Unethical decision-makingThe usage of beheading videos as means of terror and propaganda on Bare Naked Islam blog

Thinking of the most emotional challenging issues presented in the media, even though we are speaking about broadcast, written press, radio or online press, probably the first thing that none of us feels comfortable seeing is death; causes, risks, consequences, the decease of an animal but especially the death of a human being. Watching from a different perspective, even without taking into account the moral or emotional effects of such images, having to see someone whose life is going to be taken appears to trigger more in our minds. Starting with the universality of the right to live and ending with the counter argument of Immanuel Kant As long as the death penalty takes the form of a penal law, it is a good action everything in between creates the space for us to think that deciding ones right to life of not is just wrong. Personally I think that being the victim of a terrorist attack is definitely the cruelest and most unfair way to die, the one that leaves you with not a single chance to fight back or defending yourself. Because of the facts mentioned above I have chosen to analyze the content of some articles on the webpage www.barenakedislam.com . I feel that their extremely explicit video content of innocent people being beheaded causes unrecoverable emotional damage to the wide audience but most importantly to the family of the victims that have the image exposed to the public upon any request. Taking the subject to the legal frame there are two important aspects that should be taken into consideration, the purpose of the webpage and the punctual article in the Society of Professional Journalists - Code of Ethics voluntary embraced by thousands of journalists in the United States of America as a resource for ethical decision-making. As stated in the webpage description This blog is designed to show you the dark side of Islam that the West does not want you to see. The Islam that Western media refuse to show you. The Islam that is slowly but surely changing the West. You may feel uncomfortable looking at this blog. You should. You will feel anger and disgust that our leaders do not understand Islam when it comes to the motives that drive our enemies to commit suicide for their ideology. Look at the photos, watch the videos, most of which come right out of the Muslim world. Understand that elements of Sharia law are creeping into our daily lives under shelter of religious freedom. Listen and learn about the real Islam, then tell your family and friends. I find that the idea of raising Islam awareness as well as understanding the ideology and its means of justice is as eye catching and interesting as any other subject of interest nowadays. What is disturbing in this case is the way they present the facts and the accent they put on their explicit materials. From the very beginning they let the reader know what to expect from the content of their news Islam means submission to the will of Allah and the teachings as depicted in the Quran which include jihad the genocidal slaughter of infidels by the sword, killing by beheading, intolerance of other religions, as well as forcing submission to Islam. The ultimate goal of jihad is the domination of Islam over the entire world but at the same time they use no warning for the video materials. On the other side of the note, the Code of Ethics statements that I feel have been fringed are that the Journalists should Balance the publics need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness, Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment, Support the open and civil exchange of views, even views they find repugnant. Relating to this issue from the ethical standpoint of journalists, posting explicit content on the online media is usually seen as a representation of reality. In fact, if we are to ask ourselves what is the importance of an ethical code in this field and how can he help journalists defend their media products but also help people fight back when they feel they have been harmed by the media, the result comes out clearly. The need of a code of conduct came as a response to the growing number of professional journalists as well as a need to meet public criticism of the press, to pursue the protection of standards against values and also to avoid a legal restriction that would eventually restraint the media coverage. Although it has been said that the codes are formally addressed and general oriented and through this they are forcing the journalists to deliver news from only one perspective following a set of unspecific donts, not few were the cases where being obedient to such regulations turned out into unexpected key solutions to social issues. Again, from a journalistic standpoint, the Code is the main important factor in ethical reasoning as it creates space for consistency and keeps the content relevant by providing with a strict guideline to the relevant standards. Another aspect to take into consideration is the public and professional accountability that the Code increases by constantly articulating the journalists purpose on one hand and allowing the public to hold journalists accountable on the other hand. What we encounter in our case concerning Bare Naked Islam blog is an aberrancy from some of SPJ Code of Ethics recommendations with regard to minimizing the harm and seeking truth and reporting it. It is true that the focus of the blog is directed towards Islam not being a religion of some sort and especially not a religion of peace but it represents a totalitarian political cut-like ideology. Basically, through this statement it shifts the common public belief towards a new approach. What Bare Naked Islam does is basically gathering all the information they can about ISIS (the Islamic State of Irak and Levant and the Islamic State of Siria and Levant) and expose everything to the wide audience. On their blog, besides disturbing graphic beheading videos we can also find real stories about child abuse, traumatizing experiences of prisoners and various satirical comments and articles on the difference between ISIS and other groups/cultures. What I decided to focus on is the graphic content of the pictures and videos showing beheadings. Although beheading is not a foreign method of execution advocated by Islamism and Islamic extremism, it has been banned in the other parts of the world. The beheadings are usually public gatherings in Saudi Arabia but they are not allowed to be photographed or filmed. Nevertheless we can clearly see these photos and videos on the Internet as it has become a common form of terror and propaganda by the jihadist groups. As reference we can take into account the past and current situation regarding this type of capital punishment. First we have to acknowledge the scriptural justification of beheading which lies even in the first lines of Quran saying that Muhammad himself was described as ordering beheadings. Although it was a well known practice until the beginning, all the attention was drawn with the beheading of the American Journalist Daniel Pearl by an Al-Qaeda member. Ever since then, beheading videos started to follow one another and so the jihadist groups gained stature and publicity based on shock and terror, as a recruiting tool forjihadamong both Western and Middle Eastern youth and as means to discourage opposition.The three articles I have chosen for an in-depth analysis are all depicting beheading massacre scenes. The first article was published in February 15, 2015 and it features the Islamic State (ISIS) release video of beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya. The first photo depicts the hostages and the Muslim executors on the verge of beheading the Christians. The hostages are all dressed in the orange suit likewise those whove died in the same circumstances. The article says that the peoples death is addressed to the people of the cross, the hostile Egyptian church. Also, in the article there are two pictures showing posts of @Conflict News on Twitter quoting the ISIS Executioner saying We will conquer Rome and The sea you have hidden Osama bin Ladens body in, we will mix it with your blood. As for the second article, it was posted on March 21, 2015 and was talking about how ISIS has released its latest beheading video of three Peshmerga soldiers as a warning to their sworn enemies on Kurdish New Year. In writing the story of this article the author has explained step by step, through a series of explicit content/visual images how the process went. In this case, I feel that there was no need to attach the graphic photos and video as the article itself was more like a description of those. The third article Ive chosen was published on March 29, 2015 Strike Their Necks says the Quran and the Islamic State (ISIS) savages are happy to comply at every opportunity and it represents the story of eight Syrian soldiers who were lined up in a field and beheaded. The particularity in this case is that we can see how the jihads are growing their children into becoming a part of this involuntary of their decision and taking advantage of their age. Another important aspect is that in this particular article were used two photo collages, one showing the hostages and the executors with the logo Strike their Necks and the other one with jihad logo and a quote from Koran 8:12 I shall put terror into the hearts of the disbelievers. Stroke above their necks and strike their fingertips. Although the three articles seem to approach different subjects, I came to find that at the base of their massacres is their blind faith in the religion they cherish so much. Under the shadow of the Quran, the Arabs have become occupiers that live off the looted wealth of other. They do not believe in working or in science and progress. Thanks to Islam, they have become a war-seeking people, always entangled in some type of conflict. As method, I have chosen to do a Potter Box analysis of the issues mentioned before.Facts: On Bare Naked Islam blog have been posted graphic pictures of jihad groups from the Islamic State of Irak and Levant and the Islamic State of Siria and Levant depicting the beheading of hostages from different cultures. Both the pictures and the videos are explicit. The main reason for spreading these materials online is to raise awareness of what happens inside those who put their faith in Quran. The authors defend their content by saying that In Islam, one is considered moderate if one supports the goals of jihad, if not the tactics. Those who totally reject the violent teachings of Islam are considered apostates of Islam and as such, are condemned to death. Moderate Muslims are peaceful in spite of Islam, not because of it. The religion of peace is a concept the West is eager to embrace all in the name of political correctness refusing to believe that a major world religion poses such a devastating threat to humanity. Values: The value of the news delivered by Bare Naked Islam can be categorized both as good or bad (if we are to take into consideration the universally accepted knowledge of the two terms). At a second glance we can make distinction between the aspects of some more specific values. Judging according to the aesthetic value, the articles are taking over the sinister content and so from this point of view they are not harmonious and unpleasant to see. On a scale of professional values, the articles are sensational and controversial at the same time, as we are also talking about the human interest value of the story. Another value worth mentioning in this regard is the publics right to awareness as everybody should be informed about the tactics and the procedures that are happening in this moment somewhere else on the planet. It might not have a direct effect on our lives as we speak, but certainly are aspects that require our attention as their consequences might impact everybody regardless of age, race, culture or ethnicity. Both of these values can make the base of a great reference article in the journalistic field. Thinking about the logical value of the news, they are coherent, consistent and they follow the chronological order of the facts. Through these we can clearly see that there are no tertiary factors that can influence the journalist into writing something else than he is supposed to. The socio-cultural value in this case is definitely restraint. The subjects of the articles would definitely act like a magnet if published in the printed press or broadcasted on TV. Nevertheless they do attract a large mass of viewers in the online platform as well. Even with that we can observe the writers self-restriction to over react while discussing these issues. As for the moral values, we are clearly talking about humanness and truth-telling - the transparency through which the writer is dealing with the subject and his pertinent comments on the margins of the article are a clear proof of his intentions towards the issue. Principles: The principle that I feel its the perfect fit in the case of Bare Naked Islams articles is Mills Principle of Utility dictating that we must seek the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. As mentioned before the blog states from the very beginning that You may feel uncomfortable looking at this blog. You should and so it sacrifices the wish of the few for a greater purpose, the one of acknowledging what Islam does. If we are would look after a solution to this problem maybe we would take into account applying Confucius Golden Mean which is more commonly known as the compromise principle and says moral virtue is the appropriate location between two extremes. In this case we would eliminate or at least try to cover the graphic images and talk in an informative manner about the subjects in order not to prejudice anyone by any means and compromise the sensationalism of the images or videos for a common sense of empathy. Loyalties: First of all we can figure out that the first allegiance in this case is being loyal to the public because the writer chooses to sacrifice the few for the greater cause ( finding out more about Islam and what does it refer to). Also, concerning the loyalties to employer, industry organization or co-worker I think its not the case to talk about because the blog in independent of any trust or any sort of authority. We can tell that by its own BNI store where we can buy various pieces of clothing to support the cause or the donate field where we can choose to contribute to the up and running of Bare Naked Islam. Having used to Potter Box analysis in this case I can clearly see the moral issues that these articles have and also what is the solution to them. I cannot deny the fact that seeing from the informational point of view, I myself (considering me as a media consumer) feel interested in knowing more after reading the first articles. From a future journalists standpoint I accept the idea that the use of explicit content will act like a gold mine and attract more viewers regardless of their consequent reaction. If I would be to choose between the moral aspect and the gain of audience by publishing such content I think I would at least try to warn the consumers about the possible emotionally damaging pictures. I would not restraint the peoples right to learn more about the subject relating this aspect to the blog I can affirm that the beheading articles are not the only subjects displayed and to be completely honest there are lots of other interesting and informative articles about the history and contemporary side of Islam weather we are considering it ideology, religion or lifestyle. As a conclusion, it is my firm belief that Bare Naked Islam blog is a very resourceful and knowledgeable source of information regarding ISIS and Islam and it provides with arguments and statements that are independent of any sort of age, race or ethnicity dishonest reference. Although its content is subject of veracity, the way it is displayed and the graphic images and videos used to come in strengthening their statements are simply horrifying and should not be put out there for anyone to reach to. Because the analysis of the content is not subject to my research and taking into consideration all the issues debated above, I will state that the means through which the writer is approaching the subject does not leave me the impression that the point of the blog is to make awareness of the subject but to stir even more peoples imagination and create controversy.

Tirnovan Andra TeodoraJournalism Year III

Annex1. ISLAMIC STATE (ISIS) releases video of beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in LibyaIn the video, posted on jihadist forums, Islamic State terrorists take hostages dressed in orange jumpsuits to a beach, where they are forced to kneel before being beheaded by Muslim savages in black.

INFOBAE The videois titled A signed with blood to the nation of the Cross message and is addressed to the people of the cross, followers of the hostile Egyptian church.According to the news agencyAFP,the place where executions occur is Tripoli, the Libyan capital.CLICKHERETO WATCH BEHEADINGS VIDEO

Posted on February 15, 2015 - http://www.barenakedislam.com/2015/02/15/islamic-state-isis-releases-video-of-beheadings-of-21-egyptian-coptic-christians-in-libya/ 2. Islamic State (ISIS) savages behead three Kurdish Peshmerga soldiersISIS has released its latest beheading video of three Peshmerga soldiersas a warning to their sworn enemies on Kurdish New Year.

UK Daily Mail The Islamic State has released a shocking new video, featuring the execution of three Kurdish prisoners in Iraq.Dressed in orange boiler suits with their hands bound behind his back, the Kurdish soldiers are each marched through the ruins of a bombed out building by an ISIS fighter.All three prisoners are then beheaded in front of a large crowd of local residents, including a number of children.

Each time the prisoners are individually shown being forced to knees. They have all had their heads shaved and dressed in matching uniforms.The footage briefly stops to reveal the names of each prisoner,revealing their rank and background in the Peshmerga.

A bearded ISIS fighter gives a speech, promising greater attacks on the Kurds if their government do not stand down in their fight against the extremist group.A variety of close up shots from different camera angles are used to show the prisoners waiting to be executed.

A number of heavily ISIS soldiers with their faces covered in blackbalaclavasare shown as the camera pansaway during the dreary speech.Some of the fighters appear to be standing on top of a wall, hoping to get a better view of the execution.Crowds of local residents can also be seen surrounding the man, waiting for the impending public execution to commence.The video ends with three ISIS fighters pulling out their knives and beheading their prisoner. Close up shots of the bloodied bodies are shown.

The video was released by an official ISIS media branch in the Iraqi province of Nineveh and appears to be an attempt to scare the Kurds from fighting ISIS.

CLICK SCREEN BELOW TWICE TO SEE VIDEO:

Posted on March 21, 2015 - http://www.barenakedislam.com/2015/03/21/islamic-state-isis-savages-behead-three-kurdish-peshmerga-soldiers/

3. Strike Their Necks says the quran and the Islamic State (ISIS) savages are happy to comply at every opportunityIn this latest ISIS-produced video, eight Syrian soldiers are lined up in a field and beheaded. Notice how child and junior jihadis are used to lead them to their final destiny. (WARNING: Graphic)

CLICK SCREEN BELOW TWICE TO SEE VIDEO:Fast Forward to 2:30

Posted on March 29, 2015 - http://www.barenakedislam.com/2015/03/29/strike-their-necks-says-the-quran-and-the-islamic-state-isis-savages-are-happy-to-comply-at-every-opportunity/