Application: The Impact of Controversy

Controversies often bring together individuals with varying opinions and backgrounds. Although controversy is often considered negative, there can be positive outcomes for those involved as well. To work within American government is to work within controversy. How individuals or representatives of organizations respond to controversy can influence public opinion, elections, and, ultimately, public policy.

For this assignment, review the controversies presented in the news broadcast in the virtual community of New Harbor. Think about which of the controversies has the most impact on the role you adopted for this course.

Keep in mind that, while the controversies may not directly involve your role, any controversy in a community impacts, positively or negatively, all members and organizations within that community.

To prepare for this assignment:

Review the article, "We Can't Handle the Truth." Consider the media and public reaction to the controversies recounted in the article and how the controversies impacted political campaigns and individual political careers.

Review this week's news broadcast in the virtual community, focusing on the impact of the controversies covered.

Consider how each controversy specifically impacts your role in the virtual community, and decide which controversy has the strongest and most direct impact on your role.

The assignment (2 pages):

Select one of the controversies from this week's news broadcast in the virtual community.

Explain how this controversy might impact your role both positively and negatively.

Explain the steps you would take, or advise your candidate or organization to take, in order to address and/or mitigate this controversy.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.