On September 11, 2001, the horrifying events at the World Trade Center reverberated around the globe.  In the following days and months, the 
media in the U.S. continued its barrage of news about violence, brutality, hate crimes, racism, poverty, child abductions, and the endless threat of continued war. As a result, many people have experienced feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. 

The media's penchant for tales of violence and tragedy, its focus on sensationalism as opposed to what makes sense, breeds fear and fosters bad policy decisions. As Berkeley Media Studies Group notes, "The presumption [] is that journalists report crime to inform the public. But the evidence is that we frighten citizens. And, we provide so little information that they end up making unnecessary and costly decisions about protecting themselves and their families. They accept that they must live with a certain level of crime and the fear that accompanies it. They also vote for legislation or support policies that don't work." [BMSG. Reporting on Violence, 2001] 

In the face of so much horror, it is difficult to know that the real picture is quite different--violence has been declining, ¹ as are child abductions. ²  While tragedies and violence fill our headlines and airwaves, across the globe people are helping one another and laboring to end violence. A great many people and organizations, including many young people, are dedicated to making a positive difference in our communities. 

For the month of September, the Trauma Foundation will focus on the positive social policy, individual, and organizational actions happening around issues related to injury and violence. These individuals and organizations can serve as models of hope and action for all of us. 

To learn more about journalism and the responsible reporting of violence from a public health perspective, visit the Berkeley Media Studies Group web site at www.bmsg.org. To read alternative news coverage, see AlterNet at www.alternet.org and in-depth reporting at The Center for Investigative Reporting at www.muckraker.org and Mother Jones at www.motherjones.com.

Have a story of someone making a difference in your community? Write to 
us at tf@traumaf.org and tell us about it. 

California Community-Based Organizations and Advocates Making a Difference 

Community Wellness Partnership:Pomona Youth

Barrios Unidos -- a community action program in Santa Cruz, CA

Erasing Reminders of a Violent Past: A profile of Dr. Lisa Benton

Youth Radio

Co/Motion, a program of the Alliance for Justice

CAPRI Youth


References:

1. The year 2000 marked the lowest volume of violent crime since 1985. Preliminary data for 2001 suggest that there has been a slight (2%) increase in violent crime from the year 2000. Generally, however, the last 15 years have been marked by declining violent crime. United States Department Of Justice, FBI. "Crime in the U.S. 2000" & "Preliminary data for 2001.") 

2.The subject of child abduction is one example of how media hype distorts public perception.  For example, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in 1999, there were 58,200 "non-family child abductions."  However, of these, 99% were returned home. Only 115 of these abductions were of the most serious and dangerous types. Almost 60% of these children were returned safely. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,  www.missingkids.com. See also," What are the risks to your child: Facts and figures on Child Abductions" at www.missingkids.com.