The 11 Myths of Media Violence

W. James Potter, professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara, holds one PhD in Communication Studies and another in Instructional Technology. He has been teaching media courses for more than two decades in the areas of effects on individuals and society, content narratives, structure and economics of media industries, advertising, and journalism. He has served as editor of the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media and is the author of many journal articles and several dozen books, including: Media Effects; Media Literacy, 10th edition; The 11 Myths of Media Violence; Major Theories of Media Effects; Becoming a Strategic Thinker: Developing Skills for Success; and 7 Skills of Media Literacy.

Current Content Myth 1: Violence in the media does not affect me, but others are at high risk. Myth 2: The media are not responsible for the negative effects of their violent messages. Myth 3: Children are especially vulnerable to risks of effects from exposure to media violence. Myth 4: There is too much violence in the media. Myth 5: Violence in the media reflects violence in society. Myth 6: The media are only responding to market desires. Myth 7: Vioence is an essential element in all fiction. Myth 8: Reducing the amount of violence in the media will solve the problem. Myth 9: The First Amendment protects the media from restrictions on violence. Myth 10: Rating systems and V-chip will help solve the problem. Myth 11: There is nothing I can do to make an effect on reducing the problem. Prognosis for Improvement References Index

"This well-written study adds many fresh perspectives to a continuing social and public policy debate. . . . Highly recommended." -- CHOICE "Potter's The 11 Myths of Media Violence is a groundbreaking, innovative look at a problem that continues to produce controversy even though researchers have been studying it for more than half a century. Potter cogently describes and explains the theories and research that have attempted to illuminate this controversy. However, he goes well beyond all previous books on the topic by explaining the forces that undermine any attempts at public understanding or a resolution of the problem. By explicitly describing the various forces that impede public comprehension of the issue, and by organizing the book around 11 central misunderstandings, Potter brilliantly illuminates the thorny issues that surround the media violence debate. His writing is both clear and compelling. Students, researchers, journalists, policy-makers, and parents will enjoy this book and achieve an in-depth understanding of the issues and their implications for society." -- Joanne Cantor "The 11 Myths of Media Violence is indispensable reading for anyone interested in the issue media violence. Potter's thought-provoking challenges to arguments that media violence is harmless or benign are clearly articulated, empirically sound, and undeniably essential in our violence-saturated culture. This book is certain to be a primary reference for students, scholars, and policy makers dealing with how best to address the psychological, social, and legal implications of violence in the media." -- Mary Beth Oliver "It is a wonderful summary of the key issues in this hotly debated area. . . This book is a "must read" for anyone involved in the media violence debate." -- Craig A. Anderson "The 11 Myths of Media Violence is a must read for everyone who has ever sat in front of a television. Potter indicts our culture thirsty for a quick fix and simple black and white answers. He reminds us we live in a wonderful world of mystery, complexity and untold shades of gray. I must order more copies of this book for the many friends and cohorts with whom I attempt to discuss the harms of media violence." -- Ann Simonton