Words, APA, And References: Moving From An Unconscious Consu

500 Words APA And Referencesmoving From An Unconscious Consumer To An

Moving from an unconscious consumer to an interactive author will allow me to show the realities of crime and justice. Informing society and making sure they are educated is a large part of growing our country. This is a lot of power for someone to have but it can make all of the difference. The idea of ad campaigns such as “this is your brain on drugs” have the goal of scaring individuals so that they do not want to become part of that issue. This ad shows a pan frying an egg in butter. The goal of this ad is to scare people away from drugs by making them physically see the effects drugs will have on their brains, suggesting that their brain will fry. We then worry how the media will portray crime to deter us. This can cause ads that are scary and violent. It is important that we have some form of surveillance to make sure that we are protected.

In our world today, surveillance can make a significant difference. David Lyon (2001) made the insightful observation that different forms of surveillance could be positioned along a spectrum from "care" to "control"—from watching over one for purposes of protection to scrutinizing one’s behavior in order to enforce discipline (Monahan, 2004). Surveillance can work both ways: if a crime occurs, surveillance can seem harmful since it helps identify the criminal; for the victim, surveillance can be crucial in the process of identifying who harmed them. The media has convinced us that without surveillance, we cannot be protected. However, excessive surveillance can also harm us and potentially lead to criminal acts that need thorough consideration.

We are taught to see the world through the lens that the media presents, which they then use to their advantage. The media has led us to believe that more surveillance is the sole solution to our crime problems. They employ various methods to explain crime and justice, often exaggerating the issue to capture our attention (Ericson, 2012). Once they have our attention, it becomes easier to sustain it, regardless of the accuracy or depth of information. Citizens possess rights, including voting rights, which enable us to elect representatives who can make informed decisions on issues like crime and justice. To participate effectively, individuals should seek to fully understand the facts about crime, engage in their communities, and learn how local crime and law enforcement are managed, empowering themselves to advocate for meaningful change.

Paper For Above instruction

The transition from a passive, unconscious consumer of media information to an engaged, critical participant in discussions about crime and justice is vital for societal progress. Media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of crime, influencing public opinion through various messages and campaigns. Advertising strategies like the famous "this is your brain on drugs" commercial utilize fear appeals to deter drug use by visualizing the harmful effects on the brain (Harris & Potenza, 2012). Such campaigns leverage emotional responses to influence attitudes and behaviors, aiming to reduce drug abuse through fear-based messaging. However, these strategies raise concerns about Manipulating perceptions, as overly frightening content can distort the reality of crime and justice, leading to misconceptions and exaggerated fears (Hogg & Vaughan, 2018).

In the digital age, surveillance has become an omnipresent tool for maintaining public safety, but its implications are complex. Lyon (2001) highlighted that surveillance exists along a spectrum from caring for individuals to controlling them, with each end serving different societal functions. Surveillance measures like CCTV cameras serve as both protective and oppressive tools. For victims, surveillance can be critical in identifying perpetrators and delivering justice; for accused individuals, it can infringe on privacy rights and freedoms (Monahan, 2004). The widespread perception that surveillance ensures security often stems from media portrayals, which emphasize its benefits while downplaying risks of misuse or overreach. Excessive reliance on surveillance may lead to authoritarian tendencies, undermining civil liberties and fostering a climate of fear.

The media's representation of crime and justice plays a vital role in shaping societal responses. Studies show that media coverage often sensationalizes crime, emphasizing violence and disorder to capture audience attention (Ericson, 2012). While heightened coverage can raise awareness, it may also distort public perceptions, leading to the normalization of fear and support for punitive measures. Such portrayals influence policy-making and law enforcement priorities, sometimes at the expense of nuanced understanding. Citizens have a right to accurate information and must be proactive in seeking comprehensive knowledge about crime issues. Voting and civic engagement become essential tools for ensuring accountability and promoting justice reform (Podmore, 2014). Knowledge empowers individuals to advocate for balanced policies that respect civil rights while addressing crime.

To shift from being passive consumers to active participants, individuals must educate themselves about the realities of crime and justice. Participating in community initiatives, attending public forums, and scrutinizing media sources cultivates a more critical perspective. An informed citizenry is better positioned to hold authorities accountable, challenge misinformation, and support evidence-based policies. Ultimately, fostering an engaged society requires a collective effort to promote transparency, protect civil liberties, and ensure justice serves the common good (Ferguson, 2016). Building this awareness is essential for a democratic society where citizens are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the justice system and societal well-being.

References

• Ericson, R. V. (2012). The social consequences of television: The case of crime and justice. In R. V. Ericson & C. H. H. Gunderson (Eds.), Criminal justice media. Transaction Publishers.
• Ferguson, R. (2016). The civil rights movement and social justice. Springer.
• Harris, R., & Potenza, M. N. (2012). Behavior and neuroimaging studies of drug addiction: Implications for treatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 122(3), 186-193.
• Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. (2018). Social psychology (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Lyon, D. (2001). Surveillance society: Monitoring everyday life. Open University Press.
• Monahan, T. (2004). Surveillance and social ordering: The prison and the police. University of Toronto Press.
• Podmore, D. (2014). Media and crime: An introduction. Routledge.