The Norman Lear Center at USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism has issued new guidelines for gun use in Hollywood. “Trigger Warning: Gun Tips for the Media is a new guide designed to better understand the availability of firearms in the entertainment industry.”
The report shows how Hollywood encourages writers and directors to manipulate public opinion on topics they care about, including gun control. The leader says, “But film and television have the power to change people’s minds, change bad habits, and even affect moral values, which is why the way we talk about and show gun violence is so important.”
Norman Lear Center “It is a non-research and public policy center that studies the social, political, economic and cultural aspects of entertainment. On campus, from its base at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the Lear Center builds bridges between the schools and disciplines where the arts are studied. on entertainment, media and culture. Beyond the school, it helps bridge the gap between entertainment and education, and between them and society. Through its education, research and cooperation; its events, publications and outreach to creative people; and its role in creating a sector of entertainment education, the Norman Lear Center works to be at the forefront of conversation and action – and to illuminate and reshape the world.”
The report is heavy with statistics that support the anti-gun movement and “debunks the myths” surrounding the Second Amendment. The report shares recommendations including:
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Avoid showing off using power like a hero. Consider showing law enforcement officers facing consequences, or highlighting such incidents, which are rarely shown.
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Personalize and diversify the images of victims of gun violence. Innocent images of people being shot can make audiences care about gun violence as a public issue.
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Ask for good behavior. Heavy issues can be confusing for gun owners who feel their rights are being threatened, or their beliefs are being insulted. Instead of making the enemy of gun owners, follow the same principles that parents and other people who care about keeping their children safe have in common.
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According to research by the USC Norman Lear Center Media Impact Project (MIP), gun news is more effective for non-gun viewers. Even though gun owners have a strong influence, gun issues still have an impact on their minds. In other words, your stories matter.
The report also provides an opportunity to influence public opinion:
- TAKE HELP ON SCREEN = TAKE HELP AT HOME
- Close the house. Close the window.
- When someone comes home with a gun, make sure they keep it away from their weapons. Also, don’t put the gun on the counter, bedside table, or under the pillow. Actions should be as natural as wearing a seat belt while driving.
- A secure storage representation is essential for maintaining a secure environment for your audience.
- Use this guide for the Bullet Points Project for many types of safe storage.
- Demonstrate how quickly guns can get to a safe place in an emergency.
- Don’t make taking a gun in a safe place your next chance.
- Audiences should not feel insecure about locking up a gun safe, because the truth is quite the opposite.
- On the other hand, consider the consequences for characters who are not interested in safety.
- Gun safety represents many untapped opportunities. When these stories are discussed, they can change hearts and minds.
- If they choose to portray or discuss school shootings, producers may want to consider including connections to unsafe environments or gun laws in the show’s programming.