Herman and Chomsky’s seminal work, “Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media,” profoundly explores the intricate web that governs the news media.
“Manufacturing Consent”
Manufacturing Consent refers to the subtle yet pervasive ways media institutions, influenced by political and economic interests, shape public discourse. In a world inundated with information, the ability to control narratives becomes a potent tool for those seeking to sway public opinion in specific directions.
This paper aims to investigate the impact of media consumption on attitudes towards gun control.
Manufacturing Consent:
Herman and Chomsky’s theory posits that media, often perceived as a watchdog of democracy, can be a subtle tool for manipulation. The theory identifies various filters through which information passes, shaping the narratives that reach the public. These filters include ownership, advertising, sourcing of news, flak, and anti-communism.
As we delve into the gun debate in America, we can observe how these filters come into play, influencing public opinion and policy discussions.
THE ROLE OF MEDIA
Portrayal in Enterteinment
The entertainment industry, including movies, TV shows, and video games, often features glamorised and sensationalised depictions of gun use. Characters wielding firearms as symbols of power, heroism, or rebellion can contribute to normalising and romanticising the presence of guns in daily life.
News Coverage
News media, in its coverage of crime and incidents involving firearms, may focus on dramatic or violent aspects, creating a heightened sense of fear and urgency. The emphasis on these stories can perpetuate the belief that gun ownership is necessary for personal safety, contributing to a culture of fear and self-defence. (For more info, “Mass Shootings: The Role of the Media in Promoting Generalized Imitation”)
On the right: Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey indicating people use guns to commit crimes more often than to protect themselves
Social Media Influence
The prevalence of social media allows for the rapid spread of images and messages related to gun culture. Online communities, forums, and influencers can contribute to the normalisation and celebration of firearms, fostering a sense of identity and belonging among gun enthusiasts.
Political Discourse
Media coverage of political debates around gun control can shape public opinion and contribute to the polarisation of the issue. Some media outlets may align with particular political ideologies, framing discussions in ways that either promote or oppose stricter gun control measures.
Conclusion
In the context of gun culture, the media’s role in shaping perceptions of firearms, their necessity, and their cultural significance can be seen as a form of manufacturing consent. The portrayals of firearms in entertainment, the emphasis on dramatic and fear-inducing aspects in news coverage, and the strategic advertising campaigns by gun manufacturers collectively construct a narrative that positions guns as not only tools of empowerment and security but also integral components of identity.
Herman and Chomsky’s framework helps illuminate how media, consciously or unconsciously, can play a significant role in shaping and manufacturing consent around gun culture, influencing public attitudes, and contributing to the deeply ingrained beliefs and values associated with firearms in society.
Reference List
CNBC (2022). How Guns Are Advertised In The U.S. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://youtu.be/ks2_wY7f-MM?si=sQQjD86MJ_9HBC21 [Accessed 19 Nov. 2023].
Dowler, K. (2002). Media Influence on Attitudes Toward Guns and Gun Control | Office of Justice Programs. [online] www.ojp.gov. Available at: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/media-influence-attitudes-toward-guns-and-gun-control.
Bhatia, R. (2019). Guns, Lies, and Fear. [online] Center for American Progress. Available at: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/guns-lies-fear/.
Herman, E.S. and Chomsky, N. (1988). Manufacturing Consent: the Political Economy of the Mass Media. New York: Pantheon Books.
MacBride, E. (2018). America’s Gun Business Is $28B. The Gun Violence Business Is Bigger. [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethmacbride/2018/11/25/americas-gun-business-is-28b-the-gun-violence-business-is-bigger/?sh=14c60e0d3ae8 [Accessed 19 Nov. 2023].
Mascia, J. (2022). How Often Are Guns Used for Self-Defense? [online] The Trace. Available at: https://www.thetrace.org/2022/06/defensive-gun-use-data-good-guys-with-guns/.
The gun incidents in the United States are very serious, with frequent deaths caused by “violence”. Since January 1, 2023, there have been 566 large-scale shooting incidents in the United States, which have affected many people and caused an irreparable state. In gun culture, there is a sarcastic flavor, which not only reminds me of the videos I have watched before, but also appreciates your ability to directly express your opinions on it.