Matt Pavelchik - Blog 1

Matt Pavelchik

L&I SCI 120

Blog 1

October 2, 2011

            Throughout the past four weeks of this course, I have really stepped back to take a look at how I handle the world of media. I have obviously heard of the consequences that come with using media improperly, but have definitely been guilty of misusing it.

            During my teenage years, I was definitely guilty of downloading music through Napster, as well as different movies, and software. Back then, I had the mentality that the producers of these different media items were making plenty of money, so what would be the harm of my downloading them. I would also make copies of these media items for friends; thus multiplying the amount of free downloads to many others. These downloading options were all so readily available that it seemed everyone was doing it, and at the time made it seem like it was “ok” to do. Looking back at it now, I realize that if I were on the opposite side, losing money because of the illegal downloads, that I also would be frustrated. I think about how much work the artist or actor put in, and how I was literally taking advantage of their hard work.

           

            Through the reading of Ess and Tavani, I have started to gain a better perspective on how situations like these should be handled. Both Ess and Tavani bring the focus on thinking about how your actions may be affecting someone else. It is important to keep ethics in mind in a work environment each day. I think people sometimes get themselves into trouble via email, because they do not always act professional in email. Sending an email to the wrong party can be devastating to your employment if proper etiquette is not used.

            During the past week, I have struggled with the concept of whether or not it is right to evaluate the beliefs of another country. While I believe it is good to study what others believe in, I think our culture tends to judge others for their beliefs. I think we are so caught up in our own beliefs that we often think someone else is wrong because they hold different beliefs than we do. Too often, judgment is passed before even offering a fair chance to someone else’s culture.

            The most interesting reading I have come across so far was the concept of whether or not advances in technology changes the overall landscape of ethics. I personally do not believe that new technology should have an affect on ethics that are already in place. Ethics to me are more common sense then anything else. If you have the slightest feeling that something you are doing is probably wrong, then you are most likely correct that it is not the right decision. Your “gut instincts” usually have a very good inclination of whether or not something is right or wrong.