If movies or other forms of mass entertainment have content that is harmful to society's interests, we're going to have to use sociological arguments to make them change -- and when their profits are going sky-high, it will take an organized effort to be heard. When the Council on American-Islamic Relations campaigned against the title of Alan Ball's film Towelhead (coincidentally, a Warner Independent release), Ball met with representatives in a recorded dialogue, and heard their objections during a panel discussion. This airing of all sides was one of the bonus features on the DVD. It is consciousness-raising like that which we ought to embark on with the entertainment industry about violence.
The way media violence often defines the identity of "the
other' -- justifying and encouraging racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, and
imperialism -- merits extensive discussion. It could be a kind of Truth and
Reconciliation Commission between the industry and the audience. This process
would educate both media-makers and the public in general -- including
consumers, parents, and those in the helping professions who treat addictions.
It could also put us on the road to eliminate some of the propaganda that makes
a segment of the U.S. favor gun proliferation in the first place.
Ironically, the entity which knows best how to run respectful, attentive consciousness-raising sessions these days is Occupy. The entertainment industry should try asking them for some pointers.
Still of the Joker from "The Dark Knight" (2008)
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Here are links to take action for gun control:
Credo Action petition; The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence petition; Mayors Against Illegal Guns website; American Friends campaign for assault weapons ban renewal; Petition by a MoveOn member for assault weapons ban
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