Picture Alternatives

Deep insight into Hollywood's love of guns--and the increase in the infatuation over the last few years.
"Gun violence in Hollywood movies has increased dramatically over time, especially in movies accessible to teens. Indeed, our research shows that acts of gun violence in PG-13 movies nearly tripled over the 30 years between 1985 (the year after the rating was introduced) and 2015. Similar trends have been observed in popular TV dramas, with the rate of gun violence depicted in prime time dramas doubling between 2000 and 2018.

The upsurge in the depiction of guns in movies and TV shows is likely related to the realization that violence draws audiences and guns are an easy way to dramatize violence. And here filmmakers have a willing accomplice in the gun industry.

Media outlets are averse to allowing gun advertising on TV or mass-circulated magazines. But guns are amply displayed in top-grossing movies and popular TV dramas.

We know that the gun industry pays production companies to place its products in their movies. They are rewarded with frequent appearances on screen, so much so that in 2010 the firearm company G***k won a “lifetime achievement award for product placement,” with a citation noting that G***ks appeared in 22 box office No. 1 films during that year.

The payoff for gun companies can be great – prominent placement in high-profile films can result in a significant bump in sales for gun models."The potential harm caused by guns in Hollywood goes far beyond the occasional tragic accident on set. Studies show that simply seeing a gun can increase aggression in the viewer through what is called the 'weapons effect.'”

Hollywood's love of guns increases the risk of shootings – both on and off the set A tragic accident resulted in the shooting death of a cinematographer on the set of actor Alec Baldwin’s latest movie. The dangers of more guns on set extend to society, two scholars argue.

Cuba, Burma, the Caucasus... Across the globe, we continue to see people harnessing their own nonviolent power to make a major change for freedom, rights & justice.
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Pranksters vs. Autocrats. Fascinating case studies.

Dilemma Actions to Amplify the Power of Nonviolent Campaigns In the spring of 2013, Turkish police made a public announcement at a metro station in Ankara warning passengers to “act in accordance with moral rules” after having spotted a couple engaging in a public display of affection. The admonishment backfired, and the next day, dozens of couples staged...