Initial thoughts ethics reader 5

Ethics blog

In this blog I will record my initial thoughts and reactions to the ethics reader and consider,  in turn , the ethics of my own professional inquiry.  

Working with children, ethics is considered in everyday situations, for example in module one I thought about the ethics of data protection and if I was to write about I certain situation, how could I do that ethically? 

Of the case studies presented in this reader the one I feel had the most significant response for was the photograph.  Imagining myself in that position was extremely hard to do and at first I found it hard to approach this objectively as an emotional response was inevitable.  I cannot imagine the guilt Kevin Carter must have felt, did his personal ethics out way his professional ethics in the end? I found myself wondering how many times he must have re lived that situation in his head and what he would have done differently. 

So using the theories presented in the reader I tried to look at it from an objective analytical point of view and see all sides to the event.  From a consequentialist  perspective perhaps there are many more outcomes to be considered.  It could be suggested that by adhering to instructions given and not touching the girl, he could have saved many others from the spread of epidemic.  The 'greater good' perspective could be achieved from this angle, he sacrificed one to potentially save more than that.   Also did the photograph highlight need for aid in the area? Did it's dramatic, Shocking and very memorable image inspire anyone to help others suffering in the same way the girl had? His professional ethics and strong ethos to simply observe where clearly in play here, I do not know what his personal beliefs were, who he was as a person but I can only imagine it was a difficult decision with lots to consider.  From the perspective of a deontologist Kevin Carter was wrong not to interfere and potentially save a life.  It really is a struggle for me to agree or disagree with either one which is why I chose to blog about this, I would like to know where other people stand on this case.  

Thinking about my own personal ethics and virtues, I am a nurturing person, in college I was awarded the 'Class Mother' award as I always stepped in to look after someone should they need it.  I feel I have a very strong maternal instinct and because of this, I thoroughly enjoy my work with children, teaching and nurturing education or artistic development is something I find incredibly rewarding.  If I had been taking the photograph I know that this part of my personality would have been very hard to ignore and my personal ethics are a big part of my professional ethics.  The safety and well being of any class I am a part of is an imperative part of my job.  I suppose this highlights for me why my inquiry is taking the route that it is.  Understanding how I can better implement or aid the implementation of inclusion is something that both my personal and professional ethics can encompass.  Securing a better future for all children can only be a good outcome and I sincerely hope through this process I can understand this further.  

So ethics in regards to my inquiry.  The main discovery I have made recently is that observing a drama therapy session is not possible.  I was a little disappointed at first as originally I had thought that would be a fascinating way to see drama therapy in action.  But thinking now and taking to the time to understand why, I think it comes down to a question of who it would benefit. Observing a session for children who may have educational needs could be detrimental to their participation in the session. A lot of children with learning barriers do not react well to strangers or any degree of change, Just by being in the room I could be inhibiting their own involvement and making them feel uncomfortable.  Not to mention the fact that data protection may be an issue also.  Drama therapist often work in delicate situations with children who not only have educational needs but also who have suffered abuse and trauma of some kind.  Obviously it would be incredibly inappropriate for me to witness any of this as the privacy of these children would be violated.  There's is simply no reason for me to know any private information.  So observing a class would not really benefit my inquiry because I wouldn't be seeing a true representation and it could harm the progression and development of the participants.  With this all in mind I feel the best way to conduct my inquiry would be through the process of interviews with experienced professionals .  In interviews I can ask my questions to someone who knows the field and physically has experienced what it is I wish to know.  It can ease the issues of data protection too as complete anonymity could also be an option.  By using the interview process I can make sure that no one is harmed in my inquiry, that I am not placing the participants of drama therapy in a uncomfortable and harmful position.  

I feel like this is a big step forward in the planning of my inquiry as I now have the ' how' section started. 'How' I am going to ask my questions now I just need to find the 'who'.  

This is just my first reaction to ethics, now I need to read the articles mentioned in the reader along with my own research and ensure I understand fully how my inquiry is ethical.  

McGuinness, R., 2015. Professional Ethics Module 2 , BAPP Arts WBS 3630 (Module  2) Reader  5, Middlesex University, unpublished.