Unit 1 AC1.5 Impact of media representations of crime Flashcards
MORAL PANIC
Research shows that media exaggerate levels of serious crime and the risk of becoming a victim, which is known as moral panic. This has been found true for studies of newspapers, television and radio content. Examples of moral panic range from the risk of contracting HIV in the 1980s to the modern moral panic surrounding the reporting of terrorism and the subsequent result of Islamophobia.The impact of moral panic is to make the public think the issue is worse than it is in reality.
CHANGING PUBLIC CONCERNS AND ATTITUDES
Over time, the public have been concerned about different types of crime. The impact of changing concerns and attitudes reflects on the policing and government priorities. For instance, in response to terrorist acts the government may raise the threat level, for example, from severe to critical following concerns after the Manchester bombing in 2017. Islamophobia also has an impact on public attitudes towards terrorism. Alternatively, public concerns and attitudes can lead to knife amnesties, wherein, someone can turn over a knife in their possession without repercussions.
STEREOTYPING OF CRIMINALS
As a result of media reports, the public form stereotypes of criminals. Often they are seen as poor and uneducated members of society. In the UK young people are seen by many, especially by the older members of society, as ‘hoodies’ and ‘thugs’.
This stereotyping of criminals results in the public being mistrusting of people who fit the stereotypical image. The public may also become angry and fear crime, thus supporting harsher sentences.
PERCEPTIONS OF CRIME TRENDS
Generally, the public’s perception is that crime is on the increase. When the media report a high volume of crime stories, it impacts the public, giving them a false belief about the amount of crime that is happening. This is because there is research which suggests that crime is decreasing. (According to the CSEW). The impacts of the public perception of a rising crime rate are anxiety and stress about being a victim and the subsequent repercussions.
LEVELS OF RESPONSE TO CRIME AND TYPES OF PUNISHMENT
The media has an impact on the levels of response and punishment to certain crimes. The impact of this response to crime is to produce disproportionate sentences that fail to reflect the seriousness of the crime that has been committed.
CHANGING PRIORITIES AND EMPHASIS
Certain major criminal events are world changing, producing new priorities and policies. For example, the September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers, New York in 2001, have had a lasting impact, with new policies that affect everyone. These can range from Acts of Legislation, to heightened security at airports, to counter terrorism measures. The response is to show that crime of this nature will not be tolerated and to set a deterrent punishment to prevent similar conduct. The impact of changing priorities can be farr eaching, including travel and education, and the curbing of civil liberties.
MORAL PANIC
Moral Panic - an instance of public anxiety or alarm in response to a problem regarded as threatening the moral standards of society.
ISLAMOPHOBIA
Islamophobia - dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force.
AMNESTY
Amnesty - an official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offences.
CIVIL LIBERTIES
Civil Liberties - the state of being subject only to laws established for the good of the community, especially with regard to freedom of action and speech.
STEREOTYPE
Stereotype - a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
DISPROPORTIONATE
Disproportionate - too large or too small in comparison with something else.
REPERCUSSIONS
Repercussions - an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.
