Question

One of the important issues raised by Skloot's book is the ethics of journalism. What constitutes ethical journalism? Compare the differences between irresponsible and responsible reporting on HeLa and the Lacks family. What are some of the intended and unintended consequences of irresponsible journalism?

Answer 1

The correct answers are the following.

First, we have to say the name of the book the question it is referring to because it doesn't mention it. We are talking about the "Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," written by Rebecca Skloot.

Ethical journalism is the exercise of responsibility in the journalism profession. This means that reporters have to be objective when covering the news. They do not have to bias information, trying to manipulate public opinion. Ethical journalism also means asking the right and clear questions to know the facts, never trying to confuse people so the information could favor one personal agenda.

As Rebecca Skloot writes in her book, irresponsible and responsible reporting on HeLa and the Lacks family is a major part of her story because the cells of Henrietta Lacks were sold without the consent of Henrietta's family.

Some of the intended and unintended consequences of irresponsible journalism are the following. As mentioned above, irresponsible journalism biased the truth. Many times, the news company has particular interests and tries to bias the information so people only know one half of the story. This kind of journalism is partial because it does not allow all the parts involved to express their point of view in the story. That is why smart people know that what appears in the news it is not true because news companies serve other high interests from corporations and governments. Informed people go look at different sources and their own opinion.