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:
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
Everything Ethics 