The BBC: A brand that we can trust?

I would have like to have thought of the BBC as an organisation i can trust with shows like Blue Peter, Children in need and Watchdog- a programme that investigates cheaters/hustlers- airing from the studio. But has this all changed? The Jimmy Savile scandal has shocked the nation as what was a trusted childhood icon has spun in character into a dictating child abuser.

Now I dont even need to question if you think this is ethical because it definitely isn’t. However why do you think it has taken so long for his evil secret to be unveiled? With victims alleging that they were abused under the BBC roofs I (and others) can hardly believe that all of the BBC crew where completely unaware of his actions taking place. For an interesting view on why people knew but nobody talked check out the telegraphs article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/jimmy-savile/9646501/Jimmy-Savile-People-suspected.-Nobody-talked.-Why.html

In the video posted below it shows Jimmy savile sexually assaulting a girl on LIVE TV in front of millions of viewers. How is it that all these people have turned a blind eye to what they have seen and are believing that what was Sir Jimmy Savile is doing is perfectly acceptable. When Sylvia Edwards, the girl who was assaultd on live TV, reported her assault to the floor manager at BBC he told her to ‘Get lost’ and it was just ‘Jimmy messing about’. Below is an extract of Sylvia’s traumatic experience of Jimmy Savile,

“Then I felt his hand go up my skirt. I leapt off my chair in shock. I was so surprised I cried out and didn’t know how to deal with it.

But he just laughed and carried on mauling me while talking to the camera. I panicked and tried to move away from him but it was so crowded I couldn’t escape. When I tried to sit down his hand was still there and went for my bottom again.”

For more information on Sylvia’s experience visit: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4612576/Millions-watched-as-Jimmy-Savile-molested-me-on-tv.html#ixzz2DiFFwY7C

So why did the BBC think it was acceptable for Jimmy to abuse children, girls and whoever he was aiming his assault at. There are now around 300 victims who are finally speaking up after Jimmy Saviles death. Was this because they and the BBC were scared of the child abuser and his power? I can hardly believe that this was the norm for anyone. Doctors and managers at Stoke Mandeville hospital say they were afraid to challenge Jimmy Savile over the free access he enjoyed to wards. The guardian explains more http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/oct/31/jimmy-savile-itv

However with the case only becoming an issue after his death he is unable to defend himself which is anethical issue itself. Do you think that this case is fair on Jimmys behlaf? Or there is enough evidence held against him to be proven guilty? I feel that he ruined enough innocent people’s lives so its time to ruin his reputation.

 Lets start the debate!

Laura

Jimmy Savile molesters a girl on LIVE television

Love Fashion, Hate Sweatshops

You know that favourite jumper of yours? Where did it actually come from? Is it enough to know that it came from Topshop or Primark?

Discover the life cycle behind your wardrobe as we start the debate on ethical sourcing: FASHION.

Always thought sweatshops where a million miles from home? Well they might be closer than you thought as we explore UK sweatshops. The U.S Labour department define a sweatshop as a factory that violates two or more labor laws, such as those pertaining to wages and benefits, child labor or working hours. The home office estimates around 500,000 immigrants have illegally entered the UK this year. That means there is 500,000 people who desperately need work in the UK and don’t have a visa. With such a high capacity, factory workers can easily portray exploitation. The average pay in an illegal sweatshop is just 7p an hour and workers usually working long shifts, it’s time for a change…

For News and Updates in the Uk Border Agency visit: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/

Channel 4 uncover the biggest illegal UK sweatshops in the series Dispatches: FASHIONS DIRTY SECRET. The programme features secret footage filmed over three months in a number of factories in Leicester making clothing for BHS, and Jane Norman.

Within the programme it unveils what life is like in these undercover illegal businesses and shows the unethical life for workers. Basic Health and Safety is breached and no protective gloves or eye gear is given to any of the employee’s. Little communication or relationship is formed between the employee and any other staff, not even a name is asked for the duration let alone if they have a visa.

An image taken from the ’employee’s’ undercover camera

Here’s a clip of an undercover employee and create your own opinion of the topic:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/video/series-75/episode-1/fashions-dirty-secret

But who is to blame? Is the foundation of the problem, the government? If immigration had acted correctly and recgonised that the workers are not eligible for employment they wouldn’t be open for exploitation within the UK. Are the factory owners to be blamed for? They are ofcourse the creator of the illegal business. Or is it the workers? They are accepting the terms of the factory so therefore are accepting exploitation. I feel we can not necessarily place all blame on one, all their actions direct the result of illegal sweatshops. But for change you must find the root of the problem, which is the government.

Its time to tackle the issue of illegal sweatshops! Have you had your own experience on the topic? Maybe you discovered a sweatshop on your road that you never looked twice at. Well start the discussion here and comment below of who we would blame and how it can be stopped.

Lets start the debate!

Laura