Ethics & PR

There has been so much talk about the government releasing photos of Osama Bin Laden's dead body, and whether or not they should be shown. It is a touchy subject and one that could be looked at as a public relations issue. There are certain ethical standards we must live by as we enter the professional world, and I know that I'm personally dreading the day I have to deal with something like this. This issue made me think of the PRSA Code of Ethics and reminded me that we have to build decisions off of our core values. However, it is confusing when you see both sides of the issue. In the case of Osama Bin Laden's photo's, I see how it can be unethical for our country to release the pictures. It can be conveyed as our President running around showing off his accomplishment, which can come off as insensitive and un-classy. On the flip side, I see that it might be a good public relations move to in fact release the photos because people want to feel satisfied by seeing the visual. Therefore, in the event of an ethical issue, sometimes there is no right decision, but you have to be the one to make the call and decide what is the BEST decision.

Osama Bin Laden is Dead

If you haven't heard about Osama bin Laden's death, then you must be living in solitary confinement in a cave in the middle east. Jokes aside, last night was a defining moment in American history. It marked the death of Osama Bin Laden the number one most wanted fugitive for the last ten years. Osama Bin Laden was the brains behind the 9/11 operation and numerous other organized crimes against America. Many college students posted outside the White House last night in celebration of Bin Laden's death. Many concerns of what will happen next with Al Queda still out there is the next topic to be speculated. I know that it was one of my first thoughts when I received the news. The peace of mind has been granted for this country, however, it is an unsettling feeling not knowing what's coming next.