Sample content Myths and Reality of Crime: A Media Choice SOC 305 Crime and Society Ashford University Crime is a concept that the society construes based on the norms and values practiced and adhered to in that particular society. Therefore, the definition of ‘crime’ can vary with each society. Based on Emile Durkheim’s concept, ‘crime’ is basically a complicated interaction of various factors like morals, philosophies, laws in the society to name a few and cannot be identified by a simple statement (Morrison, 2009). The definition of crime is not a static one. Due to the ever-changing and confronting nature of a society, the definition of crime tends to keep changing with time. The process of crime is also dependent on people in the society and is influenced by its members, officials and various organizations. Another very important role player in crime is the media which due to its bias in coverage leads to misconceptions and fads as far as crimes are concerned. Scholars a

1. SOC 305 Week 3 Myths and Reality of Crime
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Sample content
Myths and Reality of Crime: A Media Choice
SOC 305 Crime and Society
Ashford University

2. Crime is a concept that the society construes based on the norms and values
practiced and adhered to in that particular society. Therefore, the definition of
‘crime’ can vary with each society. Based on Emile Durkheim’s concept, ‘crime’ is
basically a complicated interaction of various factors like morals, philosophies, laws
in the society to name a few and cannot be identified by a simple statement
(Morrison, 2009). The definition of crime is not a static one. Due to the ever-
changing and confronting nature of a society, the definition of crime tends to keep
changing with time. The process of crime is also dependent on people in the
society and is influenced by its members, officials and various organizations.
Another very important role player in crime is the media which due to its bias in
coverage leads to misconceptions and fads as far as crimes are concerned.
Scholars and the public in general link crime with harmful acts and violence. The
harmful activities in people’s mind are always linked to destruction of property,
disrespect to individuals or institutions and basically causing some amount of
physical violence. The way in which the concept of ‘crime’ is created is based on
some action, the society’s negative reaction to that particular act and the reaction
of the authorities in the society toward the crime who are the ones responsible for
forming the laws which would define crime (Short Cuts TV, 2010). The way in
which the society responds to the crime and perceives it is greatly influenced by
the media’s portrayal of the happening events. The society places so much faith in
the media because it wants to believe that what the media describes is all facts
(Morrison, 2009). No matter how the media exaggerates a particular event, that
becomes the stepping stool for the society do decide and distinguish what can be
considered bad or good behavior. This in turn sets the pattern as to what crime is.
Looking back into the history of crimes is reason enough to increase our efforts
into creating and further amending or abolishing laws which identify crimes. Actions
which were looked upon as crimes 200 years ago are not labeled as crimes today.
This is due to the fact that our society is ever-changing and it has evolved over the
years. For example, several cases which document the cruel execution of people
merely thought to have committed a crime without adequate evidence are seen
throughout history. These brutal accusations include the death of mentally
challenged people who were claimed to be possessed by demons and martyrs.
Some people were accused of engaging in witchcraft and tortured. Why, the
crucifixion of Jesus Christ is in itself a class
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