Accountability and change

So over the last few days, the focus in the news has been on the terrible situation in Newtown Connecticut.  It is truly horrific that this can happen in a 'modern' society, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected in some way by the tragic events

As a new parent the notion that our children can be hurt when in a 'safe' location by someone who is obviously sick in some way is terrifying in way that would not have been the case before we had the baby.  When things like this happen you are left with the question as to how do we stop this from happening again.

This has, of course, sparked the gun debate, as it should, but you are left wondering what will change.  Should a change in gun law be passed it is unclear what practical steps could be undertaken to ensure that the people that have guns, are safe to have them.

What has disturbed me (other than the event it's self) is the the news coverage of this event.  It is not that there has been anything particularly inappropriate but more that there is an ever growing bank of evidence that says that the way we broadcast these events actually leads to more shootings.  As you would expect the debate about the impact of violent TV and Film has reignited, with certain films coming under scrutiny, despite the fact that here is no evidence to show that this is is actually the case, while there is evidence that the news coverage could be making the situation worse.  I think that this is shown in comments from Roger Ebert.  This follows on from the show produced by Charlie Brooker in 2009 about the same thing in more detail (you can watch it here).  

The psychologists in Brooker's show present some scary information as to the impact that our standard new broadcasts can have.  To me what is most worrying is that the knowledge of the impact of the news broadcasts is well known, but still it is used.

If the way that we present the information, with a focus on the individual, making them an anti hero and the focus point for a number of days around the world, is likely to create more related situations, due to the impact that this has on those who are mentally susceptible, then there should be an onus all of us to make sure that this does not happen.  To my mind the media needs to have more responsibility and focus on not creating an environment where those who have mental weaknesses will see a way to get there 15 minutes of fame.  As individuals we have a responsibility to make sure we are not encouraging media production which glamourises those who carry out these acts.

The flip side of this comes from a news paper article again written by Charlie Brooker following the shooting, which shows the impact that the media can have on us  - which you can read here and I would recommend that you do.

Finally there is another article in the Huffington Post which gives a perspective as to the families of he shooters. There are things in this article which I find disturbing, but the core story here is something we should remember and you should take the time to read here

At the end of this, I am left with a feeling of sadness that despite this, and the many other similar incidents, it is likely that nothing will change.  Gun laws will not be revised, media coverage will continue to focus on the wrong things and there will not be a better understanding of the impact of mental illness.  I hope I am wrong  but fear I am not