The media invading people's personal privacy is a constant controversy in our country. Often the media is seen as a nuance that constantly crosses the line in our everyday lives. However, Carol Costello, a reporter for CNN argues that although this may be true in some cases, media is ultimately crucial to society because it "gives a voice to the voiceless" and allows the public to know what is going on in the world. Costello uses anecdotes and citations to prove her point.
Costello immediately introduces her article by addressing the counterargument with personal anecdotes, thereby establishing herself as a credible source. She disproves the stereotype that all reporters are portrayed as nosy people who will do anything to get the latest scoop, and states that in fact, "[reporters] loathe asking grieving family members to go on camera. Using the Flight 370 disappearance as an example, Costello recalls that she personally was sick to her stomach when cameras kept on filming after grieving relatives repeatedly asked reporters to leave. She admits that some reporters are exploitative and cross the line, but not all of them are.
On the other hand, Costello contends that a journalist will not know whether a victim wants to share his or her story until they are asked. Sometimes, victims who have experienced brutal conditions actually want to share there story with the world as a message to the others out there. In 1980, after turning down Phyllis Cottle's rape victim story because she thought it wasn't right, Costello later saw another interview with Cottle where she pleaded, "Catch him. Help find the man who did this." In this way, Costello shows that reporters are a crucial part in sharing the horrific stories of those who are voiceless with the world which needs to be aware.
Costello effectively convinces the audience that media plays an important role by seeking justice for those unfairly taken advantage of by advocating these events to the world through the use of anecdotes and citations.
No comments:
Post a Comment