Case 4: Social JusticeCase 4: Social JusticeThe cases in this chapter examine what the media’s

role is in social justice.

• Does the media carry a particular mandate from subscribers and audiences?

•Does the press have a legitimate advocacy function, or does it best serve democratic intermediary, a conduit of information and varying opinions?

• Should the press just mirror events or should they provide a map that leads ins audience to a particular destination?

Chapter 4 CasesChapter 4 Cases• Case 15: Affirmative Action in Michigan

• Case 16: Distributing the Internet

• Case 17: Sexism and World Cup Soccer

• Case 18: Ten Weeks at Wounded Knee

Case 15: Affirmative Action Case 15: Affirmative Action in Michiganin Michigan

• Facts – Empirical Definition

• Values

• Principles

• Loyalties

From top to bottom: the plaintiffs, the defendant, and the current president in front of the Court.

• How should Rawl’s “veil of ignorance,” be used in this case? In reporting on affirmative action in general?

•How could the media more sensitively report on social and racial issues such as affirmative action?

Case 15: Additional linksCase 15: Additional linksAmerican Association for Affirmative Action - The AAAA’s

take on the cases.Unequal Terms - A look at how the media reports on

affirmative action.Information on Admissions Lawsuits - The University of

Michigan’s information database on the suits.Split Ruling on Affirmative Action - Article and audio links

about the case. Includes full recording of the Supreme Court proceedings.

President Bush Discusses Michigan Affirmative Action CaseViewpoint: Valuing Diversity - Former U of M president

Lee Bollinger’s assessment of the case.

Case 16: Distributing the Case 16: Distributing the InternetInternet

• Facts – Empirical Definition• Values• Principles• Loyalties

Millions of people have no access to new communication technologies. Some people are starting programs to help.

• Should the information highway be made available on an essential need basis, or on an ability to pay basis?

• On what basis can it be argued that it is morally desirable to ensure comprehensive information for every person, regardless of income or geographic location?

Case 16: Additional linksCase 16: Additional linksBridging the Digital Divide - A report and case studies on

the digital divide.Ethics in the Information AgeHole in the Wall - A video on the “Hole in the Wall” project

to bring the internet to kids in India.Who are the Information-poor? - Article on the

communications revolution and information poor.Reconceptualizing the Digital Divide - An examination of

the digital divide and its relation to issues such as literacy.

The Growing Gap Between Information Rich and Poor A comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Case 17: Sexism and Case 17: Sexism and World Cup SoccerWorld Cup Soccer

• Facts – Empirical Definition• Values• Principles• Loyalties

After the U.S. Women’s win in the 1999 World Cup, the media focused more on the women’s sexuality than their win.

• How can sexism in the media be reduced?

• Is marketing women’s sex appeal a good way to market women’s sports?

Case 17: Additional LinksCase 17: Additional LinksWomen’s World Cup 1999 – Sports Illustrated page on the tournament. Also shows a picture of the magazine cover on the triumphant Americans. Sports Illustrated Cover – Cover of Sports Illustrated that is of Chastain after removing her shirt.Chastain/Garnett Commercial – Commercial plays on Chastain’s famous shirt removal. Again using sex to promote sports.Is sex appeal the way to sell women's football? – Questions whether sex appeal is a legitimate way to promote women’s soccer.The Goal-Goal Girls! – Article in support of how women’s soccer is marketed. Case in point on how the media can be sexist.

Case 18: Ten Weeks at Case 18: Ten Weeks at Wounded KneeWounded Knee

• Facts – Empirical Definition• Values• Principles• Loyalties

FBI and U.S. Marshals at Wounded Knee.

Indian Barricades at Wounded Knee.

Scenes from Wounded Knee: AIM leader Russell Means, an injured fighter, a U.S. Army tank.

• How can the media better deal with complicated historical and cultural issues?

• What should be the role of the media in reporting on Native American affairs?

• What is the role of the sensational when it comes to reporting?

Case 18: Additional linksCase 18: Additional links

AIM and Wounded Knee Documents - A collection of documents from and about Wounded Knee.

Defending a Cultural Identity - An assessment of the success and failures at Wounded Knee.

The Second Battle of Wounded Knee - The Print Media’s Portrayal of Native Americans.

The Official Website of Russell MeansRepression on the Reservation - An article on

freedom of the press in reservations.