Columbine Argument Essay

Words: 439
Pages: 2

I qualify the claim that print and electronic news outlets have a responsibility to direct the public’s attention to subjects that are “worthy rather than insignificant.” The public has a right to be informed about the “worthy” events occurring, but it does not have to be the entire focus of the news. The news and media exist to inform its viewers; it ranges from celebrities, to terrorists attacks, to sports. It should not be limited to just the extreme end of the spectrum, like shootings and attacks, which (hopefully) do not come around too often. If only the negatives were reported it could create an atmosphere of panic and despair. There must be a balance. If the news was limited to only the worthy things that would be all that was talked about, and would come to be overhyped and exaggerated. Yet if it was limited to sports, celebrity gossip, etc., the news would appear insignificant and unreliable. The media greatly influences our country’s opinion and perspective; it is what gives us, the citizens, our information and knowledge that affects our country as a whole. …show more content…
Columbine the school shooting of Columbine High School caused by two of its seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. It lasted for only 49 minutes, but the media still talks about it 15 years later. Columbine has produced several books, thousands of police documents, and hours of news reports. There are so many stories and different claims, that myths are still being debunked today. The media focused on it so much people have difficulty differencing what is truth and what is false. It was also extremely tough on the families and survivors who constantly had to deal with the media in their personal business. The media was supposed to inform the country about Columbine, but instead it was used as a tool for the press to make money. It did not tell its audiences what they needed to know, but what they wanted to