Media, Money, and Justice

Is there too high a price to pay for justice? Is it up to us to unveil systems of injustice? Can justice be given to someone who has been subject to injustice—to the point of death?

An article in the New York Times discussed how Hearst media company is filing a law suit against the Texas governor’s office over access to clemency reports of a possibly fatal mistake. In 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed for allegedly lighting fire to his house and killing his three children. However, a newspaper article by David Grann was run in The New Yorker with claims that Willingham might be innocent. Why would a major company spend high dollar to gain access to these records? They want full First Amendment Rights participation along with, most importantly, seeking to end injustice in the court system.
Companies like Hearst are finding ways to cut the costs and get access to the records. The companies are hiring in-house lawyers—lawyers that work pro-bono or at a much cheaper rate. These lawyers are interested in getting the government to give the people information. According to the article, the government has had more “secrecy in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.”
So, what’s the big deal? We discussed this article in my mass media class since we are discussing the economic side of media. We’re finding that most mass media companies are reducing their budgets drastically—and filling an immense lawsuit would be out of the question. In our classroom discussion, though, I started remembering an earlier topic of discussion: ideology. But not ideology of what is in the media, but ideology in general. If the media is working for the people, they must be willing to always do what is just. I am impressed with Hearst for continuing this lawsuit because despite their desire for success, they are seeking justice. Everything is about money in the media industry, so this is a story of epic proportion: sacrificing money for an ideal, for justice.
This isn’t just something for media industries to consider. I am a Christian, thus I am continually seeking ways to bring justice to areas of injustice; I think we could learn something from Hearst. Shouldn’t Christians be willing, even glad to give up their monetary resources if it means bringing justice?
Take for instance, the clothing industry. Americans flock to the cheapest prices and look not on the tag for the products maker. So average-Jane American walks into a store and finds the perfect top to go with her skirt. She fails to see that So-and-So company (I don’t want to use real company names.. but if you want them, I can give them to you) made this top in Taiwan. Average-Jane does not go home (or get on her i-Phone) to look at whether So-and-So company pays their workers a fair wage, she only cares about cheap prices. So Average- Jane buys that top without giving a second thought to the person that made it for her.
The rich overlooking the poor.
What if Christians found (or created!) companies that paid their workers a just amount and used good materials in a good work environment? Would you be willing to pay the extra money? Christians absolutely should pay more for their clothing if it means they are supporting a just company. Jesus demands that we pursue what is right and justice is right and good. Money can be a mean to ending injustice.
What are your thoughts? Is it worth it to buy (or sue) for justice if it means extra money? If you’re not a Christian, do you still think it is worth the cost? I’m interested in what is good, so I hope I am closer on my way to discovering it.
Betsy