Journalistic Integrity (Wednesday, February 1 - 6th period)

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Rita was distractedly reading a newspaper with moving photographs when the students filed in. She smiled at them over the top of it, and flipped the paper down, setting it on her desk.

Observant students might notice the singe marks or ashes on said desk.

"Today, we talk about actors. Musicians. Artists. People who specifically choose a career that puts them in the limelight. Is the press wrong for tailing these people? Wrong for finding out as much as possible about them and sharing with the public? They've put their lives up for grabs, after all."

Her smile widened. "Discuss."

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Discussion - Chosen celebrity

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Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[janet_fraiser]

"Well, them, maybe, but what about their friends and relatives? The ones who didn't want to be famous, that is. What if they want the press to leave them alone?" Janet frowned. "I would think that they'd respect those individuals' right to privacy. Though it's a more confusing situation if, say, a famous actress is out to lunch in a public place with her best friend from high school. Because then haven't both parties put themselves out there to be noticed?"

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"Isn't it arguable that the celebrity in question should have considered their friends and family? It's not the press's fault they're interested in what's available," Rita said.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[janet_fraiser]

"I think it might depend on the situation," said Janet. "If a celebrity brings his sister--for a completely random example--along on, say, a photo shoot or a premiere, well, the sister might arguably have agreed to be in a public forum that journalists are going to be in. So the sister should expect it there." She tapped her pen on her desk as she thought.

"But kids should be left alone. At least until they're old enough to decide whether or not they want to be in the spotlight. Of course, some stars don't agree--but I don't think highly of celebrities who use their children to advance their careers."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[marsheadtilt.livejournal.com]

Veronica kind of loves Janet right now.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

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Logan nodded in agreement.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

Callisto briefly wondered about the scorch marks.

"Well, it all depends on where you draw the lines doesn't it? Yes they've put themselves out there, and opened themselves to speculation, and can't really complain when they're approached in public. However there's a difference between recording someone's public actions, and invading their personal space."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"And where is that line, Callistie? Who determines it?"

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"Well, we do have privacy laws for a reason, and I imagine that gossip is hardly a suitiable excuse for breaching them," Callisto drawled. "And it's Callisto"

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"Isn't privacy as a whole a subjective concept, Callistie?" Rita asked coolly.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

"They're already in the 'lime light', why shouldn't the press get to find out more about them?"

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[likeguidelines.livejournal.com]

Barbossa also wondered about the scorch marks, but detention with Professor Skeeter had taught him lessons about discretion.

"I be thinkin' that if they be famous, then their lives be an open book fer the public. That be the nature o' celebrity, at least in this day 'n age. In me own day, I could walk past the King o' England 'n not recognize him."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[mycanonhatesme]

"I think there's a line that needs to be drawn. Celebrities are there for the taking - they've put themselves up, and I think that as long as you're not putting them in danger, it's fine. But celebrities' kids...there's a lot of damage that can be done if people know what a celebrity's child looks like, and I think that if someone asks for pictures of their family members to not be taken, that should be respected."

After Class

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OOC

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