Finally...

Through this semester, we have examined countless issues of communication crisis and controversies. The discussion has been extremely beneficial to me and many of the things we have talked about will help me in the future.

If I am ever in a situation that requires me to handle I crisis, I feel confident I would be able to handle the situation efficiently and effectively. This class has shown me the positive and negative aspects to public relations and social media. However, they can easily be used to help. The Domino's case in the previous post is the perfect example of this.

I have learned the importance of staying true to my personal values an beliefs. Just as a company has principles and values, so do we as employees and individuals. It is important to know what is important to you in order to be ethical in all decision making in the work place. Taking a job that requires you to be put in unethical situations will not bring you any success.

Studying these many communication cases has been an integral part of what I will take with me to my first job. I am anxious to put these lessons we have learned into practice. The only way to do well in the future and to avoid situations such as the controversies we have discussed is to study them and learn from them. 

Domino's Pizza Controversy

In 2009, a major crisis involving Domino's Pizza and its employees brought national media attention to the pizza company.

Two employees recorded themselves put a video on YouTube of themselves doing inappropriate and unsanitary things to the food that was being prepared for customers.

The videos immediately received thousands of views and Domin's was thrown into a social media crisis. The employees were dealt with, fired, and Domino's released an official video via YouTube from the President apologizing and explaining the isolated incident.

This case is very interesting in that the company really did not have much choice when it came to reacting to the controversy. From a PR standpoint, they waited 24 hours before releasing an official statement, which was much too long. However, that aside, Domino's did the best they could to maintain their brand's reputation and integrity.

Ultimately they were successful. Through open dialogue and communication with customers via social media, the brand is now stronger than ever. Since 2009, Domino's has developed many strategic communication plans that have increased sales and the brand's reputation.

Although the controversy was extremely negative for the company, they used this as an opportunity to make their company even stronger than ever.

Stereotypin? Or adhering to a school's mission statement?

In an East Texas school, several students were asked to cut and dye their hair, as it was believed the reddish-color streak in their hair was associated with a gang int he Texarkana area. Although these students may not necessarily be members of the gang, the color was tied to it. The superintendent of the school explained that the decision was based on a report they got from the police department and chief of police.

The students say they are in no way associated with a gang and they wear their hair like that because it is their personality and in style. A spokesman for the Texarkana Police Department says they discussed the situation with the school district but they did not speak about how the hair color could be associated with gang activity.

A mother of two of the students is claiming that this is racial profiling and stereotyping.

Looking at the situation from an unbiased point of view, it is clear that the school is protecting their students the best they can by removing any type of gang relation from their school. If hair color is not addressed in the handbook, then the students may have an argument. However, it is more than likely that gang affiliation is addressed. 

The students are allowed to express themselves, however when you attend a school, you must follow their rules. The school's mission statement most likely expresses the mission to provide the best education possible to its students. Removing any distractions and especially danger is no doubt included.

This is similar to companies handling behavior of employees. If employees do not follow the values and principles of a company's mission statement, they will be dealt with. This situation is very similar, in that the school is doing what is necessary to protect students, just as a company would to protect itself and its employees.

Secret Service Contoversy

Recently there has been controversy surrounding the U.S. Secret Service and the involvement of paying prostitutes. A Source told The Washington Post that this behavior was not uncommon in the Secret Service culture. No doubt this is embarrassing for all those involved, but also our country. For a country that is strong in what they believe and quick to act on the opportunity to spread our culture abroad, is this what we are? I hope not.

This is unethical behavior by those we look up to in our country that have a sense of power. We rely on them to protect important government officials. Now with this controversy, the image of the Secret Service is no doubt tainted.

CNN.com recently had an article about the incident and explained that the overall Secret Service culture needed to be changed. That's not easy, but it can be done. The solution? Hire more women into the secret service. The "boys will be boys" attitude will no longer occur and the overall feelings and what is permitted will change.

It's not just that easy, but I think it's possible. The article compares it to current presidential campaign teams which are made up of women now more than in the past. It states that the culture has changed and that's a good thing. The Secret Service needs to get back to the values and principles that are important to our great country.

The "Occupy" Movement

The "Occupy" Movement has become very popular this year as a way of protesting. It has stemmed from how it originated, to many other things. There are numerous websites supporting these occupy movements in cities throughout the nation.

With this being an election year, protestors have taken advantage of the opportunity for change in America, now more than ever. The goal of protestors is to bring about awareness to the issues that need change. This movement has definitely been successful and is estimated to continue for a few more months.

Relating this to the values and principles discussed in class, I believe these protests have negative aspects as well as positive aspects. Often times companies "forget" what is stated in their mission statements and the values and principles they claim to uphold. These movements and the upcoming election can have the opportunity to remind some companies what they stand for.

Apple products...what's the cost?

Apple is a major corporation that is popular for bringing the latest and greatest in technology. However, there are certain suspicious situations involving the treatment of workers in China.

It has been said that workers are not paid sufficient wagers and are forced to work on bad conditions. Apple is criticized for this, because they are able to produce products much cheaper than in the United States.

However, Apple computers, iPhones, iPads, and IPods are already expensive as if. If Apple had to pay more to manufacture these products, would they go up in price? Would people still buy an iPhone if it was $500 instead of $200? I would have to say that the answer is probably yes.

It is not worth forcing those overseas to work in inadequate working conditions so we can have our expensive technology. That argument is not debatable. It is not fair that just because in America we have labor laws and a minimum wage to protect our workers, that therefore, an American company such as Apple will take their factories abroad to avoid these laws.

I myself have at least 3 Apple products that I use daily. I can't say I am doing much to show my opposition this, but if these facts are true, when should we start doing something? It is hard because this technology has become essential in our daily lives and very convenient...but what is the cost?

The Palaver Tree

The Palaver Tree system is a mode of thinking that is harmony over truth, hearing from all involved, community rituals and gatherings. This is a unique way of decision making that does not have the component of urgency or rushing that we often feel in today's society.

If we truly took the time to relax, and think about our decisions fully, we may live in a very different world. Although this is an extremely broad idea, consider the upcoming election. This is an interesting thought to relate to the Palaver Tree. The Palaver Tree is all about inclusion and cohesiveness. I would say something must people struggle with in our country and the source of much conflict is that of politics. Of course in a country like the United States, there is no way everyone will agree. However, we have come close to narrow it to two parties. Yes, there are major differences among Republicans and Democrats. However, if we look at what is important to people in both parties, we would find some significant similarities- just different ways of getting there.

In applying the Palaver Tree to our current political and economic situation, it is easy to see how the adjectives one would use to describe this system would be very different than how one may describe Politics in America today. However, with politics comes thousands of decisions and opinions. Think about politics and the upcoming election in relation to harmony, hearing from all involved, and the idea of gathering together. Relating this Palaver Tree idea, it is probably safe to say we may go about the election and politics in a different way. Instead of emphasizing the differences between the two groups, do it in a way with harmony and inclusion in mind.

Yes, this is ideal. Having everyone get along and be included is what many think of as a perfect world. However, if we stop to think about these values before big decisions, I think we would find ourselves making some difference choices.

Duty to Seek Truth and Report It.

An earlier post is about the major TCU drug bust that occurred in February of this year. Details of the drug bust excluded, there was much controversy surrounding the media coverage.

Many felt that too many details were revealed about those arresting, including mug shots and the affidavits, because those arrested were just accused, and had not had their day in court or found guilty. On the other side, many felt the public had the right to know what was happening in the TCU community.

Regardless of what is right, there are many values that can be examined. Telling an accurate story versus making a profit or satisfying ratings. Good stories sell, but is it always right? Reporters have an obligation to seek the truth and report it. It is important to not blur this with the sensationalism and attention that comes with a good story.

Amazon: A Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure

On November 10, 2008, a book became available on Amazon.com, titled "A Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure."

As one can imagine, this created immense backlash. At first, Amazon defended itself, explaining that it wanted to offer the free marketplace for people to exchange ideas. Amazon continued to to say that not allowing this book to be for sale is censorship.

However, later that day, Amazon pulled the book without making a statement.

In this case, it is important to examine the values at stake here. In my opinion, the most important values would be safety or children, moral obligations, freedom of information, and respect. It is important for Amazon to be a free marketplace of ideas, including the important of freedom of speech and the press.

That being said, maintaining these important ideas is important. However, when it comes to safety and the good for all people involved, what is the best decision? Probably pulling the book. There is no other motivation behind this book, other than promoting something that is against the law. Therefore, I believe Amazon ultimately did the right thing. They should have made the decision sooner, and issued a statement explaining their position- regardless of what it was.

Susan G. Komen

Last month, Susan G. Komen for the Cure was involved in a very controversial situation involving their grants to Planned Parenthood. Komen, as the largest organization in the country dedicated to breast cancer research, treatment, and prevention, is in the public eye and its decisions affect many people across the country. Komen gives millions of dollars in grant money to different health organizations each year. In the grant bylaws, it states that Komen cannot give money under any type of federal investigation. Recently Planned Parenthood fell into that category, as it was under federal investigation related to federal money going to Planned Parenthood, specifically to fund abortions. It is well known that abortion is a very controversial topic. Therefore, this caused much attention.

Shortly after announcing that Komen would no longer fund Planned Parenthood, there was a mix of reactions. Planned Parenthood and its supporters were very vocal about their opinions. Meanwhile, those who do not support Planned Parenthood or abortion, including many Catholic organizations, showed their support by donating to Komen directly.

One day later, Komen announced that it is revised its bylaws, therefore, reversing the decision.

As you can see, this caused much attention. Many angry and many happy, Komen lost many of its supporters. As an intern for Susan G. Komen in the Greater Fort Worth Affiliate, I was able to see first hand how this affected the Komen affiliates.

In addition to having to return many donations that Komen received after the first decision, the affiliates were not as informed about the situation. Headquarters made these decisions behind closed doors, not giving much advance warning to its affiliates.

In this case, the ethical system of Utilitarianism should be applied- making the best decision for the greatest amount of people. A major issue with this situation is that many who were voicing their opinions were not informed as to why Komen was making the decisions it made. However, if supporting Planned Parenthood can provide more women with the opportunity to receive breast cancer health, and no money going toward abortion, then that is probably the best decision.

It may be ethical, but is it right?

As many are aware, recently there was a major drug bust at TCU. It is unfortunate that students and members of the TCU football team were caught up in illegal activities of selling drugs. The undercover operation lasted 6 months and warrants were issued for the arrest of at least 15 TCU students on the morning of Feburary 15, 2012.

Although it cannot be argued that what these students have been accused of is absolutely illegal, there has been much criticism as to how the arrests were handled. Instead of informing the students that a warrant had been issued for their arrest, they were arrested in the early hours of the morning in their homes. This is often the case when there is risk of the suspects running. However, I do not believe that was the case here. Each of these students would have most likely turned themselves in. Was it necessary to have such an abrupt arrest full of media attention?

Now, the media. It is the media's job to find newsworthy information and share it with the public. The arrest warrants are all public information, as is the fact that these people were arrested. In addition to full-time coverage on television and the Internet, the students pictures were flashed all over the media, including the TCU Skiff.

The law of the United States says you are innocent until proven guilty. These students have not been convicted of any crime. They are suspects, yes. Is it necessary to post their pictures all over the place, including a full page in the Skiff? These students are not a critical harm to the University at this time. Some say this was public humiliation of students for a crime that they have not even been convicted of.

However, the opposite can also be said. These students put themselves, their friends, and most importantly TCU at risk. Their behavior reflects poorly on the school and the poor choices of a very small percentage of the school affects all the students. They made a choice, broke the law, and now must face the consequences.

In a situation like this, it is difficult to determine what is ethical. What is morally right to publish. The public has a right to know, but when is the personal information of these students being revealed constantly cross the line?

Public Relations and Technology

While reading Hamlet's Blackberry, it gave me an opportunity to really think about how technology has impacted and completely changed our world. We go so little without interacting with a screen. I am typing this on a screen right now...it's interesting to think about what you do in a day. How much of that could still be accomplished without technology? No doubt it would be much less convenient, but how would eliminating many of the new technological devices we have come dependent on really change us?

While thinking about this, I have related it to my field of choice, public relations. PR is a fast-paced industry, full of constant communication. A major component of public relations is transparency. The PR industry has put much emphasis on the importance of being open and transparent in order to be ethical PR practitioners today.

How has technology influenced what transparency means today? To be "transparent" is synonymous with open and constant communication. Does this mean having a phone with you at all times, being 100% available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? When does this idea of constant communication and openness become just too much? Do we even know what too much is?

We have been conditioned to live in a world of constantly evolving technology. What is newer and faster is always better. When the idea of public relations first developed, much of the integral technology we now use was not even an idea. Having a smart phone or tablet that could allow you to check email, or even email for that matter, was not even considered.

It is important to step back and think what is good and bad about technology today. It is absolutely convenient, but is it the best thing for us? We need time to find our happiness, our "quiet" in the fast paced world of today. However, some may say our world doesn't allow us to "unplug" from all the technology and get away. It is important in all of our professional careers to find the balance of happiness and success in a world full of technology.

Veil of Ignorance

Rawl’s “veil of ignorance” can be compared to many things happening in our government. For example, the controversy surrounding Obama and tax plans. There are many sides and opinions regarding tax cuts in America. Depending on where you fall socioeconomically, you may feel differently on what is “fair.” John Rawl’s believes that fairness is “the fundamental idea on the concept of justice.” So in order to have justice, everything must be fair. Is it fair that because you make more money, you must pay more? Is it fair that you pay the same amount as someone making more money as you?

The reason this is such a controversial topic is because what is “fair” varies among different people. It is almost impossible to have an entire country agree upon what is fair. That is why we are in the situation we are in at this moment. That is why Rawls explains the “veil of ignorance.” In this, he explains that everyone should step back “behind a barrier where roles and social differences are eliminated.” That way, we are free from the differences of race, class, gender, etc. and we can truly make an unbiased opinion.

However, is this truly possible? I do not think we are able to fully make ourselves unbiased from everything that makes us different. These differences are what make us who we are. That is why we have different political parties, and why not everyone in an entire country can truly be happy with one tax plan, or health care, or whatever the issue may be.

A Screen Can't do Everything

In today's world, we consider technology as making everything easier. This also means faster, more efficient, nonstop, effective. It can't be argued that our technological devices come in handy every day. Like the example Powers uses when explaining how he called his mother to tell him she was late. A quick phone call allowed him to get in touch with her without even having to get out of his car. Thinking about how much time we save because of our technological devices in a day can really show us how much we appreciate the effectiveness.

Powers then goes on to explain the feelings he experienced while thinking about his mother. After speaking to her, he was flooding with warm feelings thinking about memories with his mother. He asks, "How did it to do that" about the phone. That being said, it was not the phone that brought the good feelings to the author. It was speaking to his mother, the tone of her voice.

Being raised in this generation, a smart phone is an integral part of many of our lives. Much of my communication is over text messaging. A quick, efficient way to communicate information without actually ever hearing a person’s voice. It can be questioned that this generation of children that has been using a cell phone for years already understands what it is like to have to communicate orally. It is easier to send a text message or email.  It is quick, to the point and your goal is accomplished. However, much can be said about actually speaking with a person. The tone and emotion in a voice tells a lot about a person. How they use their words and phrase things can show many things. From their education, to an accent that shows where they are from. Even if they are mad, happy, frustrated lying, or even just paying attention. All of this is lost when communication becomes based on text messages and emails.

The Joy of Quiet...but no Internet?

Today’s world is full of non-stop, constant communication. Much of that is extremely useful, and a part of all of our daily lives. However, if we stop to think about how it truly affects our daily living, there is much more to it than convenience. As the world becomes so technological, it is no longer about convenience, but necessity. Many jobs demand that you are constantly available. Not answering your phone or being near a computer are simply not excuses because realistically, we always are. Recent discussion of anti-piracy laws being passed has brought up major discussion involving technology and privacy. Wikipedia and other websites were not functioning in order to bring awareness and show a position on the laws. Naturally, this was an inconvenience for many. As we are used to the fast-paced Internet, where virtually everything it available at our fingertips, possibly not being able to access the information we want to was an important reminder.

Imagine a world with not only no Wikipedia, but no Internet at all. No e-mail, social media, chats, information databases, buying and selling stock, online shopping, the list is endless. The implications of this would be huge, and for many detrimental to work and daily lives. Our society no longer knows how to function in a world without technology.

It cannot be argued that technology plays a vital and extremely beneficial part in American’s lives. However, it we take time to realize the “Joy of Quiet” we may find that our world is too centered on the Internet and technology. Is it necessary to have constant and instant communication with just about everyone in our lives? Probably not. Although, it sure is convenient.