Plagiarism, an Issue of Trust: Jingbo Ma (Albee) - Article Example

? Plagiarism, an Issue of Trust: Jingbo Ma (Albee) Introduction: Fareed Zakaria has a well to do educational background framed by Ivy League institutions such as Harvard and Yale University. His career saw an equally well to do “kick off” at the age of 28. Crucial to this paper are his achievements in writing. Zakaria has a myriad of outstanding publications such as “From Wealth to Power” (1998), and more recently in 2008, The Post-American World. His collection also includes essays such as “Upward Mobility” and “The Challenge from China”. The highlight of his public journalism life is his position of columnist at The Washington Post, editor-at-large of the renowned Time magazine and a television host for a CNN program (Johnson, 2012). While it is not a silver platter situation, there is no doubt that Zakaria has done well for himself. Journalists and the media in general have a responsibility to themselves and society to be truthful at all times. It is for this reason, that presentation of un-original information even if it is true information requires that an individual observes principles such as, in text citing, referencing and bibliographies (annotated or otherwise). Plagiarizing is a sure way to negate truth from journalism (Foreman, 2011). The respective watchdogs on this matter should be keen on calling individuals they suspect to be untruthful by virtue of spoken or written words to safeguard the integrity of information. Plagiarism is a major offense in the literally world and it is fair that individuals engaging in this act of theft face both legal and social ramifications. A Case of Plagiarism: In 2012, Zakaria faced allegations of plagiarism owing to his article on Gun Control published by the Time Magazine in August 2012. Literature on gun control in America is abundant especially with the rise of random shootings in schools and public areas. Aside from that, this is a popular political topic right up Zakaria’s forte. That there is a lot of similar material out there is not the problem because there are copyright specifications and writing rules that one can apply to exonerate themselves from plagiarism. What begs an explanation, therefore, is why Zakaria did not have the courtesy to acknowledge borrowing from Jill Lepore’s article previously published by the New Yorker on April 2012. Acknowledging, in this case, refers to him citing Lepore within this disputed article. In addition, the dispute is not over a single phrase but a whole paragraph with un-cunning resemblance to a paragraph in his work (Farhi, 2012). Ethical Issues: Aside from requiring controversy most if not all the time, Zakaria’s is a career that demands integrity whether in scrutiny of the public or not. In light of the plagiarism allegations, other disputes came to light. For instance, there is the issue of receiving lump sums of money as speaking fee - buck raking (Johnson, 2012). It is no surprise that people wonder whether or not his speeches reflect his true opinion or the opinions of the industries and persons who pay him (Johnson, 2012). Johnson (2012) notes that of interest, is Zakaria’s endorsement of Shale gas energy given the speaking fee shale gas stakeholders give him. Also, there is the allegation of recycled speeches as in the case of a speech given in Harvard that resembled a previous one at Duke (Haughney, 2012). Farhi (2012) in an article in the Washington Post notes that in 2009, there were similar allegations of plagiarism against Zakaria concerning Jeffrey Goldberg’s article from Atlantic magazine. All these disputes allude to the possibility that originality is not Zakaria’s preference. It is imperative that people with an elevated social standing like Zakaria maintain ethical dignity. Granted, he did apologize for his error, but the negative impression this act left is intricate. These said scandals made people who look up to him upset. Secondly, there is the issue of institutions such as Harvard and Yale who hold him in high regard by virtue of his alumni status (Johnson, 2012). The possibility of his actions portraying a bad image of these institutions is as real as their Ivy League status. What of his other publications such as his books and essays? Given the sensitivity of the topics he tackles, should critics ignore the urge to scrutinize these otherwise presumed impeccable works in view of this said scandals. Remedy: It is a relief that American laws are strict on copyright and other issues relating to plagiarism (Foreman, 2011). Secondly, the internet has numerous advancements in this sector making plagiarism detection easier (Foreman, 2011). On the other hand, different media houses and academic institutions may operate on slightly varying policies regarding this issue (Foreman, 2011). For the case of Fareed Zakaria, both CNN and Time suspended him pending an investigation (Haughney, 2012). The month long suspension saw an abrupt termination a week later as both these employers reinstated Zakaria on grounds of “insufficient related problems”. On the other hand, he resigned from his position on the Yale board. Whether this is an act of guilt or clear conscience is solely known to Zakaria but a good call nonetheless. The steps his employers took were professional and ethical even in light of the reinstatement. After all the law operates on the policy of innocent until proven guilty in which case Zakaria was exonerated. Overview: In a world where one cannot control flow of information unless they live in a secluded island with no technological advancements, Zakaria deserves credit for his progress thus far. On the other hand, there is the issue of society’s prudence when it comes to critiquing heroes; tough love is definitely an understatement. Finally, it appears Zakaria bit off more than he could chew. Perhaps, his extensive responsibilities both to himself and to society were overwhelming him at the time of the incident. In his apology, Zakaria held that his actions were a mistake and CNN affirms this by terming his action unintentional. In light of this, labeling him as BAD person is a bit over the edge and not acknowledging the error of his ways an equally irrational stand. Conclusion: Society puts a lot of faith in the integrity of persons such as Zakaria based on his educational and professional achievements. However, his alleged act of plagiarism reflects badly on his reputation and in extent those of other journalists. I believe that persons of such high social standing should serve as an example at all times. Therefore, literally theft (plagiarism) should illicit the highest possible legal and social ramifications (of course matching this offense). References: Farhi, P. (2012, August 10). Fareed Zakaria suspended for plagiarism by Time, CNN. Retrieved from Washington Post: http://articles.washingtonpost.com Foreman, G. (2011). The Ethical Journalist: Making Responsible Decisions in the Pursuit of News. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Haughney, C. (2012, August 10). CNN and Time Suspend Journalist After Admission of Plagiarism. Retrieved from New York Times: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com Johnson, D. V. (2012, September 28). Fareed Zakaria and the Failure of Thought Leadership. Retrieved from Boston Review: http://www.bostonreview.net Read More