Discuss the “Mean World Syndrome” in relation to the public’s reaction to the media coverage of these shootings.

The purpose of this assignment is for you to explore and to articulate elements associated with Cultivation Theory and relate these concepts to news coverage of violence and recent mass shootings.
Be sure to use citations and provide a works cited. This is an essay and therefore should be answered accordingly. You must write clearly and concisely and provide evidence to support your points. Please use evidence and scenes from the film to support your points.

Questions that need to be touched on in the paper:

1.Over the last twenty years, there have been a number of school shootings not only in the United States but also in other countries as well. The film Bowling for Columbine was produced long before Virginia Tech, Aurora, or Sandy Hook; however little has changed in gun policies. Discuss the “Mean World Syndrome” in relation to the public’s reaction to the media coverage of these shootings.

2.Briefly discuss the media coverage of Columbine, Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook. What narratives were used to frame these stories? What similarities exist between the three cases as depicted in the media? How is did the media frame Marilyn Manson as a potential cause of Columbine? Why?

3.What stereotypes were used to depict Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold? What perceptions created about the two killers was wrong? To what extent then are Harris and Klebold held up as profiles (media produced) or templates used to creative narratives in the succession of other shooters/killers? James Holmes, Adam Lanza and Elliot Rodger.

4.Discuss issues of socio-economic class in relation to these killings. Who was targeted? Susan Songtag writes about violence in her book Regarding the Pain of Others. She notes that what would have shocked audiences 40 years ago—now people may watch multiple times—as if to be entertained. What is she saying here?

5.Offer your own reflection of media coverage of the recent shootings. Since Sandy Hook, there have been 75 mass shootings. What insights have gained in studying Cultivation Analysis and watching real time media coverage of shootings?

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