by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: December 28, 2007

The media influences crime, but only free will of an individual, or a collective gang mentality can cause crime. This said, over portrayal of one particular crime, or never giving the public the result of a situation, can of course lead to copycats.

We have always had crime, always will, and of course Journalists will always love to report on it for the simple reason that crime sells. One look at the television guide shows that true crime shows, along with dramas such as Law and Order, CSI, and Criminal Minds out weigh comedy viewing 3:1.

If anything we could make an argument that media actually suppresses crime. After all at the end of all 60 minute crime drama's, the bad guys are always caught and justice, no matter how grisly has been served. If anything you would think that these shows would act as a deterrent, especially if you spent all your time watching the 3 variations of Law and Order and CSI.

Poverty causes crime, it is just that simple. With the American economy in jeopardy (sorry my American friends) teen pregnancy at record breaking numbers, and the fact that housing projects especially in southern cities such as Houston, are being destroyed in record numbers to make way for condo's, means one thing. We've got crime!

Of course, over reporting and rehashing endless details of any one crime, can lead to the occasional duplication, it is very rare. Once again, crime is simply for the most part a poverty issue.

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