The Myth of Media Violence: A Critical Introduction assesses the current and historical debates over violence in film, television, and video games; extends the conversation beyond simple condemnation or support; and addresses a diverse range of issues and influences.

* Looks at the chronology of contemporary media violence, and explores reservations over communications medias throughout history.

* Examines the forces behind the encouraged anxieties about media violence.

* Uses examples drawn from a range of media, including disaster and horror movies, science fiction, film tie-in toys, crime shows, MTV, news, sports, and children's television programming, books and video games.

* Includes a closing chapter about why media violence exists as it does in our culture, and what we can do about it.