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representation of blacks in media
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Moral Panics are times when the media emphasises the threat of certain groups against the good order of society. The result of these panics is, as Cohen (1972) states, the emergence of people that become defined as a threat to society’s values. Cohen (1972) discusses the relationship between the media and these panics. He states that the treatment of youth in the media is the main creation of these panics. However this argument is inadequate as it fails to address the complexity of the issue. Cohen (1972) does point out that it is the information the media provides that can cause panic. However Cohen (1972) only looks at the effect this information has on the treatment of youth. Cohen’s (1972) argument is weak as he fails to make the point that information from the media can create panic about any group. Although his argument does make a strong point, Cohen (1972) fails to delve beyond youth and make the connection between racial segregation and panic. He fails to provide a comprehensive discussion on all features of panic. Cohen’s (1972) argument lies in youth being perceived as unruly and out of control by the media. Cohen (1972) notes that the mass hysteria it can create is important to the growth and survival of the media. The media frenzy can have a snowballing effect, with the original story breeding new stories as it develops. This is important to the media industry as it keeps the attention and interest of the audience. Therefore it can be seen that the treatment of youth in the media is often in order to create stories, not to reveal them. By treating youth groups as unruly and out of control, anxiety spreads. Society turns to the media for the reassurance and information they need to cease this feeling. However Cohen (1972) fails to note that this occurs in relation to all panics. Berman (1987) sees this as a result of the declining social influence of other institutions, such as the church.
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