Covering Sex Scandals: Take Heed

There have been quite a few sex scandals on the news lately. These scandals include the coach at Penn State along with the coach for Syracuse. While the sex scandals have been announced on the news, there has not been a huge panic about the entire situation but with god reason. This has all happened before and it once caused a lot of people to come out in a fit of rage and hysteria. Some people may not remember the accusations that were made at day care centers in the Florida area in the late 80’s and early 90’s, according to BND.com.

This isn’t to say that the scandals are not true, but one must remember what happened in the late 80’s and 90’s. It seems as though a fury occurred where children, tons of them, were telling stories of being raped, molested, and involved in satanic cults at their day care center. In fact, more than 60 people were charged with abuse of more than 43 children. However, after this actually took place, parents, who panicked at the thought that something like this took place elsewhere, were actually coaxing children to recall events that may not have taken place. When children denied that any such acts took place, they were told that they were simply in denial and ashamed of what had taken place.

When the news reporters or newspapers reported these stories, they typically did their role at simply reporting the story and not expressing their own personal opinions which is something that is essential when working at such a job. Of course, there were a few reporters who believed that everyone had gone nuts and then expressed these thoughts but for the most part, reporters kept their thoughts, feelings and of course, opinions, to themselves.

Of  course, child sex abuse is something that puts most stomachs in knots. People are often scared of sending their children to daycare and school for this very reason. It is tough to allow a child, who these parents love so dearly, to be watched by someone who is simply a stranger. It is often true that you never know someone for who they truly are until their true colors show. And, with all the scandals that have taken place which involved priests, pastors, teachers, tutors, coaches, and more, it can be hard for parents to trust anyone with their children.

With all the scandal going on, it is important to keep an open mind. Sure, these things could have happened but it is important for the reporters and newspapers to attempt to simply deliver the message in hopes of avoiding an outbreak of people who will cry abuse simply because of the fears that have been caused by all of the repeated exposure of these sex abuse scandals.