A Majority Believe that Violence on Screen Leads to Violence in Reality

52% of American adults believe that violent movies and video games lead to more violence in society.

After alleged shooter James Holmes killed 12 people in a shooting spree at a midnight screening of the newest Batman film, many were wondering whether violence in movies leads to more violence in society.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of American Adults do believe violent movies and television shows lead to more violence in society. Thirty-four percent (34%) disagree, but 14% are not sure.

Comments

[Auric Demonocles]

Hasn't violence been steadily declining for years?

[Jim Dunning]

I often wonder why no one ever posits that violence in society leads to more violence in movies.

[Fanglemeister]

It is easy to understand why this particular opinion forms in people's minds. They see a guy dye his hair pink, and tell the cops in all seriousness when they ask him his name, "I am the Joker."

Reason labels this a "stupid" opinion. On what grounds do you label a majority of people "stupid" for having this opinion?

What about these opinions, are these "stupid" as well?

67% - the amount of the public believing that a diagnosis of schizophrenia indicates a dangerous person. *source: nys-omh

95% - the amount of the public supporting forcible treatment for mentally ill individuals. *source: nys-omh

33% - the success rate of trained professionals to accurately determine who is, and who is not likely to display violent behavior in the future, among those admitted for treatment. *source: nys-omh

The point is, we are wasting valuable time and resources pointing fingers and/or defending, guns or Hollywood, while our nation's mental health services remain woefully lacking.