Search the Community

Hi, first time poster - read the instruction and will comment on other essays. Not sure I've put enough emphasis on the extra instruction - would love feedback. Thanks! Prompt Scandals are useful because they focus our attention on problems in ways that no speaker or reformer ever could. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position. -------------------------------------------- Scandals have been part of society from the beginning modern culture, dating back to ancient Greece. Scandals are, in essence, a deviation from society's decorum. They draw public attention, since they have profound impact on society, while, in deep contrast, they are the result of actions of a few. Scandals draw public attention to specific issues, forcing public discussion and immediate action and help cure society ailments in the long run. Scandals are the public manifestation of internal issues of society, public figures or organizations, either within the private or public sectors. Scandals trigger public discussion, regarding the fundamental issue lying within, for which the scandal is only the symptom, or ‘tip of the iceberg’, if you will. The discussion that the scandal incites is beneficial, since public attention is more easily drawn to short term issues which are easier to comprehend, when measured on the vast scale of the entire population and political parties. Nevertheless, by requiring immediate action, they call forth the discussion on the fundamental issue, for which long term solutions are required. Opposed to public speaker and reformers, who try to incite public discussion for long term solutions directly, scandals focus public attention, through the symptom, to the core problem. The public’s reaction to scandals can be compared to a body’s reaction to a vaccine. Analogous to a castrated virus of the flu vaccine, the scandal effect is local, though it does take its toll, triggering a weakened response of the body, such as a slight fever or headaches. On the long term, the benefit of addressing the problems caused by the scandal outweigh the harmful effects it may cause. On the other hand, public speakers and reformers can be compared life-quality supplements. For example, one may take vitamin pills, thus improving the overall quality of the body and prevent most illnesses, analogous to a public discussion on minimum wage. Yet, these supplements cannot address ailments, and from time to time, a new, more destructive ailment may present itself. It is through scandals, public discussion and action, society learns how to correct itself,such as the body learns how to deal with once deadly disease. Though scandals are beneficial for society social health on the long run and on the public scale, it is important to understand two sides of the coin. Scandals often focuses journalists on the lives of individuals. Those who the scandal was caused by, and their surroundings, causing harm to their families, friends, co-workers, and the organizations they are a part of. Though it is true the fault lies with those who are responsible for the scandal, nonetheless, their surroundings social circles are those who may pay the public price, in the right of public interest. In conclusion, scandals, while unavoidable, can help cure society ailments. While public speakers and reformers, act as in to help shape society, scandals act as a shockwave, forcing deep thinking and actions, giving society new directions, helping shape its moral codes and march into a brighter future.