Impacts of Media Representation

Question 1

Give 8 impacts of media representation

Answer 1

1.) moral panic/folk devils
2.) public concerns and attitudes
3.) perceptions of crime trends
4.) stereotyping of criminals
5.) levels of response to crime and punishment
6.) changing priorities

Question 2

What is moral panic?

Answer 2

disproportionate public fears about something which might threaten the moral values of society.

Question 3

How does the media create moral panic?

Answer 3

by creating powerful headlines, using symbolism, repetition, exaggeration, and prediction, to highlight their points.

Question 4

Give 3 examples of past moral panics

Answer 4

• witch trials in 1600s
• mods and rockers in 1960s
• war on drugs in 1980s

Question 5

What are folk devils?

Answer 5

an individual or group in society held responsible for perceived threat involved in a moral panic.

Question 6

What was ‘Prevent’?

Answer 6

a counterterrorism strategy introduced after 9/11, aiming to intervene before terrorist attacks happened. however, it led to discrimination against minority groups, especially muslims. it targeted young people - they were often questioned by police and teachers, with no prior warning and no parental consent.