Summaries of Violence in the Media Articles

Violent Video Games: The Effects on Youth, and Public Policy Implications

          In the article "Violent Video Games: The Effects on Youth, and Public Policy Implications," Gentil and Anderson contend that violent video games have a negative impact on youths. The article goes into further detail on the history and available research on the effects of violent video games to reinforce their argument. The beginning of violent video games can be traced back to 1976, however it wasn't until the 1990's when advances in technology led to more realism in video games and developed into the modern video games we know today.  Multiple studies named in the article have come to the similar conclusion that exposure to violent video games increases aggressive behavior in individuals and decreases their level of empathy. There are many public policy options that the authors suggest, mostly intervention on the government's behalf.  To conclude, violence in video games is an issue that needs to be taken more seriously in order to take steps to reduce the media violence children are exposed to.


Weinstein, Tarantino and the standoff over movie violence

          In the article "Weinstein, Tarantino and the standoff over movie violence," O'Hehir describes the effects of how Harvey Weinstein blew the whistle on the violence portrayed in film. Weinstein, a prominent figure in Hollywood, declared in a CNN interview he would no longer be making any violent movies. Despite having made and promoted so many movies known for their violence, even being the one who jump started Tarantino's career. As someone in the independent film business, Weinstein is able to express his opinions and beliefs without fear of backlash. Being a liberal democrat, Weinstein is also in favor in gun control, leading O'Hehir to bring up the issue of the increase in gun ownership through the years. Weinstein also brings up the fact of how social scientists are unable to to directly connect media violence to real violence, only saying that it is a "risk factor for increased aggression." In conclusion, O'Hehir once again praises Weinstein for shining light on this subject and starting a nationwide conversation about violence in the media.


Columbine: Whose fault is it?

          In the article "Columbine: Whose fault is it?" Marilyn Manson explores the relationship between media violence and real life violence as a response to the Columbine High School massacre. He criticizes how the media portrays criminals by putting them on covers and giving them notoriety. Monroe makes the point that even though real violence has decreased we still see more of it because now it can be widely broadcasted and televised. After the Columbine massacre, reporters were quick to point fingers at Monroe's apparent "influence" on the two perpetrators. Monroe defends himself by denying the allegation and points out why should we have to have a reason to justify a crime, rather than not holding the individual personally accountable. All in all Monroe questions if violence in the media is to blame and emphasizes that people should be responsible for their own actions and not put the fault on others.