Audience, distant suffering and moral responsibility in a globalizing society

摘要: It has been argued that different societies are drawn together in a globalizing environment. This increased proximity and interconnectedness could broaden the scope of solidarity care people towards formerly distant peoples places. Media play an important role raising awareness such processes. Especially cosmopolitan discourse make audience aware living as global citizen society. is this line argumentation further explored thesis. Earlier research often focused more on emotional reactions compassion or care. Other focussed ways media (should) present suffering without empirically substantiated evidence. study aimed to discussion about responses by doing empirical paying special attention rational studying how can appeal spectator’s sense moral responsibility. One main arguments thesis may be able still concerned feel involved, despite (a lack of) The carried out focus group session, where participants were asked discuss images drought famine Horn Africa 2011 shown Dutch national news broadcaster. was found most attached great importance actions should alleviate suffering. Most thought they and/or help prepared donate money small-scale charity organisations. Yet, also assigned responsibility bigger (inter-)national (non-)governmental organisations though did not see themselves part these social structures. conclusion from findings considered morally responsible for short term alleviation while carrying long-term solutions attributed In addition, their own responsibilities feelings guilt attenuated emphasizing other (more socio-structural) agents intermediates. Another reason responsible. Indeed, it western backgrounds, well-to-do society, (opposed poor, underdeveloped, undereducated African people) made them help.