Here is a paper that I just wrote for a class that I am taking. The paper is based on an article that can be found at: http://www.theindychannel.com/news/14382251/detail.html.
I also used another article which I would recommend that you read in order to get a Christian perspective and more information. It can be read at: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58285
My goal was to examine a article and answer a set of questions posed by the professor of the class.
Here it is!
Current Event Analysis
By Andrew Higginbotham
By Andrew Higginbotham
1. What is the publication? WRTV News: Christians, Bloomington Officials At Odds Over Display.
2. Where did you find the piece (newspaper/online, etc)? Online: www.theindychannel.com website.
3. Who is the author of the piece? Ben Morriston
4. What other projects have they done? As Mr. Morristion began reporting in 1979 there are many articles which he has written. Here is a list of a few that he as written recently: Video Shows Man Stealing ATM Police Say; Free-Long-Distance Glitch Fixed, Town Upset; Could Busted Safe Break Thieves' Anonymity?; City Cites Complaints In Speed Limit Cut; In Greenwood, Home Projects Might Need Neighbors' OK; etc.
5. Who is the intended audience for this piece? People living in the Indianapolis area, such as myself.
6. What is the subject of the piece? The display of Buddhist pictures, etc. and removal of a Ten Commandments display.
7. What is the author’s point of view? Though not clear at first, the author does support the Ten Commandments being displayed. However, it was not clear whether he would support the removal of the Tibetan display, or his reasons for his support. Indeed, to me it was not clear at first which side the reporter was taking in this case. But judging from the way that he worded things and from his choice of pictures, quotes, and by ending with the Christian perspective, all point to his view of the matter.
8. What Worldview is the author promoting? He seems to have a personal worldview of Theism, but attempts to give an unbiased report (which in itself is a worldview of no absolutes or relativism).
9. What position does the author favor/support? That of the Christians.
10. How does the author attempt to persuade the reader? Through subtly showing the inconsistencies of the City’s position. For example, he could have shown some of the “neutral” artwork. Rather, he chose the explicitly religious scenes.
This article is, from a reporting point of view, well done. However, I did notice that throughout the whole article the author refused to call the Tibetan display “religious,“ although most of the scenes that were shown were of prayers or other religious displays. Instead it was termed a cultural display. But almost any artwork reflects the worldview of one’s culture (as noted by Francis Schaeffer). The city’s actions are nothing short of an excuse for the exclusion of Christianity. The City of Bloomington has for some time attempted to be as “diverse” as possible, promoting sodomy, and passing "hate crime" legislation. But when the Christians began to call the city to request permission to put up their display, their calls and letters were never answered or returned (I obtained this information from reading additional articles). Because they were ignored, the Christians entered City Hall and displayed their exhibit. Of course, the display was promptly removed by the city. This I pray will spark a political controversy that will change the hearts of men.
For the Triune God's glory!
Sir Valiant for Truth (Andrew)
