Summary of the Article
The article by Dragga & Voss the lack of consideration of human life in reporting accidents in the media. The article provides that most of the reporting of accidents done in print as well as a television-based mass communication medium is impersonal and does not hold regard for the loss of human life. Dragga & Voss recommend that by changing the tone of the articles and providing information pertaining to the people who lost their lives, the media can put a humanistic perspective into their reporting.
Main Problem(s)
The main problem that has been identified is the absence of a humanistic perspective in the reporting of accidents in the media, which is usually caused by the use of technical language and jargon in the reporting articles.
Recommended Resolution(s)
In order to make the reporting on accidents more humanistic, the media cannot simply pout photographs of the victims without permission as it’s an invasion of privacy and can end up promoting sensationalism. As a result in the media should include background information on the humans who lost their lives in the accident. Another approach that can be taken is to provide the demographics like age, ethnicity, as well as gender of the people who suffer the loss of life in accidents. This information can be statistically represented in a graph which can curb sensationalism and still put a humanistic perspective on reporting of accidents.
Case Study: Hartford Connecticut “Hit and Run”
The case of hit & run in Hartford brings to light how the statuette of morals and the element of social responsibility are eroding in people. The case clearly depicts through the evidence on tape how people prefer not to get involved in a situation instead of helping those who are injured and in dire need of aid and support.
References
Draaga, S., Voss, D.W., (2003), Hiding Humanity: Verbal and Visual Ethics in Accident Reports, 2008. Web.
Singer, S., (2008), Video shows bystanders ignoring hit-and-run victim, Yahoo News, Web.