Ethical dilemmas frequently arise in journalism. Issues focus on the question of whether or not to publish, whether to allow sources to remain anonymous, how much or whether journalists should cooperate with law enforcement and whether journalists trample individual privacy rights in their rush to break a story.
One ethical firestorm arose over the decision by publications to run cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammed in a derogatory manner. In addition to the irreverent tone of the cartoons, Islam forbids any depictions of the prophet.
Here is a case study about the issue from the website of the Society of Professional Journalists.
What do you think should have been done in this case?
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I would not of published this picture in a newspaper. My reasoning: it would upset a lot of people, possibly cause a huge upset, and its not appropriate because its a religious leader. If they used a political leader instead it would not of caused a huge up-roar. Religion is so much more of a sensitive subject than a political leader.
I agree with Danielle, I would not have published this picture because most of all, it goes against Islam to have any depictions of the prophet, Muhammed. As a journalist, you need to take into consideration the opinions of more than just one gorup. While this cartoon may be humorous or clever to some, it will be perceived as disrespectful by those belonging to the Islam faith. Although political cartoons were once very popular and more widely accepted, today’s standards place more restriction on satirical cartoons and it comes as no surprise to me that this particular one was met with such criticism.