Question from a reader:
I feel that the weekly magazine is writing content about sexual abuse that differs from the facts. Isn’t this a problem?
Reflecting on Weekly Magazine Reporting and Sexual Abuse
Recently, I’ve often found myself questioning the accuracy of reports regarding sexual abuse in weekly magazines. There are times when I feel the content presented does not
align with the facts. When discussing such topics with friends, opinions vary widely. Considering the legal aspects, the issue becomes somewhat complex.
Legal Perspective
From a legal standpoint, weekly magazines and publishers are seldom held accountable as long as they base their reporting on content they believe to be true. In other words, whether the information obtained from sources is factual is not particularly significant. To illustrate, if someone at work says, “I heard from ◯◯-chan that A and B are having an affair!” it doesn’t matter if that information is true or not. The background of such reporting raises moral and ethical issues. While I do feel that there is a problem if the reporting on sexual abuse is not factual, how one perceives this varies from person to person. Personally, considering the potential impact of such reporting on people’s lives, I believe there should be greater caution.
Views on Specific Cases
For instance, the wrongful accusation case involving soccer player Itou feels particularly malicious in terms of the magazine’s reporting. On the other hand, in other cases, the truth may be largely evident. However, in situations where there are no facts at all, I still see that as a problem. If writing is permitted only when sexual violence is recognized according to WHO’s definition, that could be understood as a standard. I feel that recent societal norms in Japan are slowly aligning with the WHO’s definitions. In this context, I’ve also noticed changes in the use of language. For example, terms like “shoplifting” or “bullying” can sometimes mislead people about the severity of actual crimes. When considering the societal impact of such language, the responsibility of reporting becomes significant.
Quality of Weekly Magazines and Information Reception
The quality of weekly magazines varies widely. For example, Bunshun is known for its high degree of press freedom and strong investigative ability. However, I sometimes suspect that they might spread misinformation to boost sales. In fact, while reading a weekly magazine with friends, I can get drawn into entertainingly written articles, but upon reflection, whether they are true or not is an entirely different matter. There is also an issue with the public who believe such reports. As consumers of information, it is essential to adopt a more critical perspective. I feel that it is necessary to not just read for leisure but to possess solid knowledge and discern information carefully.
In Conclusion
Reflecting on these topics, I believe there is a need to seriously confront the nature of reporting and ethics. I would love to hear your thoughts on the reporting in weekly magazines and any experiences you might have. By exchanging opinions, I hope we can deepen our understanding together.
