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Assignment 2: Adversarial Ethics and Fiduciary Duties
Please reference the instructions in the Assignment 2 description on LEARN as well as the rubric
while completing this assignment.
Find an external source, whether that be a news article, fictional writing, movie, etc. where the themes of Adversarial Ethics or Fiduciary Duties are present. In a paragraph for each question below, answer the following:
1.
Describe what is happening in your external source in complete detail.
In https://ethicsforadversaries.com/2012/02/13/the-adversarial-ethics-of-reality-tv/
, the author explores ethics in reality TV, focusing on "The Bachelor." They and their friends watch the show known for intense competition. It's criticized for depicting love as a battlefield, using tactics like low-cut attire and extravagant dates. The author admits to mocking contestants, especially one from their college, Duke. The article questions the show's morality, where contestants date multiple partners before proposing. Parallels are drawn to Arthur Applbaum's Adversarial Ethics, questioning how forbidden acts become permissible on reality TV. It suggests morally questionable situations are common in reality TV.
2.
Examine the ethical dilemma involving adversarial ethics or the consequences of corporate profit-seeking.
The ethical dilemma in the source centers around the adversarial ethics present in reality TV, particularly in shows like "The Bachelor." Adversarial ethics refers to the idea that actions that are typically considered morally forbidden, such as deception, coercion, and infidelity, may become morally permissible when performed by individuals in certain professional or public roles. In the context of reality TV, contestants and the Bachelor or Bachelorette engage in behaviors that would be deemed morally unacceptable in everyday life. The show encourages competition, deception, and romantic involvement with multiple partners, all while presenting itself as a quest for true love. The author questions whether the "profession" of being a reality star entitles individuals like Ben Flajniak (the Bachelor) to perform morally questionable acts simply because they are part of a popular TV show.
3.
Do you think your source’s actions or attitudes are justifiable? Why or why not? I think that the author's actions and attitudes are justifiable, and this justification is further strengthened by the author's emphasis on the hypocrisy and moral conflicts inherent in the show's premise.
Firstly, the author's actions of watching and discussing "The Bachelor" with her friends are entirely justifiable. Engaging in entertainment, even if it includes some level of mockery or amusement, is a common and legitimate form of leisure. What makes the author's approach commendable is her ability to simultaneously entertain herself while maintaining a critical perspective. By doing so, she contributes to a broader conversation about media's influence on
society.
Secondly, the author's attitudes, particularly her criticism of the show's content, are justifiable. The article underscores the fundamental moral conflicts and hypocrisy within the reality TV genre, particularly in the context of "The Bachelor” and raises valid concerns about the promotion of competition, deception, and the superficiality of romantic relationships within the
show. This critique is ethically valid as it questions the portrayal of relationships in the media and its potential impact on societal norms.
Furthermore, the author considers these actions to be morally problematic and in need of examination. This is a responsible and ethical stance. By highlighting the hypocrisy and moral conflicts within the show's premise, the author not only justifies her own actions and attitudes but also calls for a broader ethical reflection on the part of the show's creators, producers, and viewers.
4.
Explain the recommendations you would provide the stakeholders in your source. Stakeholders are those who are/were impacted by the ethical dilemma in your source.
Stakeholders in the context of reality TV would include the producers, network executives, contestants, and viewers. Here are two recommendations for stakeholders:
a) Producers and Network Executives:
Consider the ethical implications of reality TV content and the impact it has on contestants and society. Develop and enforce ethical guidelines that promote fairness, respect, and honesty within the shows. Encourage responsible storytelling that does not glamorize deception and competition at the expense of genuine human connections.
b) Viewers:
Exercise critical thinking and media literacy while consuming reality TV. Recognize that the portrayal of relationships on these shows often strays from real-world norms. Support and advocate for ethical and responsible content in reality TV by engaging in discussions about its impact on society and relationships.
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