In the 15 years I've been teaching Media Law and Ethics, I have noticed that each semester, there have been major news events that have dominated public discourse and been relevant to Media Law topics. It's no surprise, especially considering that issues involving free speech and free press are fundamental to our everyday lives.
I think the March For Our Lives and the student activism in the aftermath of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Some have noted that the political activism and student-led protests are the largest since the Vietnam War.
With that in mind, please watch the video and read the article at this link. It shows the speech by high school senior Emma González, a survivor of the shooting and one of the student leaders. It may be difficult to watch, but I suggest that you focus your attention and avoid outside distractions as you watch it.
Here's the link: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/emma-gonzalez-spends-6-minutes-20-seconds-in-silence-to-remember-shooting_us_5ab69b82e4b0decad04a7a32?ncid=engmodushpmg00000003
Also, Ms. González and other student leaders have found herself subject to harsh criticism by some who disagree with her calls for gun reform. Some of the criticisms have been false. Read about one such instance at this link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2018/03/25/a-fake-photo-of-emma-gonzalez-went-viral-on-the-far-right-where-parkland-teens-are-villains/?utm_term=.5eae93c94dc6
After viewing and reading those links, return here and share your reaction. Please provide some perspective and substance. You may indicate whether you agree or disagree with her, or you might comment on what she and others are calling for. Or, you may want to comment on the harsh criticism they are receiving from those who disagree with her and her classmates.
It's likely that we may not all agree about Emma González, so I suggest that we remind ourselves that we should be respectful of each other, even if we disagree.
Remember to include your first name, last name initial and class (12:30 class, Honors class or Online class).
I look forward to reading your comments.
