Media Influence and the Columbine Shootings

How much influence does the media truly have on our lives? That is a question we must ask ourselves when we hear about a gruesome murder on the news, only to find a copycat's work displayed on next week's edition. Is it really monkey see monkey do? When criminals or even just misguided kids get ideas for violence from a popular movie or show, something is indeed very wrong. The surge in martial arts business, vigilantism, acceptance and use of guns are just a few issues the media has propagated. On the other hand, one must note that human beings do have brains, (though they may not always use them), and the capability to make their own decisions. Thus, it is clear that while the media certainly has quite an impact and responsibility in correlation to violent acts and trends committed by the public, they are not fully to blame.