Critique

Initially after the earthquake that occurred in Haiti, destroying most of its capital, Port-au-Prince, many of the news articles written were about covering the widespread devastation and loss of life. However as we move a week away from the initial tragedy, secondary stories are being told involving the island nation. For example is it still ethical to view Haiti, at this moment in its history as a vacation destination? A. Pawlowski of CNN.com tackled this issue in their article about Royal Caribbean cruise lines decision to continue to use their private beach resort in Labadee, Haiti less than a week after the earthquake.

The story itself is a successful news article because it is a definite human interest story. The facts of what is occurring in Haiti are well documented, and people’s reactions to the stories and images coming from there are emotional. With this type of human emotional attachment to a story, there are bound to be strong reactions, both negative and positive. By placing the idea that people may be enjoying themselves on vacation while 100 miles away people are dying in the streets, there will initially be comments condemning what is occurring. Pawlowski acknowledges this with both direct quotes from a woman who will be going on one of these cruises, and her wariness to continue on with her families planned vacation. To quotes from online comments posted to CNN.com from outraged readers who are shocked and appalled that people would consider vacationing during a time like this.

On the opposite end of the debate, the CEO of Royal Caribbean defends his company’s decision to send ships to Haiti. He states that by vacationing elsewhere, much needed money will be diverted away from Haiti. However as the piece moves on Pawlowski, uses quotes from noted experts on Ethics and their opinions that back up the CEO’s claims that despite the initial hesitancy to want to vacation in Haiti, that it is not unethical to continue on with their planned vacations. And that it would be of no use to Haiti for people to avoid the country and use their vacation dollars elsewhere.

The article itself is brief and puts forth all of these facts in one page of text. And while the article may be leaning towards putting forth the notion that it is ethical to continue vacationing in Haiti, it does so in a way that is sensitive to those involved in the situation. There is no definitive answer given, just a collection of facts that allows the reader to make up their mind as to what side of the debate they are on. It is with those facts that allow A. Pawlowski to tell a complete and fair account of the situation.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/01/21/haiti.tourism.ethics/index.html?hpt=C2