2006-10-05 02:35:15 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
I followed the link from another person's question to yours.
What an amazing opportunity this would be for journalists to show some restraint and practice using words to paint pictures of what horror has befallen us in both the Amish community and the world at large.
No, I haven't once turned on the television to "see" the news of the Amish tragedy. Neither have I wanted to see the weary faces of the survivors of that horrible event. The picture that stands in my mind is one of an Amish brother who visited the wife of the man who committed the unthinkable act and offered forgiveness to that family and to that man. No picture could reach my soul the way that picture did.
Reporters/journalists don't (as a whole) cover stories because they want us to have the historic record. They are well aware that stories sell papers and win awards and bring higher salaries.
The Amish truly believe that replicating the faces of people, whether in pictures or art or even on baby dolls, is the same as creating a graven image. It isn't simply an insult, it is compromising to their very belief system. To continue to strip this community of their dignity and bring humility to their people is beyond what is acceptable. It reminds me a bit of the crime that was already intended when this story began.
2006-10-05 07:35:40 · answer #1 · answered by home schooling mother 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's unanimous...everyone agrees that the Amish shouldn't be photographed during this tragic time. But I'll bet every single person who responded to this question watched the images on TV without even thinking that it's their interest in the sensationalism that motivates photographers and newscasters to do what they do. Yeah, the media is malicious, but their actions are fed by the public's morbid curiosity.
If you don't like what you see, turn off the TV. Once ratings start to slip, the media might become more responsible. -RKO-
2006-10-05 11:17:20 · answer #2 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
America opened the door to all journalists and media when they allowed "freedom of press". No one can tell a television network or photographer to leave the Amish alone just because they don't like having their pictures taken. That would be censorship.
Now the word SHOULD is a tough one. From a civil standpoint, no citizen would run around snapping pictures at a funeral. But reporters & journalists are different. They don't think, "oh, this is something personal and private" they think, "people need to see this". It is not just a journalists job, but their life, to bring to the public what has happened: no matter how tragic, brutal, or in some cases, rude, it may be.
As long as the people are looking at it, reading it, or watching it, journalists will contiue to cover it.
2006-10-05 11:14:06 · answer #3 · answered by oh really 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the media makes situations worse by some of their reporting. The Amish community should be respected during this time of grief. They are a very private community. I think personally all the media attention in Colorado could have sparked this man for his 10 seconds of fame.
2006-10-05 09:46:52 · answer #4 · answered by JustMe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think anytime anyone ask for the media to back off the media should.It`s just not a Amish thing.People of all beliefs has asked the media for privacy.It`s not none of out concern how the family lays their loved one to rest.
2006-10-05 09:44:55 · answer #5 · answered by darlene100568 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the photographers should be shot if they are within 800 yards of the Amish now. They didn't want to photograph them before. They shouldn't be photographing them now.
2006-10-05 09:47:47 · answer #6 · answered by namsaev 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTELY!!! The biggest step in being a morally responsible individual or society is respecting the wishes of all others. This doesn't mean that we condone and aid an irrational person in fulfilling their fantasies if those fantasies involve hurting others, nor does it mean we condone the hunger of some people to view whatever is 'news' if the viewing of that hurts the feelings of others because it infringes upon their personal beliefs.
2006-10-05 09:49:58 · answer #7 · answered by Nightstalker1967 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, I think they should respect it. Leave them alone and let them mourn. This is a difficult time for them and all this media attention is probably scaring the crap out of them because they are not used to it.
2006-10-05 09:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely!
2006-10-05 10:29:20 · answer #9 · answered by roeskats 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Leave them alone. The "story" is over. Let the families grieve in peace.
2006-10-05 14:11:51 · answer #10 · answered by Cherie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋