Particularly parents of young children see the enormous influence of media to convey to their children positive as well as negative behaviors and attitudes. This ground-swell cannot be ignored. The challenge is to direct it to positive action rather than extremist reaction. The issue of media violence is really just the first phase of a major cultural debate about life in the 21st century. We all have to examine our personal responsibility for contributing to the increase in media violence.
Violence does attract an audience.
In the face of rising violence creating a clear public health crisis, First Amendment arguments no longer seem unassailable-and censorship. We can change the direction of media by a combination of audience education and effective organizing techniques. Such change will not happen quickly, however. Hold media accountable for being an educator as well as a business and entertainer. Good solutions will not micro-manager the media industry.