Book Review: Violence and the Media

In Violence and the Media, author Victoria Sherrow explores the complex role that media violence plays in our lives. Sherrow discusses the roots, causes, and effects of media violence. Some may say that media violence causes societal violence and other problems. Others say the media are not to blame but merely reflect society. Sherrow outlines the research of theses viewpoints in her book by shedding light on the opinions of the public and giving factual descriptions behind them.
Victoria Sherrow researches the viewpoint that the media is not to blame for societal problems. For instance, in chapter seven psychology critics claim that people who imitate media violence are already mentally ill. Sherrow gives evidence to this perception after proving that violence has been around way before the media has. Psychologist Nicholas Johnson says, “Adults should be in control of what media influence goes on in their household”(103). Furthermore, Johnson believes that the media is harmless in cause and effect on society.
In contrast, critics say that television teaches false perceptions and values and may promote the illusion that complex problems can be solved quickly. The American Psychological Association claims that heavy viewers behave more aggressively rather than light viewers (92). Statistics on society prove that heavy media viewers believe that violence and aggression are acceptable due to its showcases on TV and computer screens. Even the news has been proven to influence the way we see our world today and how we act upon these believes. Victoria Sherrow is one of the many people who seek change for the way mass media affects us.