On May 18, 1927, a farmer angered by property taxes that helped build a local school building in Bath, MI, murdered his wife. Then he burned down their house, detonated over 1,0
On May 18, 1927, a farmer angered by property taxes that helped build a local school building in Bath, MI, murdered his wife. Then he burned down their house, detonated over 1,000 pounds of dynamite he had placed within the school, and drove his truck up to the school and discharged another explosive, killing 45 people and injuring another 58.On April 20, 1999 (72 years after the Bath, MI, massacre), two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, carried out a well-planned massacre that involved multiple explosives and a shooting spree, which killed 14 people, including the perpetrators, and injured 21 more.The Bath, MI, disaster received only limited media coverage, lasting about a week before the story left the headlines. In contrast, the Columbine shooting received extensive media coverage and—to this day—remains a cultural touchstone in terms of public perceptions about mass violence and safety in schools. For this Discussion, you will examine both of these examples of school violence as presented in the Week 8 Case Studies document located in this week’s Learning Resources. this week to deepen your understanding of the media and public perceptions of crime, criminals, and victims.Consider how media may influence your personal perception of crime, criminals, and victims.Review data related to mass violence on the Bureau of Justice Statistics website and consider the reality of crime versus public perceptions.Review the Week 8 Case Studies document located in this week’s Learning Resources and contemplate the similarities and differences between the two school attacks in terms of modality, demographics, planning, and media coverage.*Explain if and how the media overstates school violence. Justify your explanation and provide an example.*Explain if and how the media leads to copycat violence. Justify your explanation and provide an example.*Explain if and how the media contributes to stereotypes of crime. Justify your explanation and provide an example.*Explain if and how the media shapes society’s perceptions about mass violence. Justify your explanation and provide an example.*Explain if and how social media and the 24-hour news cycle impact perceptions of violence differently as compared to more traditional sources, such as television, radio, and newspapers.