DATE: 2nd August 2010 TYPE: Online Newspaper Article

Reference Details:
Metherell, L 2010 David Jones faces $37m sex misconduct suit, ABC News, 24-09-10


Relevance: Secondary

Importance (why) update: YES Support: New:
The news article I have chosen to critique is entitled David Jones faces $37m sex misconduct suit by finance reporter Lexis Metherell. This article was reported on the ABC News website on the 2nd August 2010.
This article could not be more relevant to this unit, as it deals with the harassment and derogation of women in today’s society, the focal point of Women Studies. As a case study, it reveals that sexism is alive and well, despite claims that equality has been achieved and that feminism has been rendered obsolete. The plight of Kristy Fraser-Kirk is imperative to feminism, as it reminds women alike that they should not just expect respect, but that they should demand respect “I am a young woman standing here today simply because I said it wasn't OK”. Fraser-Kirk stand reiterates the predicament of past and present feminists, that to be submissive toward unacceptable behaviour is to subscribe to the patriarchy and consent to continuing marginalisation of women. I think what is particularly struck me in the article, was Fraser-Lirk’s statement that she would donate all punitive damages to a charity for sexual harassment and bullying. This adds validity to her claim as it illustrates that she is not fighting for monetary recognition, but in an endeavour to receive recognition for women’s’ everyday struggles, that largely go unheard. It is her cry that they should no longer be suppressed, but rather used as ammunition to destroy the acceptance of inequality that underpins women’s lives.

What (key words or phrases)
I thought that the power of the article was in Fraser-Kirk’s statement that was placed near the end of the article for lasting effect “I am a young woman standing here today simply because I said it wasn't OK. Because I said that this should never happen to me or to anyone. I just wanted to be treated with respect." This persuades the reader to accept Fraser-Kirk’s claim as a reasonable one, an endeavour to be esteemed. Is that too much to ask in a world where we are supposed to be equals?
Another important point made was “She says she repeatedly told Mr McInnes not to touch her or kiss her, and also used a taxi door as a barrier.” I believe this was included to settle any qualms that perhaps Fraser-Kirk had encouraged Mr McInnes sexual advances. This statement supports the notion that Mr McInnes actions were completely unwarranted and therefore, unforgivable.
Fraser- Kirk insists that sexual harassment has ongoing repercussions and real effects "This has been a devastating period in my life - for me personally, for my professional career, and for the effect that it is having on my family and my friends,". This positions us as readers to believe that Mr McInnes has no right to intrude on someone’s happiness, and that sexual harassment has enduring consequences.


Issues (agree/disagree)
This article in not so much an opinionated article and therefore it is difficult to pinpoint particular points to agree or disagree with. However, the issues presented in the article are subject to opinion. I believe what Kristy Fraser-Kirk has done is a powerful act of defiance. I believe that that she has displayed bravery that so many women were unable to muster, due to fear of ostracism and further oppression. The construction of the article in effective as it presents the issue as a series of allegations, without stressing an palpable opinion, yet presenting them in a way the reader feels they are making their own conclusions that Fraser-Kirk’s claim is valid.


Use in forming argument background
method example: YES support: YES counter other
I would use this article as a case study to demonstrate how sexism still operates within our societal structure. It’s effectiveness as an example lies in the fact that David Jones is a revered Australian business, and that within this respected business, it’s chief executive was conducting himself is a morally inappropriate manner. I feel that you could use Kristy Fraser-Kirk as someone women should admire, and aspire to adopt her stance of strength against the patriarchy.

Relationship to other references (synthesis)
This article joins the support base of countless allegations against men in the workforce, a domain typically regarded as facilitating sexism. It is the most contemporary example of sexism prevalent in Australian society. The result that her case will have will have unlimited repercussions in workplace relations between men and women in Australia.
support : YES
counter
example : YES
other

Critical Evaluation: reliable
1. Character reliable: YES
Source Title: David Jones Faces $37m sexual misconduct suit
edition / revision: 1 bibliography NO evidence YES writing style: Journalistic emotive: YES
2. Currency current: YES: date 02-08-2010 Location: Online current links: NO
3. Intention: To inform the public of an important current situation in society. This article details the specifics of the case, providing readers with a general overview of the allegations against Mr McInnes and David Jones = credible= YES
author: Lexi Metherell
Audience: Educated persons
Source: ABC News
Audience: Educated persons
4. Authority
Author reliable x
Credentials: Financial Reporter from the ABC Network
Institution: ABC Network
Expertise: Finance
References: YES
Address: Lexi Metherell
cited by: WotNews

publisher/source
reliable: YES
Credentials: Largest News Broadcaster in Australia
Institution: ABC News
Expertise: National and Global matters of interest

Notes:
This article has credibility as it is sourced from a significant Australian News Channel, the ABC. It is based largely on fact as it primarily details particulars of Fraser-Kirk’s claim, including direct statements from her. It does not directly express an opinion, but it could be argued that the article is subject to bias as only comments from Fraser-Kirk were included and therefore the reader is only subjected to allegations from Fraser-Kirk. The author is addressing the Australian public in general, as ABC News is broadcasted nationally, and is not specific to particular gender or age, although it is argues to have a tendency to be left wing. As it is, sexism is an issue relevant to every man woman and child, and therefore this article is not limited to any type of person.