> [Arlo had asked] > What studies or statistics can you cite as evidence that judges in the US, > by and large, are not upholding the law? > > [Platt] > None at the moment. But, I'll see if I can find some. It's a general > impression, however, that many have, like your impression of profiteering > causing urban violence. > > [Arlo] > Yes, it's a "general impression". But when you have evidence to support it, > let me know. As for the culture of violence influencing violence, there > have been numerous studies in international social and psychological > journals demonstrating how long-term exposure to "normative violence" > desensitizes the individual to acts of violence. The "profiteering" of > which I spoke is simply one arm of the selling of oppression to attain > power. Happily, even hardcore rappers are starting to realize that their > message may be part of the problem. And note the word "part of", it is not > the sole causal factor. > > Those same studies, for example, highlight how normative violence, violence > that is placed in non-shocking context, is worse for desensitizing > individuals to violence that outright shocking displays of violence.
I have no doubt that those exposed for a long time to real violence, not that shown in movies or TV, become accustomed to it. (Like doctors and nurses in trauma rooms.) As for the influence of the media and violence in non-shocking contexts, it probably has some, but the degree is debatable. Nevertheless like you I am happy whenever those who produce ersatz violence, either visually or verbally, are convinced to reduce their output. And yes, I agree there is no sole causal factor to crime. But, Pirsig pointed to a cause which as far as I know had not been cited before -- modern scientific intellect's rejection of morals as real. That's what I've been trying to get across. > [Platt] > You want me to document all the techniques Guilani used? Do you doubt that > he reduced crime in NY? > > [Arlo] > Do you feel, or do you not feel, that Guiliani's gun control legislation > was a significant part of this reduction? If so, does that mean you'd > support it nationally? If not, can you tell me what specific programs you > feel were responsible for the reduction in crime? I don't think gun control played a significant part in the reduction. One of the programs Guiliani initiated was a precinct by precinct drive to measurably cut the crime rate. There were others, such not tolerating graffitti or panhandlers. > [Platt] > So your answer to crime is to show less violence and more nudity? How about > reducing crime by everyone going nude in public as you have sanctioned? > > [Arlo] > Couldn't hurt. Hey, maybe you're on to something. Wonder what others think of the idea? Is there crime in nudist camps? Must be "study" in some journal someplace. Incidentally have you ever run across studies about bias in studies, i.e. that they prove what they set out to prove? Seems to me I have, but can't put my finger on them. Moq_Discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
