Introduction
The government has ensured that order is maintained in the country through the implementation of legislation and constitutional policies that citizens are expected to adhere to. Moreover, the rights of citizens are protected from any form of violation that is perpetrated by either fellow citizens or individuals in the government. Some of the civil liberties and Rights highlighted in the Bill of Rights include freedom of speech, expression, religion, press, conscience, assembly and security among others. The existence of the liberties and rights highlighted have played a significant role in ensuring that every citizen is responsible for every one of their actions for purposes of meeting the set standards.
An example of civil rights that has profoundly influenced the sense of responsibility among citizens in the American government today is the freedom of expression and speech. The protection of people’s speech under the First Amendment has ensured that the current forms of communication through social media and news broadcast considers their audiences and the content in which they bring forth to the public. For example, while the First Amendment promotes the need for citizens to freely speak out what they feel is right or anything in their perspective, it ensures that other citizens are not insulted, or their rights violated in any other ways (Cohen-Almagor, 2017). News houses are aware of the difference in age; race, religion, and ethnicity of their audiences hence ensure that despite their freedom of expression and speech, they broadcast programs that are suitable and relevant.
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In most cases, before a broadcast, the audience will be alerted to the kind of content in the program hence prepares the audience for what to expect. For instance, parents or guardians with children may be informed of their need to guide their children in case an on-coming program which has contents that are not child-friendly. In such instances, News houses are aware of their rights to speech and expressions but at the same time consider the sense that other people’s rights on what is showcased need to be protected. Hence the observation in the level of social responsibility among citizens involved in the delivery of information and entertaining programs has increased as highlighted by Sarah Hawkins (2012). In the case of the American Government, leaders in power and those responsible for the creation of policies and Acts, ensure that their speeches are drafted and reviewed before being read to the country. For obvious reasons, the written statements are a reason for making sure that the leaders do not promote hate speech or mention information that might lead to controversy among citizens and the authorities.
As highlighted by Ryan Guiboa (2003), media plays a prominent role in influencing the opinion of the citizen upon the responsibilities of government agencies especially when stories that relate to their duties are highlighted. For instance, the story of Hurricane Katrina influenced varied perspective over the government agencies and the citizens alike. While the occurrence was unexpected hence found the involved organizations unprepared, the efforts put in ensuring that victims were saved and those who lost their properties and loved ones catered for was immense. On the other hand, disaster preparedness compared to the 9/11 was slightly advanced most probably because of the occurrence of previous disasters in the country. The nation’s expectation was very high considering that previous disasters should have helped the government and its citizens learn from the incidences. Hence FEMA which was placed under the Homeland Security did not meet citizen’s expectations as viewed with some individuals. According to Russell Sobel and Peter Leeson (2006), the bureaucracy within the government authorities was the reason as to why FEMA, Homeland Security, and other involved agencies were not in a position to fully deliver their responsibilities as expected. Compared to the 2015 Hurricane Katrina, the tornado experienced in Austin was handled by the agencies ensuring that victims were moved to safer places and provided with basic needs that would sustain them. Hence the responsibilities dealt with by government agencies during the storm that occurred in Austin were more considerate to the well-being of the American citizens.
One of the primary differences between the Republican and Democratic parties that have influenced the American people ethically is the contribution to the economy. Republicans are viewed as individuals who have authority over the business environment and the country’s economy hence are friendly to the legislation and Acts implemented to support businesses (Barnes et al. 2008). With this perspective democrats, on the other hand, are viewed as individuals who rely on either the government or other agencies to be in a position to impact the economy in one or the other way. Consequently, the moral influence of this perspective has contributed to the ethnic disparity of individuals who can invest and capitalize on the government as Republicans and the rest automatically fit in the Democrats’ party.
In other instances, William Galston (2015) reckons that the difference in national interest between the Republicans and Democrats also impact ethnic division among Americans. For example, the Republicans in most cases are interested in matters to do with National security, immigration, and taxation while Democrats are mostly concerned with income inequality, infrastructure, and energy. Consequently, the interest from individuals in the parties enhances the pointing of fingers. For example, the association of Muslims with terrorism and interest in its fight by Republicans has created a drift and negativity from supporters of either party who are in the Islam faith.
Conclusion
The standards and strength of a country do not rely on the wisdom of the people in authority or the legislations formulated but the reactions towards different events and perspectives from people. Media has for a long time been a number one influencer on the actions of the citizens despite the existence of civil rights and the Amendments to the constitution. Ethnicity is also impacted by the difference in perspective of the Republican and Democratic parties in America primarily because of the disparity on their interests.
References
Barnes, Michael D., Carl L. Hanson, Len M. B. Novilla, Aaron T. Meacham, Emily McIntyre, and Brittany C. Erickson. 2008. "Analysis Of Media Agenda Setting During And After Hurricane Katrina: Implications For Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Response, And Disaster Policy". American Journal Of Public Health 98 (4): 604-610. doi:10.2105/ajph.2007.112235.
Cohen-Almagor, Raphael. 2017. "Balancing Freedom of Expression and Social Responsibility On The Internet". Philosophia 45 (3): 973-985. Doi: 10.1007/s11406-017-9856-6.
Galston, W. (2015, June 3). Republicans and Democrats divided on important issues for a presidential nominee . Retrieved November 22, 2017, from Brookings: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2015/06/03/republicans-and-democrats-divided-on-important-issues-for-a-presidential-nominee/
Guiboa, R. (2003, June 6). Media Influence of Public Opinion during War: A Good or Bad Capability? Retrieved November 22, 2017, from Stanford University: https://web.stanford.edu/class/e297a/Media%20Influence%20on%20Public%20Opinion%20During%20War.htm
Hawkins, S. (2012, March 8). How Free Speech and Social Media Fit Together . Retrieved November 22, 2017, from Social Media Examiner: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-free-speech-and-social-media-fit-together/
Sobel, Russell S., and Peter T. Leeson. 2006. "Government's Response To Hurricane Katrina: A Public Choice Analysis". Public Choice 127 (1-2): 55-73. doi:10.1007/s11127-006-7730-3.
