Evaluating Mass Shootings: Gun Control Policy, Media & Mental Health

This essay critically evaluates the discourse surrounding mass shootings, particularly focusing on the interplay between gun control policy, media representation, and mental health. It argues against the media's tendency to scapegoat mental illness as the primary cause of mass shootings, suggesting that this diverts attention from necessary gun control reforms. While acknowledging the importance of mental health awareness, the essay critiques the generalization of mental illness as a direct predictor of violence and points out inconsistencies in the author's arguments. Ultimately, the essay advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to mass shootings and emphasizes the need for effective gun control policies, while also recognizing the limitations of solely relying on media accountability as a solution. Desklib provides access to similar essays and study tools for students.

Running head: EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
Evaluating mass shootout and gun control policy
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

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EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
The central motive of Moyer’s thesis is to address the key issue behind massacres like
mass shooting. The article criticizes media and the highhandedness it allows politicians in
shifting the focus of gun violence from delinquent gun control to mental illness. Moyer argues
how mental illness is used as a scapegoat for reasoning violent outrages and how it strategically
enables politicians and lawmakers to escape blame for not implementing proper gun control
policies. In short, the article aims to expose the false, media-constructed connection between
mass carnages and mental illness. Firstly, it points out how issues related to mental disorders is
only brought to attention whenever there is a mass outbreak. Not only is this the most convenient
explanations for mishaps, but is also a safe bet, as it targets a particular section of population
whom powerful people view as the ‘other’ or worthless. Secondly, the thesis points out how
mental disorder is used as a ploy to avoid any real progress made in the policies of gun control.
Finally, it calls for mass awareness about the false consciousness created by media regarding
mental illness, and the necessity of identifying the root cause of detrimental issues instead of
letting few powerful representatives brainwash us and speak on our behalf (Theodysseyonline.,
2018).
Mental illness cannot be the mandatory and only reason for mishaps like mass shooting
and Moyer has rightly pointed out the ridiculousness of associating gun violence with
psychological disorders (Webster et al, 2015).Her observations on media hypocrisy and the ways
government officials control and filter news is highly thought provoking and provides a suitable
explanation for the sudden surge of mental health awareness (Rose et al, 2014).However, her
opinion on the nature of mental illness suffers certain loopholes as she has generalized lunatics
as victims of violence and abuse. Whereas individuals suffering abuse are more prone to
developing mental illnesses, the world has witnessed high functioning psychopaths with

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EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
perfectly healthy social and family history. Serial killer Ted Bundy (Seltzer, 2013) and John
Lennon’s shooter Mark David Chapman (Heilman, 2018) are relevant examples in this context.
Another drawback in her argument is the assertion that people in power appear to be sane and
hence, in complete control over their minds, as opposed to those suffering from insanity. This
statement is far-fetched and slightly irrelevant to the topic since blaming outbreaks like mass
shootouts on mental illness might shift the foremost focus of the issue, but that has nothing to do
with powerful people appearing to be mentally sound. Neither does that assist people in power in
their attempt to ostracize or ‘other’ individuals with mental illness (Fox and Fridel 2016).
Further, blaming the disasters on mental health issues does not always protect corporations and
lobbyists involved in gun industry, from the compulsive scrutiny of law. Politicians and
conglomerates can land themselves in deep trouble for careless dealings in gun control policy
since it is rather impossible to escape the government’s notice in matters concerning public
threat. Finally, the solution suggested in the final segment of the thesis is clearly ineffective and
lacks the coherency of a fully developed thought. Holding the national media accountable for the
words they circulate cannot ensure the elimination of the contemporary destructive issues. A
grim matter like mass shootout require a lot more concern than accurate media portrayal.
The greatest strength of the thesis is that it addresses the heart of the matter, an issue that
requires urgent attention. Gun control policies have never been a talked about matter in media
and this article should provoke people to identify the root cause of the issue. Moyer has
effectively claimed media’s manipulating power and government’s recklessness when it comes
to implementing proper gun control policies (Theodysseyonline., 2018). If the work suffers one
weakness, then it is the repetitive nature of the argument that only focuses on how mental illness
is used as a ploy by political strategists for escaping conviction (Spitzer 2015). The entire thesis

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EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
repeatedly exposes the false connection between mental illness and gun violence but offers no
effective solution for controlling or improving the policies on gun usage.
Appearing at a time when the entire world is spoon-fed by the media, Moyer’s article
offers an unfiltered perspective of things the way they ought to be viewed, and instigates readers
to go beyond the face value of what is presented by high authorities. Nevertheless, the analysis
leaves gaps in the discussions on mental health and the way it is used by the media and politician
for escaping blame for irresponsibility. As stated in the discussion, mental disorder has very little
business with gun violence but the treatment of mental health issues in Moyer’s argument lacks
reason and research. Moreover, the article provides no concrete solution for the problems it has
pointed out and shifting focus from rash gun control policies to mental disorders cannot acquit
high officials of reckless handling of affairs. In essence, it is important to create awareness both
about mental illness and thereasons that cause massacres like mass shootings.

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EVALUATING MASS SHOOTOUT AND GUN CONTROL POLICY
REFERENCES:
Fox, J. A., &Fridel, E. E. (2016). The tenuous connections involving mass shootings, mental
illness, and gun laws. Violence and gender, 3(1), 14-19.
Heilman, S. C. (2018). Death, Bereavement, and Mourning. Routledge.
Lott, J. R. (2013). More guns, less crime: Understanding crime and gun control laws. University
of Chicago Press.
McGinty, E. E., Webster, D. W., Jarlenski, M., & Barry, C. L. (2014). News media framing of
serious mental illness and gun violence in the United States, 1997-2012. American
Journal of Public Health, 104(3), 406-413.
Seltzer, M. (2013). Serial killers: Death and life in America's wound culture. Routledge.
Spitzer, R. J. (2015). Politics of gun control. Routledge.
Swanson, J. W., Robertson, A. G., Frisman, L. K., Norko, M. A., Lin, H. J., Swartz, M. S., &
Cook, P. J. (2013). Preventing gun violence involving people with serious mental
illness. Reducing gun violence in America: Informing policy with evidence and
analysis, 33.
Theodysseyonline. (2018). Mental Illness In America Is The Conversation We Shouldn't Be
Having Following Another Mass Shooting. Retrieved from
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/mental-illness-mass-shooting
Thornicroft, A., Goulden, R., Shefer, G., Rhydderch, D., Rose, D., Williams, P., ...& Henderson,
C. (2013). Newspaper coverage of mental illness in England 2008-2011. The British
journal of psychiatry, 202(s55), s64-s69.