Book reviews

Abstract

95 hardcover, ISBN: 0761927344; $34.95 paper, ISBN: 0761927352.A wealth of research pointing toward a causal relationship between exposure to media violence and aggressive behavior (see Sparks and Sparks, 2002, for a review) has spurred a growing concern about the effects of media violence on people. Are media producers merely submitting to the demands of the public for more violence or is the public completely tired of and bored with media violence? Is a reduction in the amount of media violence necessary or are the V-chip and the ratings system enough to provide the solution to media violence?The 11 Myths ofM.ed.ia Violence provides a thoughtful analysis of some existing beliefs about media violence. Potter has consciously co-opted the term myth to show how these existing beliefs are "accepted by most people in a culture, despite their flaws either in reasoning or in factual evidence" (p. x). The perspectives of four different cultures are questioned, challenged, and analyzed. These cultures are the producers who create and market violent messages, the public that consumes and complains about media violence, researchers who explore the effects of media violence, and policymakers who try to bridge the gap between producers and the public.This concise book is grounded in current census data, real examples, and tfieories of media effects. Potter raises interesting questions to challenge the faulty nature of the myths and analyzes each myth from different perspectives. For instance, chapter 6 on myth 5, "violence in the media reflects violence in the society" (p. 103), not only discusses the profile of the violent acts based on televised portrayals but also census figures of violence in the day-to-day world. Similarly, chapter 8 on myth 7, "violence is an essential element in all fiction" (p. 129), discusses the importance of conflict and not violence as being an essential element of a narrative. This book signifies a departure from traditional research-based media violence perspectives that examine desensitization, fear, disinhibition, and a variety of other negative effects. Such studies often point out that there is a problem with media violence but do not offer a solution. The major strength of this book is that it presents solutions, provides information about relevant resources like books and organizations, and offers suggestions for public action.Potter has given us a lot to think about. There seems to be a circle of blame where the public blames program producers for including excessive violence in programs and films. In turn, the producers blame the public for demanding more and more violence. Potter has tried to make all players aware of their own responsibilities regarding the problem of media violence. Although he provides producers, the public, and practitioners with ample suggestions for how to address the issue of media violence, Potter has not challenged media researchers enough. A slightly more extensive discussion of their role in addressing media violence would provide interested researchers with...