Home
news

Enhancing On-Screen Depictions of Firearms for a Safer Society

To tackle gun violence in the United States, Hollywood is urged to depict firearms more safely on screen.
"Firearm illustrations."
"Firearm illustrations."

In a bid to address the rampant issue of gun violence in the United States, Hollywood has been urged to portray the use of firearms in a safer manner on both television and film. The Norman Lear Center for Hollywood, Health, and Society at USC Annenberg released a report titled "Trigger Warning: A Firearms Guide for Media" on Tuesday (May 23, 2023), which highlights over 20 years of firearm-related data and trends. The report emphasizes that firearms are a leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the United States.


"By embracing the portrayal of firearm safety, television can help individuals across America feel more comfortable securing their weapons responsibly at home," stated Kate Folb, the program director of the Norman Lear Center, during an interview with Reuters. Folb, who has dedicated years to studying the correlation between entertainment and society, believes that showcasing responsible firearm use on screen can have a lasting impact. The guidelines outlined in the report aim to counter problematic firearm influences in America by dispelling myths, addressing intimate partner violence, mass shootings, children's programming, and offering recommendations for improved representation without compromising storytelling.


The report was developed with support from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, an organization that penned an open letter committing to firearm safety on screen following a mass shooting involving children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas, one year ago. The letter garnered the signatures of over 300 directors, producers, and writers. Folb stated that the Norman Lear Center plans to host presentations and meetings with Hollywood professionals to discuss the portrayal of firearms and will also be present at entertainment festivals. The Norman Lear Center specializes in studying the social, economic, and cultural impact of entertainment and has provided consultations for several television projects, including "Grey's Anatomy," "This is Us," and "Euphoria."


Renowned award-winning producer and writer Norman Lear expressed his celebration of the guidelines and the center's mission. 


"I am immensely proud that the research center bearing my name has released a report addressing firearm safety and the entertainment industry," said Lear.

"The depiction of firearms on screen should reflect the public health crisis we are experiencing and help portray responsible gun ownership," he added.


As Hollywood takes steps towards depicting firearms more responsibly and promoting safe firearm practices, it is hoped that the industry's influence will contribute to a safer and more secure society. By addressing the issue head-on and incorporating these guidelines, television and film can play a crucial role in reshaping public perceptions and encouraging responsible firearm use among individuals.

The best of humanity is the one who is most beneficial to others. When someone has passed away, their deeds are severed except for three things: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for their parents.