Student Question
How does the media's portrayal of the mafia glamorize organized crime for the American public?
Quick answer:
The media's portrayal of the mafia often glamorizes organized crime by highlighting its glamorous aspects, as seen in shows like "The Sopranos." This depiction can make crime appear acceptable or desirable, tempting individuals toward such paths. It also blurs moral boundaries, creating confusion about what is right or wrong, and undermines law enforcement's efforts by portraying them as ineffective. Ultimately, this glamorization can have harmful societal effects by distorting perceptions of crime.
This a great question. You are right. There are so many illicit things that the media glamorizes that you have to wonder what effect all of this is having on our society. The hit HBO show, "Sopranos," is a good example. If I had to guess, it has several social effects.
First, as you say, the media shows usually only the glamorous sides of organized crime. This gives the impression that it is acceptable to seek after organized crimes, as long as you get away with it. It also may tempt people to go into this route.
Second, by glamorizing crime, it makes people confused by blurring line of morality and what is acceptable and unacceptable. It makes all things relative, which can be dangerous.
Third, glamorizing crime also makes law enforcement and things like this look foolish. In the end, the media does harm by inaccurately portraying crime.
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