MEDIA CONTENT ISSUES
By Ralph Spence - Chair Executive Council Communications Committee - May 2000
At the last meeting of Executive Council, a resolution was passed calling for the identification of media awareness materials and programs to provide education and resources to members about media content issues. There needs to be a coordinated effort by the church to help members recognize problems and inform them that research is starting to confirm the belief that violent and antisocial video games, movies and television programs can have harmful effects. Council agreed that members may need help understanding these issues and the church can provide leadership in responding to the influences that challenge our families.
Along with information about specific products, members need information about the signs of trouble related to exposure to media such as; changes in behavior, fluctuations in moods, unhealthy preoccupation in violent games and withdrawal from other activities. We have already found that there are several web sites providing information about the content of movies, video games and other media products that could assist parents in becoming more aware of possible influence. Some references have been provided on the Executive Council web page found at: <www.episcopal-ec.org> Council pledged to join the Church Center Staff in reviewing these materials and provide a report to the membership.
There is another media content issue that is having a significant influence on our community. As we rush headlong into "The Information Age," many of us have access to more information than we can ever absorb. As we manage time and develop priorities, many will gravitate to news sources and stories that support their point of view. Since the media is a market driven service with limited time, it often conveys a narrow perspective that attempts to provide the information subscribers want to receive. Media products with specialized topics and Internet services that filter information will continue to lead us to approach issues from vastly different perspectives. Since a person's opinion is shaped by their sources of information, this trend will continue to push us further and further apart as a community.
Another trend in the media is to provide balanced reporting by having individuals with opposing opinions debate. While a thoughtful debate can provide a balance of perspective on issues, the limits of time and the media's need to entertain can often undermine the ability to convey information. These debates often focus on the conclusions of the participants while ignoring the supporting facts. In addition, this process allows the opposing sides on controversial issues to control the debate while excluding those individuals that may seek compromise. While a person with passion on a particular issue may be a good resource for information and perspective, that person may not be the best at resolving conflict.
It is important for the church to recognize these trends and work to preserve community. We must get beyond opposing positions on issues that divide us and explore the information that has led us to our conclusions. We cannot assume that different positions are based on the same information and we should explore the possibility that, given access to the same information, we may agree. We should also avoid allowing opposing sides to control our discussions and look for ways to seek compromise by developing processes that can reveal solutions that have been overlooked. Before making winners and losers in any debate, we should look for that common ground that can empower us all. The church calls us to be the peacemakers and, to meet the challenges of "The Information Age," we must be aware of the effect of media content on our community and take steps to combat those forces that divide us.
