NCJ Number
160238
Editor(s)
C Wekesser
Date Published
1995
Length
192 pages
Annotation
This book presents opposing arguments regarding various issues associated with violence portrayed in media and whether and how policymakers should address media violence as a significant social problem.
Abstract
One of the issues for which opposing arguments are presented is whether media violence affects society. Three papers which argue that it does cite studies to show that media violence increases violence in society, contributes to an increasing murder rate, and promotes violence against women. Three other papers argue that the negative impact of media violence on society is exaggerated, that evidence connecting media violence to real violence is weak, and that media violence may not harm children. Another issue for which opposing arguments are presented is whether media violence should be censored. Three papers recommend various methods of controlling the content of media program content to reduce or eliminate portrayals of violence, or at the very least to prevent children's access to such programming. Three other papers argue that attempts to censor the media would be ineffective, unethical, and unconstitutional. Another issue for which opposing arguments are presented is whether the media can effectively regulate violence in their products. Three papers state that media can regulate their products in a responsible manner. Other papers state that media executives have neither the will nor the methodology to regulate violence portrayals. Remaining issues for which opposing arguments are presented are what should be done about media violence and whether heavy metal rock and "gangsta" rap music promote violence. For individual papers, see NCJ-160239-67. A 50- item bibliography, a list of organizations to contact, and a subject index