Discussion:
Media and Crime
The American public is fascinated with crime and therefore, there is no shortage of media depictions of crimes and criminals. Been familiar with biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime, select to news stories: 1) The Waco Siege (April 19, 1993) and 2) Columbine High School Shooting (April 20, 1999). Applying at least two theories from the biological, psychological, and/or sociological perspectives to each news story, write an analysis of each news story addressing the following:
1) What is the purpose of the story as you perceive it?
2) How is crime or criminal justice portrayed?
3) What feeling or reactions do you think are evoked in you by the article?
4) How would be explain the reported criminal behavior using the two theories you selected? Explain your choice of theory.
Please provide references.