Another three Transition Year students have earned themselves one-week work placements in The Irish Times, thanks to the contributions published below. You can join them - if your 200word submission is published in the weekly `over to you' slot. Send it in, and be sure to include your name and address, the name of your school, and phone numbers for home and school.
Marc Metcalfe, Wesley College, Dublin
Paparazzi, like pizza, is a beautiful Italian word, but to my mind they are both disgusting sights! After the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her friend Dodi Al Fayed, the widespread blame for the paparazzi reflected the increasing outcry at their bad behaviour. They have pursued, stalked and harassed many famous people. However, we must ask ourselves this question: had tough laws against intrusion been operating in Ireland during Veronica Guerin's journalistic career, would the private lives of the crime lords ever have been exposed?
Two great women died over the past year: the first as a journalist prying on the private lives of private citizens - i.e. criminals - and the second as a victim of the paparazzi prying into a private citizen's life.
Emma Byrne, Presentation College, Carlow
Many times when looking through a newspaper or magazine I have spotted a cigarette advertisement. Although they are brightly coloured and noticeable, they carry no message but a brand name. It is to me more realistic to assume that what brings smoking to the attention of young people is the continual discussion and warnings, rather than the ineffectual advertising. What can a child do but wonder what all the fuss is about, and why so many persist in smoking if they know the dangers that accompany it. Is it really that good?
Patricia Guinan, Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa, Clara, Co Offaly
The public should realise that the media did help Diana publicise many of her causes; we should not take a wholly negative view of their work. Diana "courted" the media when she wanted attention. Unfortunately, it seems the courtship became over-zealous on one side, and, like such unbalanced relationships, ended in tragedy.
Write to media scope by posting your comments to Newspaper in the Classroom, The Irish Times, 11-16 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, or faxing them to (01) 679 2789.
Or you can use the Internet and e-mail us at mediapage@irishtimes.ie
media scope is a weekly media studies page for use in schools. Group rates and a special worksheet service (see `faxback', left) are available: FREEPHONE 1-800-798884.
media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
