USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Launches Study Of Hollywood’s Depiction Of Abortion, Gun Violence & Marriage Equality

deadline.com:

The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, known for its oft-critical reports on Hollywood’s hiring practices and portrayals of underrepresented groups, is launching a “new focus” that will measure the film and TV industry’s depictions of a wide range of political issues, including abortion, gun violence, voting, marriage equality and interracial relationships.The new approach comes in response to the Supreme Court’s overturning Roe v.

Wade and concerns that other long-held rights also might be in danger.“With the curtailing of reproductive rights, it is not only necessary to find legal solutions to protect marginalized communities, but it is essential to educate and inform audiences about these topics,” said Dr.

Stacy L. Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. “Entertainment has a unique ability to reach viewers and provide that education.

Our goal is to illuminate how many opportunities there are to use storytelling as a tool to expand the conversation and create substantial attitude and policy change.”With respect to the erosion of other rights, Smith told Deadline, “We want to take a look at them to see how when and under what context these themes appear in storytelling.”Smith, whose background as a professor and student is in media violence, added that “research demonstrates that exposure to media violence can contribute to aggressive thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, emotional desensitization and fear of victimization.