Comment

Comment by Frances Ndika on July 22, 2012 at 8:40pm

It is really appalling the ways media report news in our present dispensation; no doubt the rationale  behind it is to much it juicier than their competitors so that they will have an edge over them without even considering the damaging effects on the victims and families of the victims, especially of those that died. I hate to say this but the truth is that the media do more damage than good in our society today and it's really a pity. I really appreciate your effort in analyzing this here and pray and wish others will follow suit. Good job Steven and thanks

Comment by Ema Miroslava Billings on July 21, 2012 at 12:55pm

Very well thought out and stated! Narratives paint a story and it is these stories that sell, empower, disempower, heal or create further mayhem especially those with hidden agendas such as in the political arena. Thank you for your conscious mind surrounding the impact of media on conflict and violence; it is through this consciousness that we can transform our peacebuilding efforts.

Comment by Rich Roth on July 21, 2012 at 12:01pm

The disarmament issue is to me a false direction, the young man could have just as easily walked in and thrown 4 or so balloons with gas in them and lit a match.  The death toll like in the dance hall fire in NY would have been much higher, and the press shots of the place on fire, a much better story for them.  

I have disagreed with the folks that have said a person with a weapon in the theater could have stopped this, shooting a weapon when people are bouncing and banging into you, probably would have gotten more Innocent killed.  But to make this tragedy a call to ban firearms, is counter productive, and misses the point of what was this person thinking that would make killing these people a valuable goal to him.

Weapons to kill are to easy a target, but if you study conflict, can be made from anything.  Teaching people to be aware of what is going on around them, what stresses lead to this type of action, will mitigate it much better than a knee jerk reaction of lets get rid of gun's, where do you stop, knives, ropes, gasoline.

Rich

Comment by Steven L. Youngblood on July 21, 2012 at 11:22am

Thanks for your outstanding comments, everyone. Paul, you're correct about the pressing need for disarmament. Let me think about how this might fit (or if it fits) into the framework of peace and conflict sensitive journalism. Libby and Len, yes, media have a choice in how they cover conflicts, and the coverage doesn't have to be reflexively sensational.

Comment by Libby and Len Traubman on July 20, 2012 at 11:23pm

Steven:

Thank you for reminding us that life forward is a choice of stories and telling them in a way that helps us learn what does and doesn't make us more human and better.  Let's redeem this heartbreaking tragedy by discovering the "why" and thus help humankind prevent repetition.

Comment by Linda Ohlson Graham on July 20, 2012 at 7:07pm

Please hold the thought with me ... that PEACE on Earth and calmer weather patterns CAN >easily happen ... in a moment or two of Silence in ENOUGH of the -collective Mind-. http://www.lindaohlsongraham.com  (-Poems- and -Writings- pages ... )  ty

Comment by Paul Slattery on July 20, 2012 at 12:19pm

Steven,

A great idea to scrutinize coverage through the five lenses you describe.  Can I suggest another?  Disarmament.  Will the media even broach the issue in that, perhaps the greatest of peace topic challenges?  I'd recommend it as the new #1 for your list.

Comment by Rich Roth on July 20, 2012 at 11:51am

I think your right, I did some posts that I think were not productive.  I think we all need to take a deep breath and wait for info.  As I just recently tweeted, fear is contagious and we are safe, if we stay calm and stay aware of our surroundings, our plans for the evening and weekend, should not change.

Hope to see you at the movies this weekend.

Rich