Books Quote by Barry Glassner
““Disproportionate coverage in the news media plainly has effects on readers and viewers. When Esther Madriz, a professor at Hunter College, interviewed women in New York City about their fears of crime they frequently responded with the phrase “I saw it in the news.” The interviewees identified the news media as both the source of their fears and the reason they believed those fears were valid. Asked in a national poll why they believe the country has a serious crime problem, 76 percent of people cited stories they had seen in the media. Only 22 percent cited personal experience.29””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Culture of Fear by Barry Glassner, 1999
Media amplification of rare events skews public perception, making isolated incidents seem common and dangerous.
In simple terms: News makes rare events seem normal.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate media sources.
Themes
media influence
fear
perception
public opinion
risk assessment
Mood
anxious
informed
skeptical
Type
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- political debates
- public health messaging
- personal safety decisions
- media literacy education
Key Concepts
agenda setting
availability heuristic
social amplification of risk
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media shape your sense of safety?
- What sources can you trust for balanced crime data?
A Different Perspective
Media may also highlight systemic issues that are real, not just perceived.
