This will come as a shock to some of you, but many journalists do have a moral compass. Occasionally, we take one out and see if anyone remembers how to use it.
These newsroom debates are passionate and I have been at the center of many. For years, I argued that omitting details of sex crimes because “some readers might be not want to read about that over their Cheerios” misrepresented the true level of brutality against women in America.
I mean, come on, the music industry turned misogyny into entertainment a long time ago. Why not throw in a little reality for balance? I am not arguing for gratuitous details. However, very often the word “rape” does not capture the true horror of many of these crimes.
The same is true for media coverage of suicide. There is an unspoken rule among editors throughout the land that covering a suicide — especially details of a suicide — is morally wrong. It unnecessarily inflicts more pain upon the loved ones left behind. They argue that suicide is not newsworthy unless a celebrity kills himself or the suicide affects the public — for instance, when tortured soul jumps off an overpass during rush hour and brings traffic to a halt.
I disagree.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines. The comments below begin with the oldest comments first. Click on the last comments page to jump to the most recent comments.
Amen!
Not only do the media and the public shy away from suicide, they think that if you survive a suicide attempt, you’re forever labled as “crazy”.
I’m very open about my attempt and will talk to anyone about it…even the grisly details….I’m not hanging my head in shame. The way I see it, if I can stop one person from attempting, I’ve done my job.
Here is my take on the subject:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Stigma-associated-with-suicide-and-depression
Caroline Storm
2:03 am on
March 7th, 2010I admire your questioning the attitudes toward suicide. I believe all should be reported, with sex, age and diagnosis (if this is possible).
I am an advocate for the seriously mentally ill (SMI) in Melbourne, Australia. This is part of a state in which even the published suicide rates from the Chief Psychiatrist are known to be false.
The SMI are those who suffer from the biological illnesses of schizophrenia, bipolar 1 disorder and severe clinical depression.
My daughter suffered all the depredations of severe paranoid schizophrenia and completed suicide by train some years ago. I talk about her death to anyone who will listen and work for those still suffering in this totally under-funded system
where about 15,000 SMI are homeless.
But only recently I realised I contribute to the stigma shown regarding mental illness by not noting Anne’s manner of death in her death notice or yearly notices. In her memorial notice on March 16th I will record her illness and suicide and remove this stigma, at least.
Caroline:
I am sorry for your loss and awed by your courage. Thank you for all that you do.
Thanks for the post. Sometimes it’s not so much about the position but the style in which it’s explained, don’t you think? Love your insight! Thanks again!
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines.
Post a Comment:
Copyright © 1992-2012 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 23 May 2012
|
