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** If it Bleeds, It Leads: Media Constructions of School Shootings **
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School related violent acts being displayed by broadcast media outlets are a very complex fear invoking concept to most citizens throughout North America and around the world. These violent acts, especially those of which involve a firearm and cases of death, or serious bodily injury, produce unparalleled responses from news media. School violence is not only seen and talked about in the media outlets directly after an incident, these episodes in our schools also make headlines long after; during PTA meetings, Gun Control Lobbies, and even political debates in upcoming elections.

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These fears are very real to some, and to others, they have become a reality and a memory they wish to forget. The media construction of these school shootings is to produce fear and to ask the questions that nobody wants to ask: Are our children safe in schools? Should it become harder to purchase and carry automatic and semi-automatic weapons? In the media, it is these fears which attract viewers. People watch these news stories because schools are suppose to be places of safety for our children, as well as the rarity of a school massacre or shooting gives regular individuals a glimpse into the life of a psychotic killer.

This presentation includes the following:


 * Definition of School Associated Violent Deaths
 * History of School Shootings
 * Patterns of School Shootings
 * The Repercussion and Effects of the Mass Media Coverage of School Associated Violent Deaths
 * Theories and Typology
 * Well Known School Shootings
 * Why is Extreme School Violence Highly Publicized in the Media ?

CREATED BY: Jon Hastie Jasmin Longland David Mizera Tom Headley Michael Boire

Sources

Retrieved on November 21, 2010, from http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/columbine_vatech_090415_mn.jpg

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