. CNN. Retrieved from: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-884508
Feldmeth, G. (n.d.). Ethical relativism, absolutism, & pluralism [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from: http://faculty.polytechnic.org/gfeldmeth/26.relativism
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. (2011). Non-consequentialist theories: Do your duty. WWNorton.com. Retrieved from: http://www.wwnorton.com/college/phil/ethics3/ch/06/summary.aspx
