Picking A Strong Term Paper Topic About The Maguindanao Massacre

The Maguindanao Massacre took place on November 23, 2009 in the Philippines. 58 people were killed, not only politicians, but civilians, 34 journalist among others. The members of a ruling clan cruelly killed supporters of the opposition. A few years later this event still resonates in the press. Therefore, it is not surprising that students are asked to research this issue from different angles. Writing a term paper on the topic of the Maguindanao Massacre is quite a challenging task requiring advanced research skills and thoughtfulness. Here are a few suggestions for a strong term paper topic about the event to get you started.

1. Violation of human rights.

In this term paper you may discuss which human rights were violated in the Maguindanao Massacre. Since this was an election-related violence, you may talk about freedom of expression. Is it still dangerous to challenge the authority of a ruling party in the 21st century? Is it easier and more effective to resort to violent methods of beating the opposition rather than civilized ones?

2. Mass killing in a democratic community – how is this possible?

The event is particularly shocking in light of the fact that it happened in the 21st century in a country that claims to follow the principles of democracy. You can dwell on the democracy in the Philippines, its political order, and what might be the underlying reasons for such killings. In light of these events, is it possible to call the Philippines a non-democratic society? Is such an event an exception or a rule in the country?

3. Freedom of the press – does it actually exist?

The Philippines is labeled to be the second most dangerous country for journalism. More than half of the people killed in the massacre were journalists. It is said that media are the voice of the community. Is it really so? Does the freedom of the press actually exist? Or is the press only allowed to talk about what is pleasing for the ruling circles? This is quite a broad and deep topic related not only to the particular event, but to the journalism and its role in the contemporary society as a whole.

4. A quest for justice.

A few years after the tragic event, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice yet. You can dwell on the topic of justice in the society, and who is to blame for it not coming to pass in the democratic country.