WA 1 Guilty Before Proven Innocent

Guilty Before Proven Innocent
Written Assignment Unit 1

SOCI 1502-01 Introduction to Sociology
University of the People
17th of June 2023
June 17th, 2023
Ford Foundation
320 E 43rd St
New York, NY 10017
USA
Dear sir/madam, I am writing to introduce a research project that I believe aligns
with your organization's dedication to advancing societal understanding and justice. Our
endeavor aims to uncover the hidden dangers and lasting impacts of false accusations in our
society, a topic of increasing relevance in our fast-paced digital age.
The issue of false accusations, their consequences, and the alarming presumption of
guilt, is becoming increasingly significant. The rapid exchange of information, and
sometimes misinformation, via social media and other digital platforms, heightens the
urgency of this research. Yet, despite its societal impact, this topic remains under-explored in
sociological studies.
The primary objective of our study is to delve into the intricacies of false accusations,
the extent of their repercussions, and the societal tendency towards presumed guilt. Our
research will not only illuminate these pressing issues but also advocate for strategies to
mitigate harm and promote justice.
To tackle this, included in this letter are the first three steps of the scientific method
related to this topic:
Investigative Question
What, can we as a society, do to not only make false accusations less common but also
to make the act of falsely accusing someone of a wrongdoing significantly less appealing?
Given the potentially devastating repercussions that false accusations can carry for
individuals and communities alike, it becomes imperative to actively seek and implement
measures that can effectively reduce their prevalence, discourage their utilization as tools for
personal agenda or revenge, and nullify their perceived attractiveness. The potential solution
extends beyond mere punitive measures, requiring us to build a societal framework that
emphasizes the importance of truth, fosters empathy and understanding, and prioritizes
comprehensive and impartial investigations over premature judgments and sensationalism.
Literature Review
The following is a curated compilation of literary works, including both books and
scholarly articles, that will serve as key resources in our in-depth research on the subject
matter. Before formulating potential solutions and outlining our action plan towards a future
with less prevalent 'cancel culture', these resources will provide a comprehensive
understanding of the topic at hand. These literary materials will equip us with the necessary
knowledge and theoretical foundations, paving the way for an informed, realistic, and
constructive approach to address the issue and foster a safer societal climate.
Books
• Pogue, J. (2020). On the Rudeness of Mobs: America’s plutocratic love affair with
cancellation. The Baffler, 53, 6–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26975633
• Shullenberger, G. (2020). The New Net Delusion. The New Atlantis, 62, 46–52.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/26934425
• Deuze, M. (2014). Living as a Zombie in Media is the Only Way to Survive. Journal of
the Fantastic in the Arts, 25(2/3 (91)), 278–294.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/24353029
• Oakes, G. (1992). Image and Reality in “Media Worlds.” International Journal of
Politics, Culture, and Society, 5(3), 439–463. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20007052
Articles
• Americans and ‘Cancel Culture’: Where Some See Calls for Accountability, Others See
Censorship, Punishment.
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/05/19/americans-and-cancel-culture-
where-some-see-calls-for-accountability-others-see-censorship-punishment/
• The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-
mental-health-effects-of-cancel-culture-5119201
• Common Reasons for False Allegations of Rape & Sexual Assault.
https://sharpcriminalattorney.com/sex-crimes-defense/false-accusation-cases-
reasons/
Hypothesis
We hypothesize that the current prevalence of false accusations and their appeal can
be significantly reduced if society adapts to a more balanced and informed approach towards
the presumption of guilt, rather than being swayed by immediate social media narratives.
This could potentially be achieved through a combination of stricter regulations for digital
platforms, rigorous fact-checking, substantial punitive measures for perpetrators of false
accusations, and a cultural shift that emphasizes the gravity of these actions. The impact of
this shift could also help dismantle 'cancel culture', fostering a more empathetic society that
values a thorough understanding of situations and prioritizes fairness and justice.
The results of this study will aim to contribute significantly to the existing body of
sociological work by shedding light on an under-researched area with serious societal
implications. Furthermore, the insights derived will help formulate policy recommendations
and advocacy strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of false accusations, thereby
fostering a more equitable and just society.
In conclusion, this research project seeks to contribute to a greater societal
understanding of the phenomenon of false accusations, their impacts, and the culture of
presumed guilt that often accompanies them. Our results will not only fill a gap in the
existing body of sociological work but also inform practical measures to address these
pressing issues.
We appreciate your consideration of our request for funding, as we believe our
study's objectives align with the values your organization upholds. We are confident that the
support from your esteemed organization would significantly enhance our ability to conduct
this important research, contributing to the broader goal of promoting justice,
understanding, and societal harmony. Thank you for considering our proposal, and we look
forward to potential collaboration towards making a meaningful impact on society.

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Guilty Before Proven Innocent

Written Assignment Unit 1

New York, NY 10017

Dear sir/madam, I am writing to introduce a research project that I believe aligns

society, a topic of increasing relevance in our fast-paced digital age.

guilt, is becoming increasingly significant. The rapid exchange of information, and

mitigate harm and promote justice.

related to this topic:

comprehensive and impartial investigations over premature judgments and sensationalism.

cancellation. The Baffler, 53, 6–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26975633

the Fantastic in the Arts, 25(2/3 (91)), 278–294.

• Oakes, G. (1992). Image and Reality in “Media Worlds.” International Journal of

Politics, Culture, and Society, 5(3), 439–463. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20007052

• The Mental Health Effects of Cancel Culture. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-

platforms, rigorous fact-checking, substantial punitive measures for perpetrators of false

values a thorough understanding of situations and prioritizes fairness and justice.

sociological work by shedding light on an under-researched area with serious societal

fostering a more equitable and just society.

In conclusion, this research project seeks to contribute to a greater societal

We appreciate your consideration of our request for funding, as we believe our

this important research, contributing to the broader goal of promoting justice,

forward to potential collaboration towards making a meaningful impact on society.

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