The 11 Myths of Media Violence [Paperback]

W. James Potter (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761927352 | ISBN-13: 978-0761927358 | Publication Date: October 23, 2002

The 11 Myths of Media Violence clearly explains why media violence has not only been allowed but encouraged to escalate. Esteemed author W. James Potter challenges many of our assumptions about the relationship between media and violence. He argues that these assumptions are the primary barriers preventing us from confronting the issue of violence in films, TV, and video games.

Students and scholars of Mass Media, Communications, Film, and Sociology will find The 11 Myths of Media Violence inspires passionate discussion and innovative research. Consumer activists, teachers, and families will find it an essential resource and invaluable step toward finding solutions to this critical social issue.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This well-written study adds many fresh perspectives to a continuing social and public policy debate. . . . Highly recommended."

(CHOICE )

"Potter's The 11 Myths of Media Violence is a groundbreaking, innovative look at a problem that continues to produce controversy even though researchers have been studying it for more than half a century. Potter cogently describes and explains the theories and research that have attempted to illuminate this controversy. However, he goes well beyond all previous books on the topic by explaining the forces that undermine any attempts at public understanding or a resolution of the problem. By explicitly describing the various forces that impede public comprehension of the issue, and by organizing the book around 11 central misunderstandings, Potter brilliantly illuminates the thorny issues that surround the media violence debate. His writing is both clear and compelling. Students, researchers, journalists, policy-makers, and parents will enjoy this book and achieve an in-depth understanding of the issues and their implications for society."

(Joanne Cantor )

"The 11 Myths of Media Violence is indispensable reading for anyone interested in the issue media violence. Potter's thought-provoking challenges to arguments that media violence is harmless or benign are clearly articulated, empirically sound, and undeniably essential in our violence-saturated culture. This book is certain to be a primary reference for students, scholars, and policy makers dealing with how best to address the psychological, social, and legal implications of violence in the media."

(Mary Beth Oliver )

"It is a wonderful summary of the key issues in this hotly debated area. . . This book is a "must read" for anyone involved in the media violence debate."

(Craig A. Anderson )

"The 11 Myths of Media Violence is a must read for everyone who has ever sat in front of a television. Potter indicts our culture thirsty for a quick fix and simple black and white answers. He reminds us we live in a wonderful world of mystery, complexity and untold shades of gray. I must order more copies of this book for the many friends and cohorts with whom I attempt to discuss the harms of media violence."

(Ann Simonton )

About the Author

W. James Potter is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California at Santa Barbara where he teaches courses in media effects, media literacy, media businesses, and media content. A holder of a Ph.D. in Communication and another in Instructional Systems, he has also taught at Western Michigan University, Florida State University, Indiana University, UCLA, and Stanford University. He is a former editor of the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles, book chapters, and more than a dozen books, including the Sage published titles: Media Literacy 6/ed., On Media Violence, Theory of Media Literacy: A Cognitive Approach, How to Publish Your Communication Research (edited with Alison Alexander), and The 11 Myths of Media Violence.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc (October 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761927352
• ISBN-13: 978-0761927358
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #809,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of great stuff, but still not definitive, September 21, 2004

By 

Mike Sobocinski (Lansing, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 11 Myths of Media Violence (Paperback)

The first half of the book is excellent. I was prepared to give it a full 5 stars as a comprehensive overview of the various effects of media violence (both negative and positive). But unfortunately, some careless writing sneaks into most of the second half of the book, with subtle exaggerations and various arguments that won't hold up to rigorous scrutiny. Those exaggerations and arguments are meant to strengthen his criticism of media violence, but unfortunately weaken his strength as an overall authority. The author has assembled a lot of great information into this book, which may be an ideal starting point for readers new to this topic, but many of his excellent points, arguments, and insights get carried slightly farther than are truly defensible at this time (scientifically, logically, sociologically). I am still waiting for the definitive book on this topic that I can recommend without reservations to people I know. This one I would recommend to average readers but not unreservedly to the rigorous thinkers and scholars I am fortunate to count among my friends. With some editing and a touch more temperance, it could have been. Ah well, read it and learn what you can. It's good, but far from the last word on the subject.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Media Violence, September 12, 2003

By 

A. Simonton (Santa Cruz, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 11 Myths of Media Violence (Hardcover)

The11 Myths of Media Violence is a must read for everyone who has ever sat in front of a television. Potter indicts our culture thirsty for a quick fix and simple black and white answers. He reminds us we live in a wonderful world of mystery, complexity and untold shades of gray. I need more copies of this book for the many friends and cohorts with whom I attempt to discuss the harms of media violence. At last our conversations won't be stuck on a superficial level. Kudos to Potter for his vital role in opening this can of worms we can no longer choose to ignore.
Ann Simonton, Director of Media Watch

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about media violence, September 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The 11 Myths of Media Violence (Paperback)

Ever wonder if media violence (telelvision, movies, video games, etc.) is harmful? Want an educated opinion? This book is a great resource for all who are interested, whether you are an academic or a concerned citizen. As the title says, it covers 11 myths about media violence. It also offers suggestions on how to help yourself and your family be smart about media violence, and why this question has been asked for decades. If I could, I would get everyone to read this book.