A 202er submits this post:
Katy,
The Badger Herald published a transcript from a rape victim who was supposedly raped at Sigma Chi. We talked a lot in discussion today over whether its fair that the victim was able to mention the fraternity, but didn't have to release the name of her sorority. Looking at it on the flip side, what if the accused went forward with his side of the story and said the girl's sorority but not his fraternity. Should the accuser have more rights than the accused? Also, would testimony like this unfavorably sway opinion in her favor because the investigation is ongoing? This reminds me a lot of the Duke Lacrosse trial where the team was negatively affected by the charges, even though they were found not guilty. Let me know what you think!
http://badgerherald.com/news/2009/03/04/transcript_of_herald.php
I'm curious what the rest of you think of this case. It's being discussed all over campus. But for our purposes, what are the specific media ethics implications? One thing I found particularly interesting was the content of anonymous comments posted to the Herald site. What are the ethical questions there?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Herald rape story
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3 comments:
I think there is NO WAY the sorority needed to be mentioned. The only reason that she came forward was because she could be anonymous.
However, having Sigma Chi on the front of the Herald and then the Cardinal is not exactly the best idea. Since people knew what frat it was, it made it easier for who ever threw the brick through the window to find it.
As a girl on campus I think it is ethical to name the frat. Stories mention where people were attacked and mugged so why not rapped?
As for the anonymous comments on TBH, I made an anonymous comment because I didn't know how to sign in/up. It seems unethical that people can post all these ridiculous comments about the girl and the frat. However, if TBH has a standard for comments they should not change it for one story. Obviously they allow anonymous comments but it said they go through a filtering process.
My thoughts focus on the type of filter these anonymous posts go through. I have another ethical question, how should newspapers decide which posts make it to the website and which posts are declined?
The posts on the the article were very mixed. In my opinion, some were very insensitive and others defended the victim. Some were from members of the greek community. SOme were completely random, some people wrote essays. Heres a snippet of the conversation: Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 8:30am):
SAE gets 3 years for a party and Sigma Chi gets social probation for a rape.... that makes tons of sense
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 8:52am):
"This just seems like hearsay and some real facts would be nice...."
How is it hearsay if it's coming directly from the victims?
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 8:52am):
First, she is a woman, not a girl. Secondly, nearly every news story contains hearsay. Thirdly, if you want facts, take the time to read the interview conducted by the Badger Herald. It is compelling. And as far as identifying those who assaulted her--why do you think they use roofies?
Sadly, the story is neither new nor unique.
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 8:59am):
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 3:15am)<-- Screw you man if she really was raped she should be given the benefit of the doubt read the whole transcript you douche
___
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 10:57am):
oooh snap. not my house!
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 11:04am):
DRAMA!
Anonymous (March 4, 2009 @ 11:09am):
I know every single Sigma Chi. I know how they party, and how they treat women. And let's just say, they'd sooner roofie themselves just for kicks than do something like this. If this is true, call out some names, make something more of this than a public statement to try to embarrass a house
How should the BH moderate these posts? What is too outrageous to post on this wall that could in now way be posted?
For ethical reasons I should say that I am in a sorority and I write for the BH.
BUT my post is from the point of view of a curious J202 student.
The comments posted after the article offered more insensitive jabs than helpful and thought-provoking remarks. At some point, they should have been monitored.
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