Absence of Malice
While I could not see the first half of the film and am still a little confused over what exactly happened in the movie, I felt that Absence of Malice portrayed a rather negative and cynical view of the media. While we as journalists know that the character Sally Fields played was sloppy in her work ethic as a reporter, the general public may not know this. For the most part, they will see the media as the enemy in the film, which is probably an accurate portrayal of how society sees the media. They see the media as something that should not be trusted. Megan Carter (Sally Fields) was irresponsible in her reporting and work ethic and did not seem to realize just how her words were affecting innocent people. It was frustrating to see her act in such a way, especially knowing that audiences would see the film and categorize her as the average journalist - a story hungry wolf. In a way, this film has made me realize that I really do need to be careful with what I say, do and write throughout my career. I don't want to be classified as an enemy to society, simply because I want a story. I would like to change this negative viewpoint that has been bestowed upon journalists and change what society thinks of the media as to something more positive.
posted by Natalie @ 7:37 AM
10 Comments:
You're right. While our class watched the movie as aspiring journalists and understood the journalistic mistakes "Megan" made, the average viewer most likely thinks that this is the way most reporters operate. It certainly didn't help that her editor seemed to support her in all of her flawed tendencies.
I agree with you that Sally Field was very irresponsible with her reporting. It is interesting to see from an outsider's perspective the mistakes she made, but it is also easier to criticize than to acutally to the work. I think you have many interesting ideas.
Good point regarding Sally Field's character giving all journalists a bad reputation. I agree that the average person, upon watching this film, will not know that very few journalists act in such an unethical fashion. However, even if the average person stops to think, I am sure he will realize that journalists will not keep a job very long if they act in this way. Consequently, not all journalists are unethical.
I understand what you are saying when you mention that non-journalists will not be sure that she is acting unprofessional and is an average journalist. However, just because people don't know all the responsibilities that a journalist has does not give the journalist a right to be unprofessional. Journalists are held to a certain standard and they should always live up to it, otherwise they are not doing there jobs.
You are right that people viewing this movie might not even realize the mistakes Sally Field actually made in her reporting. I agree many people dislike the media, and with her editor supporting her tactics it seems that this is the right way for a reporter to act.
I agree with you that the movie portrayed a negative aspect of journalism. But it also showed how much journalists affect the public and that the effect can be on a very large scale. In that aspect I feel journalism is shown in a good light. It is like any source of power, you can either use it for good, or for bad.
I think that the public "gets it" if they look at the consequences - and there are many - in this movie. At the end, Megan, the reporter, said that she did her job badly. And that is certainly showed over and over throughout the movie.
I agree with your comment about how Sally Field's character gives the media a bad name. Although I think that this kind of behavior is very prevalent in journalism. It may not be as common as in the movie, but I think it still does happen and people lose their jobs because some reporters are just irresponsible.
I totally agree with your interpretation of the movie. I really didnt think that it was a good movie to show us, aspring journalists, either. I felt as if it was saying to us "go ahead look at what morons you are going to working with in the future and how you will be perceived". Good points my friend!
Unfortunately, what you said is true: this movie can encourage the negative stereotype some people have of the media. However, for every reporter like Megan Carter, there are many more responsible and ethical journalists doing their job... or atleast I like to think so. I agree, this movie also made me realize that I need to be incredibly prudent with what I submit for publication.
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