The Influence of the Media

 

The benefit of reporting a mass shooting as a hard news story is the amount of awareness this brings to the tragedy. The nationwide coverage can help inform organizations and individuals on ways in which they can help the victims, their families, and the community in general. Covering these events as hard news stories also forces a conversation to happen about reform and changes in laws that are necessary to help prevent more mass shootings from happening. The problem with gun laws, rather than the lack of gun laws, is discussed and prioritized when the news reports mass shootings as hard news stories. However, it is incredibly unfortunate that these types of conversations are only ever focused on after a tragedy occurs. We should actively be trying to prevent mass shootings, and not just cope with the aftermath of them. One of the consequences of news stations reporting mass shootings as hard news stories is the focus and attention that they grant to the offenders. This not only takes time away from the families in need of help, support, and remembrance, but it also provides too many details about the shooters. As we have learned before, when the shooters are given all of the attention, it will only encourage future mass shooters to follow through with their plans. Because now they know this will ensure them the fame and attention they desire. Not only that, but when the news station reports in-depth details about mass shooters, more and more copycats will emerge. They know that doing the same things, or even deadlier things, as the previous mass shooter(s) will give them the same amount of attention. Hard news stories can also give the impression to the public that mass shootings are a frequent occurrence. This message enlists fear in everyone. Even though it is important to be prepared, we can not live our lives in fear every day. 

The Columbine killers, as well as many other mass shooters, have been glorified in social media and popular culture. The creation of songs, movies, and writings based on these individuals has created this persona of them that emulates intelligence and even style. I agree that these individuals were complex and interesting outliers, however, by no means should they ever be painted as an inspiration to anyone. The hurt they have caused was not justified in any way you look at it. Portraying them as such is dangerous. Teenagers going through a similar circumstance will look at how they may be seen as well if they solved all of their problems the same way the Columbine killers decided to do. They could start to believe that they too will be romanticized and the inspiration for countless movies and songs. The media is doing nobody no good by continuing the spread of both false and true details of mass shooters. This focus, as I have stated above, should be given to the victims and the ones who have lost their loved ones due to the violent path somebody else chose.

References: 

Schildkraut, J., & Muschert, G. W. (2019). Columbine, 20 years later and beyond: Lessons from tragedy. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.