Distance Learning Assignment-PENN STATE

Things have quickly developed since the break out of this story. Social Media has largely contributed to quick developments because University officials are constantly feeling the pressure by people thoughts and concerns about the topic. Social Media has shaped the PSU scandal in a way that makes it impossible for Universty officials, or those involved, to turn the other way and hope to ride out the scandal. People are now able to leave their comments and remind the public about the horrible actions that took place at Penn State. This applies pressure on University officials which makes them respond to the issue at a faster pace.

A common concern by people is the length of time the University held this issue a secret. People are outraged by the lack of action by those who knew about the crime. This current scandal has been compared repeatedly to the Catholic Church scandal that also involved child molestation. They both can be compared by looking at both institutions as powerful structures that have an image that has worked over time. This image is one of power in which the overall general public has accepted it as being powerful; allowing these two institutions to receive glory and profits. Maintaining the powerful prestige image of Penn State was more important for the structure of the institution than the lives of a few children. The university made this decision when they first found out about the issue a few years back. The greed of power eliminated all ethical behavior creating a dark secret that proved to be to big to keep silent for ever.

Social Media can be both good and bad depending on the character of the Sport Manager. It can be bad if the person is not performing ethically and breaking rules throughout his career because they can easily be exposed and attacked by anyone through social media. Once their behavior is exposed to the public it is free for anyone to attack it and social media makes this possible. The good aspect of social media is that transparency can be created for sport manager careers. People might be more willing to perform ethically knowing that there is increase access of information through social media. They will be at peace with themselves because of their ethical behavior, which will create fairness for all and might open future opportunities for them due to their responsible nature. Social media is here to stay and it only has one way to go, which is more information by more people at a faster pace.

The outrage by students at Penn State shows exactly the powerful image the institution had built. It had built an institution of prestige and power and it had an image of success, and students and the general public fell victims to the hype and advertisement to a point that they can not see the reality of this issue. The students protesting are blinded by the image of power they see in Penn State, which makes them not accept the fall of their legendary coach. However, other students might be protesting and causing riots for being lied to by University officials. They where lied to when they were told, "Penn State is the best University to attend". Now they are stuck there dealing with the lies and the humiliation their University created for them, causing them to act out to their betrayal.



Rogelio Ruelas - KIN 577