Violence in the Media

Today we focused on how and why the media misrepresents violence. Most Canadians learn about serious crime through the media rather than from first-hand experience. Stories in radio, tv and newspaperssshape our views avout crime and criminals. Writers of tv shows and movies use violence to attract viewers and to sell tickets. Newspaper editors and tv reporters select crime news to maximize ratings.

Today we looked at this media misrepresentation.

• top 10 list of most violent movies/video games
• search through local newspaper to find articles skewed for violence
• discuss the question....can the media cause crime/violence

 Students were responsible for the following assignment:

Find a individual who has been linked to a serious crime (ie. murder) who has blamed it on some form of media:

1. Give the name of the individual
2. What was the crime
3. What sentence was handed down
4. What evidence was used in court to convict this person
5. What was the defence used by the accused (how was the media blamed)
6. your opinion....do you think it was legit?

Homework   Post your response to this work on your blog!!!