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

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

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."

Comments

Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

...

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

[janet_fraiser]

Janet is cheerfully oblivious to Veronica and Logan's backgrounds and personal issues. But she does wave hello when she sees Veronica.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[marsheadtilt.livejournal.com]

Veronica smiles and waves back.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[fh_jackass]

Logan nodded in agreement.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"Mm, but what happens when these celebrities complain, regardless of family?"

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

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"Well, I imagine Mr Skeeter might have a few choice words on the subject, considering how hard you try to protect his privacy."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"There is. No. Mr. Skeeter."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"There you go, proving my point," Callisto said. "As a famous reporter, your life is just as open to public examination as any other celebrity, and by your own logic, that of your family as well, even if you do try to conceal your husband's very existence."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"If I had a husband, I'd tell you all about him. Would you like to hear about my actual family, rather than the one that lives in John Crichton's imagination?" Rita asked.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"But how would we be able to trust your word, after your pitiful attempts to deny Wilbur and the love you share?"

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"There is no Wilbur. There is no love. I'm not bloody married," Rita scowled.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"I can understand why you feel the need for such extreme measures, after all you of all people know the lengths the press go to to tear into those loved by public figures, but Wilbur Rufus Skeeter is a fine man, who deserves better than to be ignored in this manner."

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[krycek-rat.livejournal.com]

"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Krycek commented, smiling.

Re: Discussion - Chosen celebrity

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"Methinks that certain TAs are asking to be given extra filing work this weekend," Rita said with a smile.

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."