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Mayhem: Violence as Public Entertainment

NCJ Number
181837
Author(s)
Sissela Bok
Date Published
1998
Length
204 pages
Annotation
This book examines and discusses the effect of long-term media violence on the American national character.
Abstract
The book places special emphasis on works produced, marketed and consumed as entertainment violence, for pleasure, excitement and thrill. It considers whether such works contribute to callousness and violent crime or merely provide harmless amusement, whether they help viewers confront and deal with violence in real life, satisfying some deep-seated need that might otherwise find more brutal expression. It also questions whether it is alarmist or merely sensible to wonder what happens to the souls of children nurtured on images of rape, torture, bombings, and massacre. The book also addresses the question of unfettered violent programming and government control over what is spoken, written, and performed. It includes chapters on journalists and media violence and adults' rights, children’s needs, and the law. It examines ways for families, communities and public policymakers to guard against the effects of entertainment violence without resorting to official censorship. Notes, index