Jenna was irritated after class today. A classmate, Ben, had argued about the need for social justice reform that included defunding the police. Jenna was offended by the comments in part because her father was a policeman. She spoke to others in her circle of friends who agreed. Jenna decided that someone had to react to Ben’s statement that the money to fund the police would be better spent on youth initiatives and social services.
Jenna decided to call-out Ben by name so that it would be taken more seriously. She also wanted to show her commitment to her group’s values and that she went along with their prevailing views. This was Jenna’s way of fitting in.
One of the comments made by Jenna was to attack Ben as an extremist who was willing to go too far in reforming the social justice system. Defunding the police was akin to asking for trouble in our streets, Jenna commented. However, then it turned super critical and personal.

Jenna made up a story that Ben was a sexist and had made insensitive comments outside of class. None of this was true. She got hundreds of Likes of her comments on Facebook.

Later that day, Ben went online and attacked Jenna as a racist. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jenna was furious and considered posting a doctored image of Ben portraying him in an unflattering way.

Questions

1. Discuss the ethical values that are illustrated by the case.
2. Assume Jenna asks for your advice. Use ethical reasoning to decide what you would say to her and why?