As graduation comes hauntingly closer and closer, I am beginning to fully understand just how important networking is in my industry of choice. Whether through social media like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, or through meeting and mingling with people at career events, I am constantly challenging myself to put myself out there.
While on Google, I decided to search "public relations blogs", and PR blog popped up. Ironically enough, the blog is called "Pop! PR Jots" by Jeremy Pepper. Clicking into it, I decided to read the latest post Pepper decided to write about. Throughout his writing, one word screamed at me from my computer screen: "NETWORK!"
Pepper stressed the importance of networking through social media, events, finding PR mentors, and helping professionals and young professionals out in any way.
"Throughout my career, almost all my jobs have come through referrals or recommendations from past interactions," Pepper says. "That is how the world works, and you have to allow your work to speak for you, not your social media presence."
He doesn't downplay the significance of understanding the social media world, but he stresses the importance of making connections with personal interaction.
My generation of college graduates is a unique bunch. I am not quite sure that we understand just how important personal interaction is. We, and I am guilty as well, believe that if we are involved in multiple Twitter conversations with PR professionals, create social media presence, and email prospective employers, we will get hired the moment we receive our diploma. The truth of the matter is forget the importance a face-to-face conversation and our physical presence in an office of a company we could see ourselves working at.
Let us not forget how to be as impressive in person as we are on the Internet.
Sources:
http://pop-pr.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Jour 4250: March 8 Lecture
In class on Monday, we took our test, and I felt extremely confident about how I did. Being the first one finished, I felt a little prideful towards my hard studying efforts.
Afterwards, we viewed a few music videos and discussed the stereotypes seen repeatedly on the screen. Women were looked at as sexual icons, rappers were seen as violent gangsters, and women were also depicted as independent and powerful. I have always been aware of the stereotypes seen in music videos, but once it was brought to my attention, the music scene is bombarded with vivid images of how we are supposed to be, look like, and act like. It was quite disturbing.
Afterwards, we viewed a few music videos and discussed the stereotypes seen repeatedly on the screen. Women were looked at as sexual icons, rappers were seen as violent gangsters, and women were also depicted as independent and powerful. I have always been aware of the stereotypes seen in music videos, but once it was brought to my attention, the music scene is bombarded with vivid images of how we are supposed to be, look like, and act like. It was quite disturbing.
Jour 4470: Ethics - Post 2
With the excitement of the Winter Olympics slowly dying, a few memories will stick in the minds of viewers. The great Shaun White and his Double McTwist 1260 at the end of his run, the unfortunate crash of Lindsey Vonn, and the tragic death of Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, are some of the premier events that took place. The horrific death of Kumaritashvili caused an uproar in the world.
During Kumaritashvili’s 27th run down the track on Whistler, he lost control of his sled at 90 mph and slammed his head on the back of a pole found in the curve of the track. Seconds later, emergency crews rush to his side and attempt to bring his limp body back to life. This memory will stick in the minds of the people attending him, but also in the minds of the entire world to see.
Vivid coverage of the crash and emergency crews afterwards can be found plastered everywhere on the Internet. Type a few keywords in a search engine, and you’ve got over 10 venues to watch the video on. Ethically, is this what is right and good? Or were the media wrong in putting the graphic videos on the Internet minutes after the fatal crash?
If I were a broadcaster covering the Winter Olympic Games, I would have waited for the family to be informed to tell of this horrific death. They are the ones directly affected. Kumaritashvili’s father was a luger, and is quoted expressing his son’s anxiety about the track.
“"I'm a luger as well and that's why I told him, 'Brake, brake, don't risk it,' " the elder Kumaritashvili said. "He said, 'No Dad, I will risk it, what will be will be.' And he took the risk." (Luger 2010).
Out of sensitivity to Kumaritashvili’s family, I would have exercised Virtue ethics. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Gower 2008). People of the public do not need to see the crash and the aftermath of it. Personally, I feel that it was not considerate of the luger or his family’s emotions.
To play the devil’s advocate, I could argue that the people should be informed so that they are aware of the on-goings at the Winter Games. People love to be entertained and informed, and horrific deaths and crashes entertain people. It gives them something to talk about.
Although media coverage is a business that must captivate and keep an audience, it should always act ethically before it considers what kind of profit a certain story will make. According to the Journalist Code of Ethics, “be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.” I feel that it breaks the code of ethics by leaking those videos and photographs to the public.
All in all, if Virtue ethics would have been applied, the journalists covering the Olympics should have considered the feelings of the family before the drive of a good story.
Sources:
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Gower, K.K, Classical Theories. (2008). Legal and ethical considerations for public relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
Press, Associated. "Luger Was Afraid of a Turn, Father Says." Winter Olympics. ESPN, 15 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2010..
During Kumaritashvili’s 27th run down the track on Whistler, he lost control of his sled at 90 mph and slammed his head on the back of a pole found in the curve of the track. Seconds later, emergency crews rush to his side and attempt to bring his limp body back to life. This memory will stick in the minds of the people attending him, but also in the minds of the entire world to see.
Vivid coverage of the crash and emergency crews afterwards can be found plastered everywhere on the Internet. Type a few keywords in a search engine, and you’ve got over 10 venues to watch the video on. Ethically, is this what is right and good? Or were the media wrong in putting the graphic videos on the Internet minutes after the fatal crash?
If I were a broadcaster covering the Winter Olympic Games, I would have waited for the family to be informed to tell of this horrific death. They are the ones directly affected. Kumaritashvili’s father was a luger, and is quoted expressing his son’s anxiety about the track.
“"I'm a luger as well and that's why I told him, 'Brake, brake, don't risk it,' " the elder Kumaritashvili said. "He said, 'No Dad, I will risk it, what will be will be.' And he took the risk." (Luger 2010).
Out of sensitivity to Kumaritashvili’s family, I would have exercised Virtue ethics. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Gower 2008). People of the public do not need to see the crash and the aftermath of it. Personally, I feel that it was not considerate of the luger or his family’s emotions.
To play the devil’s advocate, I could argue that the people should be informed so that they are aware of the on-goings at the Winter Games. People love to be entertained and informed, and horrific deaths and crashes entertain people. It gives them something to talk about.
Although media coverage is a business that must captivate and keep an audience, it should always act ethically before it considers what kind of profit a certain story will make. According to the Journalist Code of Ethics, “be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.” I feel that it breaks the code of ethics by leaking those videos and photographs to the public.
All in all, if Virtue ethics would have been applied, the journalists covering the Olympics should have considered the feelings of the family before the drive of a good story.
Sources:
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Gower, K.K, Classical Theories. (2008). Legal and ethical considerations for public relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
Press, Associated. "Luger Was Afraid of a Turn, Father Says." Winter Olympics. ESPN, 15 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Mar. 2010.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jour 4460: To kill a tree or not to kill a tree? That is the question...
With many companies deciding to make environmentally conscious ways of doing business, huge changes that affect the regular function of doing things are underway. who's to say what should get a makeover and what should not? I am all for a building becoming a solar-powered Cave of Wonders, cars turning into hybrid "Megatron" monsters, and people tracking their carbon footprints. I do believe that we humans are here on this planet for a reason, therefore we must take great care of the habitat being dwelled in. But are some new eco-savvy ways of doing things the best solution for our customers? Mainly, I am examining the switch from the hardcopy newsletter to the online "e-newsletter".
Sure, the online newsletter seems like a great, efficient way of saving trees and allowing the same information to be spread through a different channel. All employees still receive the newsletter, it's just now in a different format. With an e-newsletter, paper isn't wasted, it is accessible and savable on the computer, and people can print different stories, photos and features that they are interested in. Overall, I agree that it is an easy, cost-effecient way to inform your organization or company.
It is arguably obvious that once you lose the hardcopy newsletter, you lose a little bit of nostalgic formality that has been found within an organization for years. It is proven that one reads a computer screen differently than a printed page full of information. With a hardcopy newsletter, one can enjoy the benefits of becoming educated on all areas of the company, and not just zone in on the specific articles they find interesting. A hardcopy newsletter can be felt, touched, rolled up, and brought along on breaks or on-site jobs. A company that specifically works in home repair, like a plumbing company, must have a way to communicate with repairmen who never look at a computer screen. By keeping a newsletter in print, the company is able to give it to the repairmen, and they are able to take it with them as they drive. Another positive aspect is uniting the company with a sense of community by connecting them to one another as they read about their company on paper. Plus, an inbox for an email account gets bombarded with all kinds of spam, online documents, and corporate emails; it's appropriate to give eyes a break from a computer screen.
All in all, I feel that keeping a hardcopy newsletter is something that is more valuable in the end. Many coworkers look forward to the day that they can sit back, prop their feet up, and read about the daily happenings within their company that doesn't directly involve them. I say it is a priceless road of communication that should not be tampered with.
Sure, the online newsletter seems like a great, efficient way of saving trees and allowing the same information to be spread through a different channel. All employees still receive the newsletter, it's just now in a different format. With an e-newsletter, paper isn't wasted, it is accessible and savable on the computer, and people can print different stories, photos and features that they are interested in. Overall, I agree that it is an easy, cost-effecient way to inform your organization or company.
It is arguably obvious that once you lose the hardcopy newsletter, you lose a little bit of nostalgic formality that has been found within an organization for years. It is proven that one reads a computer screen differently than a printed page full of information. With a hardcopy newsletter, one can enjoy the benefits of becoming educated on all areas of the company, and not just zone in on the specific articles they find interesting. A hardcopy newsletter can be felt, touched, rolled up, and brought along on breaks or on-site jobs. A company that specifically works in home repair, like a plumbing company, must have a way to communicate with repairmen who never look at a computer screen. By keeping a newsletter in print, the company is able to give it to the repairmen, and they are able to take it with them as they drive. Another positive aspect is uniting the company with a sense of community by connecting them to one another as they read about their company on paper. Plus, an inbox for an email account gets bombarded with all kinds of spam, online documents, and corporate emails; it's appropriate to give eyes a break from a computer screen.
All in all, I feel that keeping a hardcopy newsletter is something that is more valuable in the end. Many coworkers look forward to the day that they can sit back, prop their feet up, and read about the daily happenings within their company that doesn't directly involve them. I say it is a priceless road of communication that should not be tampered with.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Jour 4250: February 22 Lecture
I was extremely impressed by all of the presenters in class today. I felt that Addley Fannin did a terrific job, and was so creative. During her presentation, I began to think about why there are so few video games targeted for women, and why so few women were quoted in the gaming publications. Is it because women's motor skills aren't as developed? Because women don't find entertainment in violence? Because women have better things to do than play video games and complete levels? All of these reasons could contribute to this theory, but more importantly, how do men find time to do these things? I find it outrageous to think that so many men will neglect life and social responsibilities for a trivial video game. I haven't done my research, but it makes me wonder.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Jour 4250: February 15 Lecture
While watching "The Black Press" during class, the images of the lynchings will stick with me forever. It makes my blood boil to think that white Americans could do that in good conscience. It is impossible to think that so many stories of the African-Americans have gone untold, and am so thankful for seeing the documentary. It is moments like these that make a good education completely worth it in every way.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Who's to say who's right? Jour 4470
Blog Post 1: Mike Leach versus ESPN
When diving into the world of ethics, one finds himself tangled up in a web of multiple theories and explanations for what is right and wrong, why it is right or wrong, and how it is right or wrong. With theories like deontology, consequentialism, egoism and virtue ethics, how does one establish which path is correct for ethically right behavior? Reading the Mike Leach article, written by Don Ohlmeyer, raises many questions and eyebrows. If we were to compare the Mike Leach versus Craig James and his family debacle to the theories mentioned, what would that look like? How did ESPN play in to the scandal?
According to Karla Gower, author of “Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations”, deontology holds that “certain underlying principles are right or wrong, regardless of their consequences”. Due to Craig James’ direct involvement with the scandal and his influence at ESPN, it would have been wise for ESPN to deliberately remain as neutral and unbiased as possible. All this to say, it may have been less “fair” to the audience who tuned in to hear about the Leach firing, but it would have kept ESPN from sounding extremely biased.
Consequentialism, according to Gower, states that an “action is good if its consequences are good…and an action is bad if its consequences are bad”. It is known as a utilitarian stance, or as Jeremy Bentham, an eighteenth century proponent of utilitarianism, said, “the greatest good for the greatest number of people”. In that case, ESPN may have gone along with telling the audience the straight facts about who said what and why it was said. Bias should not have played a part in this whatsoever.
Egoism is best described as “enlightened self-interest, and contends that an act is morally right if it best promotes the individual’s long-term interests” (Gower 6). Leach and Craig James both could have used this theory to better promote themselves in their long-term career goals. Leach wanted to appear innocent by blaming his rash decision of punishing James’ son, Adam, in a “closet”. He told the press and his staff the Adam James’ actions deserved this. On the other end of the spectrum, Craig James got an opportunity to further advance his personal opinion of Leach’s coaching style by influencing those [ESPN] around him. In turn, both parties failed to consider the other one involved.
Aristotle implied that the golden mean, or “moderation as the path to a virtuous life”, reminds us “that character does make a difference” (Gower 7). A person that carries a sense of self-values close to their heart will, more often than not, do the right thing. By peering through the virtue ethics lens, both Leach and Adam James are at fault. If Mike Leach would have treated Adam and Craig James with more kindness than this uproar would have not been as much of an issue. If the James’ would have considered Leach’s role as the head coach of Texas Tech and not an abusive tyrant, then Leach would still have his position as head coach.
Overall, there are so many ways to look at a certain issue that you will think yourself to death. ESPN chose to televise a biased broadcast and Leach equally chose to choose Adam James with disrespect during practice. In turn, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? If we view one another as equals and as human beings with values, opinions and strong emotions, then your gut can oftentimes point you in the correct direction.
Sources:
Gower, K. K. (2008). Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
When diving into the world of ethics, one finds himself tangled up in a web of multiple theories and explanations for what is right and wrong, why it is right or wrong, and how it is right or wrong. With theories like deontology, consequentialism, egoism and virtue ethics, how does one establish which path is correct for ethically right behavior? Reading the Mike Leach article, written by Don Ohlmeyer, raises many questions and eyebrows. If we were to compare the Mike Leach versus Craig James and his family debacle to the theories mentioned, what would that look like? How did ESPN play in to the scandal?
According to Karla Gower, author of “Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations”, deontology holds that “certain underlying principles are right or wrong, regardless of their consequences”. Due to Craig James’ direct involvement with the scandal and his influence at ESPN, it would have been wise for ESPN to deliberately remain as neutral and unbiased as possible. All this to say, it may have been less “fair” to the audience who tuned in to hear about the Leach firing, but it would have kept ESPN from sounding extremely biased.
Consequentialism, according to Gower, states that an “action is good if its consequences are good…and an action is bad if its consequences are bad”. It is known as a utilitarian stance, or as Jeremy Bentham, an eighteenth century proponent of utilitarianism, said, “the greatest good for the greatest number of people”. In that case, ESPN may have gone along with telling the audience the straight facts about who said what and why it was said. Bias should not have played a part in this whatsoever.
Egoism is best described as “enlightened self-interest, and contends that an act is morally right if it best promotes the individual’s long-term interests” (Gower 6). Leach and Craig James both could have used this theory to better promote themselves in their long-term career goals. Leach wanted to appear innocent by blaming his rash decision of punishing James’ son, Adam, in a “closet”. He told the press and his staff the Adam James’ actions deserved this. On the other end of the spectrum, Craig James got an opportunity to further advance his personal opinion of Leach’s coaching style by influencing those [ESPN] around him. In turn, both parties failed to consider the other one involved.
Aristotle implied that the golden mean, or “moderation as the path to a virtuous life”, reminds us “that character does make a difference” (Gower 7). A person that carries a sense of self-values close to their heart will, more often than not, do the right thing. By peering through the virtue ethics lens, both Leach and Adam James are at fault. If Mike Leach would have treated Adam and Craig James with more kindness than this uproar would have not been as much of an issue. If the James’ would have considered Leach’s role as the head coach of Texas Tech and not an abusive tyrant, then Leach would still have his position as head coach.
Overall, there are so many ways to look at a certain issue that you will think yourself to death. ESPN chose to televise a biased broadcast and Leach equally chose to choose Adam James with disrespect during practice. In turn, who is to say who is right and who is wrong? If we view one another as equals and as human beings with values, opinions and strong emotions, then your gut can oftentimes point you in the correct direction.
Sources:
Gower, K. K. (2008). Legal and Ethical Considerations for Public Relations. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Jour 4460: Hey reporters! How 'bout you pick up the phone?
As a student majoring in public relations, I am being taught how the world of public relations works, what it looks like, how to get involved, and all kinds of techniques as to be a marketable public relations representative. With my fingers crossed, I hope to goodness that I am offered a job through one of my many internships or through some stroke of luck. I have an extremely marketable major from a well-known journalism school, but how in the world will I know that I am going to be a successful employee in the public relations department someday? I can see myself sitting down at my desk the first day on the job and saying, "okay, now what?" How do I get my business in the media, and how do I make them a big deal?
I googled "reporter help", and came across the Web site, helpareporter.com. This Web site advertises "Fortune 500 PR for Free!" Now, how easy could that really be? As with most websites, you are required to sign your life away and create a username and password that they internet world can identify you by. I just don't know if I can trust these things or not. Could this really work, or is it some sort of scam that I'm supposed to buy into? There are currently 29,478 reporters logged into helpareporter.com, and daily pitches are e-mailed to your e-mail inquiring if your company has the source they could be looking for.
The one problem I have with communication via the internet is the lack of personal contact. These reporters could be mythical or a scam. With so many "hook-up" venues for journalists and public relations representatives, just how far is too far? Don't reporters get overwhelmed and forget certain areas on the internet where they can find their information? The lack of face-to-face, or voice-to-ear, conversation leaves me unsettled. I was interested in becoming a public relations professional with the hopes that my love for people and conversation would someday open these very doors that are being propped up by websites that do all of the work for you. It might just be my personal opinion, but oftentimes I wish my personal public relations skills were put to the test more often. It's why I even considered this major in the first place.
I googled "reporter help", and came across the Web site, helpareporter.com. This Web site advertises "Fortune 500 PR for Free!" Now, how easy could that really be? As with most websites, you are required to sign your life away and create a username and password that they internet world can identify you by. I just don't know if I can trust these things or not. Could this really work, or is it some sort of scam that I'm supposed to buy into? There are currently 29,478 reporters logged into helpareporter.com, and daily pitches are e-mailed to your e-mail inquiring if your company has the source they could be looking for.
The one problem I have with communication via the internet is the lack of personal contact. These reporters could be mythical or a scam. With so many "hook-up" venues for journalists and public relations representatives, just how far is too far? Don't reporters get overwhelmed and forget certain areas on the internet where they can find their information? The lack of face-to-face, or voice-to-ear, conversation leaves me unsettled. I was interested in becoming a public relations professional with the hopes that my love for people and conversation would someday open these very doors that are being propped up by websites that do all of the work for you. It might just be my personal opinion, but oftentimes I wish my personal public relations skills were put to the test more often. It's why I even considered this major in the first place.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Jour 4250: February 8 Lecture
Today, we watched a film in class that discussed the role that gender stereotyping has been played throughout media and, in turn, has affected our society. For one, many times women are seen as sex objects that are used as mental pleasure toys to entice the male audience. Often, women's response to the stereotype is that they will play the stereotype up and continue to fulfill the part of the "seductress" because it is expected of them. The media and advertisers know that sex sells.
Another thing that we discussed in class was the Vanity Fair article that reported on the two "Queen B.'s" in broadcast media. Our discussion led us to talk about statistics, and that most men are CEOs of companies and many women do not feel the need to advance themselves corporately. I am an extremely headstrong woman and am gifted in many areas just as men are, but I personally do not want to be a leader in a corporate setting because ultimately I want to have a family. Having a family and taking care of my children is what I personally feel called to do. It is the most important job that I can think of, and I think that many women also feel that calling and therefore do not wish to live in the corporate world. I may be completely off, but I do feel that women are born with an innate sense of care and are much more affectionate than the majority of men. I, Emily McMeans, was born with the most important job to do; to take care of the next generation who will someday lead the country.
Another thing that we discussed in class was the Vanity Fair article that reported on the two "Queen B.'s" in broadcast media. Our discussion led us to talk about statistics, and that most men are CEOs of companies and many women do not feel the need to advance themselves corporately. I am an extremely headstrong woman and am gifted in many areas just as men are, but I personally do not want to be a leader in a corporate setting because ultimately I want to have a family. Having a family and taking care of my children is what I personally feel called to do. It is the most important job that I can think of, and I think that many women also feel that calling and therefore do not wish to live in the corporate world. I may be completely off, but I do feel that women are born with an innate sense of care and are much more affectionate than the majority of men. I, Emily McMeans, was born with the most important job to do; to take care of the next generation who will someday lead the country.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Jour 4250: February 1 Lecture
When our class split up into groups, I joined together with two other white girls with blonde hair and we talked with two biracial girls and one biracial boy. Our conversation was so open and honest that I felt so comfortable bringing up the different ways that we view our race and other races. I brought up the point that a lot of races are told certain stereotypes about themselves that they begin to think those certain things about themselves. Growing up as a blonde-haired girl that had a curvy body and big lips, I began to see myself as a "sex symbol", in the same way that my culture was telling me to act and look like. It wasn't until I matured and began to discover who I was that I changed my own self-image. I don't see myself as a dumb blonde anymore, but an intelligent woman who has just as much brains as anyone else in the room. I loved talking with my fellow peers about these things and can't wait until we do it again!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jour 4470: Ethics - Post 1
According to the Webster Dictionary, ethics are defined as a system of moral principles and rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc. Who is to judge what is ethical and not? Are they merely up for a vote or someone’s opinion? Humankind has put ethics into separate categories, like Utilitarianism, relativism, and postmodern ethics. Who is to say who is right and who is wrong?
With each decision I make everyday, I run it through an ethical filter with which I determine what is right or wrong for me. What may seem like a positive decision for me to make, may be the opposite for someone else.
While searching through ABC news archives, I stumbled on an article that discussed the ethical debate of embryo screening and whether or not it should be offered for disease prevention. For one party, they may agree with embryo screening to ensure any genetic mutation passed down from the parents was absent in the baby’s DNA. For another party, they may feel that it opens a Pandora’s box of Build-A-Babies everywhere. There are no conclusions as of yet, but Yury Verlinsky, director of the Reproductive Genetics Institute, feels that the public should decide.
"I think the decision has to be in the hand of the patients," says Verlinsky. "We have the technology in preventive medicine to help with the decision. I cannot press my ethics on somebody else and I have two options: to participate or not to participate."
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=116970&page=1
The debate between what is good and evil will forever be a battle between moral codes and opinions. Postmodernism argues that what is right for you is good for you and what is right for another is good for them. In the world of strategic communications, there must be certain codes of conduct that we apply to our public relations profession.
If an organization wants you to withhold certain information that would not be beneficial for that organization, yet would be beneficial for stockholders, where do you draw the line? Do you agree to do as your organization tells you or is your loyalty to the organization’s customers?
A constant search for the morally right is an ongoing struggle that will be debated over for many years to come. We have made some ground as public relations professionals by instilling a code of ethics among our profession, but there will continually be gray areas that will stretch our reasoning.
With each decision I make everyday, I run it through an ethical filter with which I determine what is right or wrong for me. What may seem like a positive decision for me to make, may be the opposite for someone else.
While searching through ABC news archives, I stumbled on an article that discussed the ethical debate of embryo screening and whether or not it should be offered for disease prevention. For one party, they may agree with embryo screening to ensure any genetic mutation passed down from the parents was absent in the baby’s DNA. For another party, they may feel that it opens a Pandora’s box of Build-A-Babies everywhere. There are no conclusions as of yet, but Yury Verlinsky, director of the Reproductive Genetics Institute, feels that the public should decide.
"I think the decision has to be in the hand of the patients," says Verlinsky. "We have the technology in preventive medicine to help with the decision. I cannot press my ethics on somebody else and I have two options: to participate or not to participate."
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=116970&page=1
The debate between what is good and evil will forever be a battle between moral codes and opinions. Postmodernism argues that what is right for you is good for you and what is right for another is good for them. In the world of strategic communications, there must be certain codes of conduct that we apply to our public relations profession.
If an organization wants you to withhold certain information that would not be beneficial for that organization, yet would be beneficial for stockholders, where do you draw the line? Do you agree to do as your organization tells you or is your loyalty to the organization’s customers?
A constant search for the morally right is an ongoing struggle that will be debated over for many years to come. We have made some ground as public relations professionals by instilling a code of ethics among our profession, but there will continually be gray areas that will stretch our reasoning.
Jour 4250: January 25 lecture
During class today, we were shown a video that discussed news coverage and the bias that can easily seep into stories that are featured. This video started a lot of good conversation of which I was able to take part in. I commented that a possible marketing reason for airing crime stories first was to reel in the audience due to humankind love for self. Questions like why should I care? or how will this effect me? initially enter into our minds. Personally, I do feel that many of the crime stories aired, whether about crimes done by whites or by another minority ethnicity, are put into the media to aid the public in making smarter decisions or to raise an awareness. The media has only a brief moment to capture its audience and they do so by displaying why people should care first and foremost.
Throughout the conversation in our class we were able to touch on the unfair treatment of people, whether white, black, hispanic, female or male, and how it is seen played out in our government and police force. As a white female with blonde hair, I am often labeled as a bimbo or as someone who is more interested in getting attention for my looks than my intelligence. I am aware that these stereotypes are put on me, yet it gives me even more of a reason to grow in my knowledge and wisdom to further downplay these negative schemas. Due to my beliefs in Jesus Christ, I am no longer held to an American standard of which I am to be or act like, but believe that I should fear the Lord and not mankind and what they may or may not think of me. Once I let these accusations and stereotypes go, I am able to focus on who the Lord has made me and how I may glorify His name in all of my words and work. This is not to say that I do not feel these pressures of proving myself and how I am different, only that I should not place my identity in other's eyes.
Throughout the conversation in our class we were able to touch on the unfair treatment of people, whether white, black, hispanic, female or male, and how it is seen played out in our government and police force. As a white female with blonde hair, I am often labeled as a bimbo or as someone who is more interested in getting attention for my looks than my intelligence. I am aware that these stereotypes are put on me, yet it gives me even more of a reason to grow in my knowledge and wisdom to further downplay these negative schemas. Due to my beliefs in Jesus Christ, I am no longer held to an American standard of which I am to be or act like, but believe that I should fear the Lord and not mankind and what they may or may not think of me. Once I let these accusations and stereotypes go, I am able to focus on who the Lord has made me and how I may glorify His name in all of my words and work. This is not to say that I do not feel these pressures of proving myself and how I am different, only that I should not place my identity in other's eyes.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
In through the nose, out through the mouth
Sitting in a warm coffee house that smells of dulce de leche is one of the most peaceful experiences that this walk of life has to offer.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Web Critique
Since the boom of the Internet, humans have explored the boundaries of what websites can do and how they offer a quick and efficient tool of communication. They are easy to get to and stand to be the first impression that many get of a certain company, person or cause. The two Internet sites I have chose are http://www.redcross.org and http://www.dmagazine.com. They American Red Cross is my chosen organization that I am currently designing my poster, handout, brochure and newsletter for. DMagazine is the company that I am interested in working for once I graduate this summer.
Let's first look at the American Red Cross' website. While browsing the homepage of their website, there is easy navigation. A tool bar of different options, including "Preparing for Emergencies, Getting Assistance, Giving and Getting Involved, Working with the Red Cross and Your Local Red Cross" allow you to find where you need to go. Once your mouse glides over these different areas of text, there is a drop-down menu that gives you more options so that you may further your search in where you would like to go. The overall presentation is nice. The colors are taupe, red, light taupe and blue. They are nice and pleasant on the eyes. It is not the most entertaining website, but it informs and educates those who are seeking information about the American Red Cross. The website does a good job of being consistent in this presentation throughout the website. Sine organization has so much to offer and information is easy to access, it is susceptible a lack of repetition throughout the website. They have done a good job of having a unified theme running throughout the website. The layout is a vertical layout, and does not require a horizontal scroll. This is a nice touch for the users. BEcause it is a popular organization, the number of users is high and it must be as simple as possible to access the website throughout. The content is relevant, accurate and informative. The homepage has a video, uploaded from YouTube.com, and it shows how the Red Cross volunteers focus on the children of Samoa. It is moving and effective. It allows the visitor of the site to see the good work that the organization is doing for the world.
DMagazine is a local magazine for Dallas, TX that touches on entertainment, news and different cultural topics during our time. It is a relevant magazine that markets to spans of people from all walks of life. Once I graduate, I would like to be an editor of the magazine. Whether dealing with the content or the general layout, I feel that I will have a good eye in knowing what readers want to read and what is important to them. Once on their homepage, it is overwhelmingly busy and you are constantly torn between what hot topic to choose. At the top toolbar there are the options "Blogs, Best of Big D, Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment, and Party Pics". Underneath the top toolbar is a smaller toolbar that says "Home Shopping, Home & Garden, Real Estate, Weddings, Travel, and Find a Doctor". These main search topics are broad and general, yet they reach every spectrum of the population of Dallas. The overall presentation is clean with nice lines and calming colors. I enjoy the patriotic colors and the "news like" appearance. Throughout the website, there is a constant repetition of font colors, alignments and use of proximity. Overall, it has a vertical layout, yet there is a horizontal scroll bar as well. The scroll bar isn't noticeable enough to make a negative mark on anyone's personal preferences. The content is in step with the theme of what DMagazine offers and sells them to be.
If I had to choose the website that I felt was more consistent and had the nicer presentation, I would go with the American Red Cross website. The content was less appealing to me personally, but it had a nice calming effect that was consistent with the overall tone of the organization. Easy to navigate, it was user-friendly and consistent throughout the entire time.
Let's first look at the American Red Cross' website. While browsing the homepage of their website, there is easy navigation. A tool bar of different options, including "Preparing for Emergencies, Getting Assistance, Giving and Getting Involved, Working with the Red Cross and Your Local Red Cross" allow you to find where you need to go. Once your mouse glides over these different areas of text, there is a drop-down menu that gives you more options so that you may further your search in where you would like to go. The overall presentation is nice. The colors are taupe, red, light taupe and blue. They are nice and pleasant on the eyes. It is not the most entertaining website, but it informs and educates those who are seeking information about the American Red Cross. The website does a good job of being consistent in this presentation throughout the website. Sine organization has so much to offer and information is easy to access, it is susceptible a lack of repetition throughout the website. They have done a good job of having a unified theme running throughout the website. The layout is a vertical layout, and does not require a horizontal scroll. This is a nice touch for the users. BEcause it is a popular organization, the number of users is high and it must be as simple as possible to access the website throughout. The content is relevant, accurate and informative. The homepage has a video, uploaded from YouTube.com, and it shows how the Red Cross volunteers focus on the children of Samoa. It is moving and effective. It allows the visitor of the site to see the good work that the organization is doing for the world.
DMagazine is a local magazine for Dallas, TX that touches on entertainment, news and different cultural topics during our time. It is a relevant magazine that markets to spans of people from all walks of life. Once I graduate, I would like to be an editor of the magazine. Whether dealing with the content or the general layout, I feel that I will have a good eye in knowing what readers want to read and what is important to them. Once on their homepage, it is overwhelmingly busy and you are constantly torn between what hot topic to choose. At the top toolbar there are the options "Blogs, Best of Big D, Restaurants, Bars, Entertainment, and Party Pics". Underneath the top toolbar is a smaller toolbar that says "Home Shopping, Home & Garden, Real Estate, Weddings, Travel, and Find a Doctor". These main search topics are broad and general, yet they reach every spectrum of the population of Dallas. The overall presentation is clean with nice lines and calming colors. I enjoy the patriotic colors and the "news like" appearance. Throughout the website, there is a constant repetition of font colors, alignments and use of proximity. Overall, it has a vertical layout, yet there is a horizontal scroll bar as well. The scroll bar isn't noticeable enough to make a negative mark on anyone's personal preferences. The content is in step with the theme of what DMagazine offers and sells them to be.
If I had to choose the website that I felt was more consistent and had the nicer presentation, I would go with the American Red Cross website. The content was less appealing to me personally, but it had a nice calming effect that was consistent with the overall tone of the organization. Easy to navigate, it was user-friendly and consistent throughout the entire time.
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