Varadarajan claimed that Americas openness to diversity could be a strength and weakness since it can become detrimental if we remain welcoming to people of all culture and ethnicities. Therefore Americans should examine Muslims risk profiles further, since we might be deceived by people preparing to commit terrorism and murder. Like the Ford Hood Massacre incident where the perpetrator suddenly showed disturbing signs such as giving away his possessions and discretely built his trail to terrorism. I am personally against racism because I believe human beings deserve to be treated equally. Although I agree with Varadarajan's argument in his Forbes Column 'Going Muslim', I think he could have shared his opinion in a more sensitive manor which did not emphasize as much conflict amongst Americans and Muslims. Do you think the column in 'Going Muslim' is racist? Or right?
Also several people claim opinion columns are not news, I believe that columnists and journalists should adhere to the same level of integrity. As well as taking an equal amount of discretion while developing stories or opinions. For example Muslim students perceived the column 'Going Muslim' as offensive and they're also a human race, since a Muslim perpetrated the Fort Hood Massacre is this column okay? Regardless, do you think the same set of ethics should be applied toward news stories and opinion columns? Are columnists really entitled to their own opinions or would it cause too much ethics dilemma?
2 comments:
I feel like columnists are the same as critics. But I also do not think an opinion column is a credible news source, (w/ the possible exception of experts--that might be citeworthy depending on the topic). But regardless of whether an opinion column is news or not, the writers of such are entitled to the same amount of First Amendment protections as the rest of us.
I agree. Regarding the professor's story, his Muslim students and alumni thought the column on Forbes.com was racist according to the Wall Street Journal. Although the column may be racist it is supported by a strong argument. Do you think it was ethical for the prof to publish his column?
Post a Comment