http://abcnews.go.com/US/ny-jets-apologize-locker-room-incident-tv-reporter/story?id=11630323

Blog Assignment # 2

“Personal Fouls”

     If only the New York Jets players and coaches would’ve had their priorities in order and were using the practice field to prepare for their Monday night’s season opener against the Baltimore Ravens and not focusing on Ms. Ines Sainz, maybe they would’ve scored more than nine points on offense and possibly won the game.

     As a die-hard New York Jets fan, that’s all I could think about after reading this article. However, reflecting on how bad my team played in Week 1 is not the nature of my assignment.

     The media loves to pounce on stories of this nature. Anytime there is a scandal, especially involving athletes and women, sports journalist are eager to conjure up a distorted perception about athletes and portray them as arrogant millionaires who believe that they are above the law.

     Surprisingly, after reading this article I didn’t get that vibe. It was presented with factual aspects that pertained to the topic without personal embellishment or opinions from the authors.  

     It details the accounts of the situation as Ms. Sainz recalls them and discusses the actions that have been taken since the alleged incident. It quotes Ms. Sainz directly and never deviates from her recollection with added statements.

     Online public writing about this situation can have an adverse affect in shaping and reflecting cultural opinions. It gives the reader of future articles that pertain to sexual harassment in the workplace an avenue to pass judgment without knowing all the facts. It also allows for those who feel that women who dress “too provocative”, whether by perception or obviously, voluntarily subject themselves to the treatment that Ms. Sainz alleges she experienced while at the Jets practice facility.  

     The benefit of this article is that it spotlights the topic of sexual harassment, which in some form occurs on a daily basis in the workplace. Making people aware that sexual harassment is serious and will not be tolerated in the workplace is vital to ensure that all employees feel comfortable at work. The more press it gets, whether online print, television, or newspaper, hopefully people will understand that that harassment of any kind is ethically and morally wrong.

     Articles about topics like this can also subject potential accusers to negative reactions and public conviction before the allegations are found to be true. I’ve seen instances where individual’s careers, especially sports analyst and broadcasters, have been ruined because of harassment allegations and they were found to be untrue. In the end, public opinion, in conjunction with their employers developing a negative perception about them lead to them being relieved of their duties permanently despite their vindication.

     In conclusion, the article has an argument for both sides. It’s easy to say that Ms. Sainz voluntarily subjects herself to the harassment because of her provocative attire or because she promotes herself as “the hottest sports reporter” in Mexico. However, that’s still not justification for the Jets players and coaches to cat-call at her or to make her feel uncomfortable as she does her job. Being attractive should not make a person feel uneasy about the profession they choose to do. People should be able to do their jobs freely with an open mind and not be concerned about potentially being harassed.

Response to Sarah Lindhe’s Blog Assignment

     I would first like to applaud you for selecting such an intriguing current event. This is an issue that I’m sure draws opinions both for and against his rationale.


     You make and excellent point stressing his need to “honor his commitment”. Serving is the military is a commitment that shouldn’t be made arbitrarily. It is something that needs to be considered very carefully. At some point, he felt the need to make that commitment. He should have considered all aspects of being in the military and how it could possible affect his ability to practice his religion. It appears to me that the reality of what soldiers are subjected to and the difficulties they face during military duty has scared him and he is hiding behind his religion to try to get out.

     However, contrary to your point that you make about him “honoring his commitment”, you compare his desire to be discharged for his “religious beliefs” to yourself being a soldier and honoring your commitment. I think it’s a very honorable thing for you to have stayed the course and served/serving your country as you have, but to criticize him for wanting to be discharged because his reasoning (despite how shallow they may seem to you and I), I don’t necessarily agree with. I would assume that a lot soldiers at one point may question their initial decision to enlist. He may not be as strong a soldier as you are and he may not see the importance that comes with being a soldier as you and many more soldiers have. Initially, when he enlisted, it apparently seemed like the right thing for him to do; at some point his opinion changed. I do, however feel like his reason for wanting to be discharged is bogus and that his ultimate fear is dying in the line of duty. The article clearly states that there are “thousands of Muslims” who serve their country and practice their religion at the same time.

     Overall, I think you did a wonderful job!

Under fire by the U.S. Justice Department

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/arizona-sheriff-joe-arpaio-investigation-us-department-justice/story?id=11556736&page=1
     It’s a sad day in America when a person is not allowed to do the job that they have been appointed to do without being subjected to false accusations brought on by individuals with an ulterior agenda.

     I’ve been elected by the people of this city to ensure that we as a sheriff’s office provide a safe place for them to live and to apprehend those who break the law. I approach this responsibility with a great deal of importance and dignity.

     I am being falsely accused of violating the Civil Rights of Latinos based on the fact that they feel that I am unfairly targeting them with unlawful actions ranging from inappropriate searches of their person to not adequately providing officers/staff that can assist individuals that do not speak English fluently. I find these allegations to be unfounded and teetering on the brink of absurdity.

     I’ve concluded that this all stems from opponents of the proposed immigration law that our state is attempting to bring into legislation. They are using me as a political springboard to accentuate their discontent for the proposed new law. By implicating me, a sheriff who is known for being what some would perceive as “too tough” on criminals and illegal immigrants, and incorporating a few allegations of misconduct with a Civil Rights overtone to it, it would seem to be a sure-fire way to drum up support for the demise of the immigration law that is on hold and it would possibly increase the likelihood of the bill being shot down by the higher courts. If these individuals are successful at portraying that our office is guilty of violating the Civil Rights of Latinos without the immigration law in effect, it falsely gives the impression that Latinos would be more likely to face discrimination and have their rights potentially violated if the immigration law was to go into effect.

     I find it very odd that prior to the immigration bill that our state is attempting to institute (that I am a known proponent of), the vast majority of the general public found my law enforcement tactics and inmate treatment to be productive and effective. Statistics will show that crime in my jurisdiction has decreased significantly during my tenure as sheriff.

     I understand that it is the duty of the U.S. Justice Department to investigate allegations of this nature, however there is clearly another motive at hand and if one would take time to explore all the facts, you will clearly see that the cry of Civil Rights violations by these individuals is the cover up for the real agenda and is a secondary issue. This is nothing short of a mandatory witch-hunt by the Justice Department to ensure protocol is executed as it pertains to these allegations. The Justice Department claims that I’m being defiant and obstructing their investigation. We are complying with all inquires and we are providing all requested documentation that they have requested as evidence to support the allegations.

     The safety of the citizens in our county and surrounding areas is our top priority. As sheriff my job is to ensure that the people of this county are able to go about their business in a carefree manner and to feel safe while doing it. I will continue to be tough on individuals who break the law in my county. If that results in ruffling a few feathers along the way, I will continue to do so as long as my approach to crime and rehabilitating inmates fall within the parameters of local, state, and federal law enforcement guidelines.

     I am not a racist nor do I support or encourage racial profiling by my deputies. We take a tough stance on crime in this county and everyone has two simple options: 1) Abide by the laws of our state, or 2) Go commit your crimes elsewhere…

Introduction

Hello,

My name is Larry Spears and this is my blog for Inderdisciplinary Comp1.