No More TV Dr. Brad Bushman spoke about violence in the media and how it affects viewers. Photo by Kristyn Sonnenberg

Bushman first spoke about the common myths of media violence and why they are untrue.

One such myth he proposed was that decreasing violent crime rates prove that media violence does not increase societal violence. According to Bushman, this is a bogus claim. He stated the reason crime rates are dropping is that the baby boomer generation which comprises a large percentage of our population is getting older and older people are less likely to commit violent crimes.

Next, Bushman highlighted some of the affects of violent media and why people tend to deny them. He claimed that violent media can desensitize the viewer and make them more aggressive. He also cited the appetite affect which alleges that the more violent media a person watches, the greater their preference towards violent media becomes.

Bushman said that there are several reasons that people tend to deny the affects of violent media. One of these reasons is the third person affect. This states that most people will admit to the impact of violent media on others, but not on themselves.

He also proposed that many people get their news from the same companies that promote the violent content to begin with and that these viewers are never confronted with the issue.

Then, Bushman turned the attention of the crowd to video games. He stated that the violence in modern games is many times more potent than those of the past. He evidenced this by contrasting classic arcade puzzle games with the realism and gore of modern military-based first person shooters.

He further supported his claim by discussing his role as expert witness in the trial Devon Moore. Moore, by his own admission, shot and killed three members of Fayatte Ala. police force. Bushman blames a well known and very violent game the 17-year-old played for weeks leading up to the incident. A law suit has since been filed against the makers of the game and the company that sold it to Moore even though he failed to meet the eighteen and up age requirement.

Bushman concluded by summarizing his presentation and by emphasizing that, although he is against censorship, exceptions need to be made for children under eighteen.

During the open forum that followed, members of the crowd got a chance to ask questions and discuss finer points of the presentation. Not surprisingly, many of these questions circled around the use of video games by college students.

When asked for comment on his thoughts about Bushman’s discussion sophomore Michael Reynolds, a psychology major, stated “I learned that violence in the media can affect the individual’s personality negatively through subconscious and conscious reflections of their own personality.”

Viviano met with Ferris’ attorneys, Ken Plas and Miles Postema, as well as John Kane, the director of the legal studies program at Ferris.

“All three have been invaluable in providing input on how to make this program a reality,” said Viviano. Student Government worked with local attorney Mark Miller over the summer and created a contract so that he would be available to help students comprehend the legal process. Miller graduated from Ferris State University in 2002 and returned to Big Rapids in April of 2006 after graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Some things Student Government feels that students may have difficulties with are disputes related to property owners, debt collection, or vehicle repairs. Also, advice will be available for other issues such as MIP’s and DUI’s, divorce and other family related concerns, and consumer difficulties.

The program has been advertised extensively around campus to notify students of the new service. Kyle Webster, majoring in advertising and marketing sales, designed the fliers that were distributed.

“We’ve now printed nearly 2,000 pluggers, 200 fliers, have a Facebook group, and sent out a campus wide email,” said Viviano. “In addition, Lia Otto and her group, the Media Communications Association, graciously created a video commercial.”

The program was created in order to ease students into the complexities that come with dealing with the law. Viviano felt that the students at Ferris would need someone to answer their questions and help clear up many of the laws they encounter.

“In addition to dealing with classes, work, and worries about how to pay their bills, (students) are often exposed to a myriad of complex legal issues,” said Viviano. “The program was created to inform students of their rights and help them navigate through our treacherous legal system.” Miller is available for full legal counseling, but this service does not include court representation.

According to Viviano, the program is off to a great start. Already, five students have received legal advice and the next week’s worth of appointments has already been filled. Miller is available Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Additional appointments may be created if there is a demand. Students can call and schedule a meeting through the student government office (x2611). They can also look for more information on the website at studentgov.ferris.edu/legalservices.

According to a news release from City of Big Rapids, a 19-year-old female at Ferris student was walking south on Riverwalk when the alleged attacker confronted her and attempted to sexually assault her.

The news release also reported that the, “victim was able to fight her attacker off and the suspect fled on roller blades.”

The victim quickly called dispatch and gave a description of the suspect. Dispatch then gave the officers a description of the suspect’s physical appearance, and clothing. The suspect was apprehended soon after in the 200 block of Second Ave.

The suspect was arrested and lodged in the Mecosta County Jail for 2nd degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. The Officers were assisted by the Big Rapids DPS and Ferris State University DPS.

The suspect was found to be alleged Ferris student Mitchell Bell, 19, from Stanwood. Bell was arraigned Wed. afternoon in the 77th District Court.

Bell’s bond was set at $100,000 surety or $10,000 cash. His Preliminary hearing is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 2.

For further information contact Director of Public Safety at 527-0005.

The event was scheduled from 12 p.m. on Tuesday until 12 p.m. on Thursday. The fraternity raised money by teeter-tottering non-stop for 48 hours, Sept. 18-20.

For Andrew Manardo and Ridge Boedeker, it wasn’t too hard. They were at their posts at 6 a.m. on Thursday morning.

“Your calves get a little sore,” said Manardo, a recent addition to Sigma Pi “After sitting here for three hours,” he added, while sitting on the teeter-totter.

A sign up sheet made sure members of the fraternity were riding at all times. This year there were 28 Sigma Pi volunteers teeter-tottering.

Papa John’s sponsored the event by delivering free pizzas throughout.

The fund raising goal this year was around $1,000. Though, in years past they have reached upwards of $6,000.

Timing may have been an issue this year. “Some businesses are tapped out (because of Relay for Life), but the money is going the same place,” Said Patrick Williams, a senior Criminal Justice student.

The amount raised will not be known until sometime this week, as the fraternity is waiting for additional donations from area businesses.

This event was more than just a good cause for the fraternity. The fraternity used this event to promote the values of fraternity “family” life. Boedeker said, “We’re also getting our name out there.” Or, as Manardo put it, it wouldn’t hurt to “get some potential Rushies.”

This event went along with other Rush events sponsored by Sigma Pi, such as broomball and a Nintendo Wii party.

The humanitarianism form of promotion seemed to be working.

Ethan Pineda, a passing by freshman agreed. He said he was interested in joining a fraternity. And this event definitely make him more interested in Sigma Pi. “I like Relay for Life,” he said, though he didn’t have any money to donate.

Jeff Stewart also agreed, after dropping a handful of change in the box. He said this would “probably” make him more interested in joining the fraternity. “It really shows that they care.”

But for Williams, the event hit on a more personal nerve. “My Grandpa had cancer. He passed away from it. And, I thought I would donate for a fund that means a lot to my family.”

The teeter-totter used was decorated and customized by the fraternity. This year’s additions included a flag and padded seats, making it “a lot more comfortable,” according to Williams. “And,” he continued, “it will probably be improved next year.”

Aside from the teeter-totter, there was a couch, two tents, and lawn games set up on the Quad. Music played as fraternity members used a microphone to ask for donations from passing students. Other “brothers” napped on the couch between turns on the custom-made equipment. There was also free food for interested onlookers.

To make more donations, call or e-mail Russ McCone at 517-202-4841 or rustlemccone2@yahoo.com.

The incident occurred in Miller Hall. According to a press release from Ferris police, “the suspect was standing in the hallway with a second male, near the south stairwell.”

The suspect showed the knife to the victim possibly in attempt to scare her. The first suspect was described as a black male, medium height and weight. The second suspect was described as a black male, taller than the first suspect at approximately 6 foot.

It was later discovered that the incident was an attempt to intimidate a specific individual. According to the update by campus police there were no injuries in the incident. “Despite at least one report to the contrary, there have been no arrests,” according to the press release.

Students are advised to keep safe with these suggestions provided by Ferris Police. First is a free escort service. These are students who work for DPS and are available until 2 a.m. If you don’t feel safe walking from a friends dorm at 1 a.m., call extension 5000 and they will have an escort meet you to walk with you to your dorm.

The second service is available all over campus. As many have probably noticed there are call stations for emergencies located around campus. If you feel unsafe, get to one of those stations and help will arrive immediately.

The third service available is a RAD class offered by Ferris Police. The class is offered throughout the year for students to learn self defense. The class involves learning some basic self defense moves that can get you out of any situation. It also offers different tips on how to avoid getting in a rough situation.

For more information on any of these services contact DPS at 591-5000.

Dr. Phillips is the director of Project Censored, a media research group that attempts to find the most ignored news stories. They compile these stories in annual books and on their website, projectcensored.org.

Stories are judged yearly by a panel of judges who have included MIT professor Noam Chomsky, former 60 Minutes journalist Mike Wallace and historian Howard Zinn.

“Project Censored at Sonoma State University has annually researched the news stories censored by the corporate media for 31 years,” Phillips said. “Over 200 faculty, community experts, and students, select and rank the stories the media fails to cover each year. Hundreds of uncovered news stories are evaluated. The result is the annual listing of the top 25 most important censored stories.“

“The private corporate media in the US significantly undercover and or deliberately censor numerous important news stories every year,” Dr. Phillips said. “The corporate media has consolidated from 50 major corporations 30 years ago down to ten today. Media is in the entertainment business.”

Dr. Phillips used a quote from deceased author Neil Postman calling America the “best entertained, least informed society in the world.” He says a large part of his speech will focus on the recent destruction of American civil liberties.

“The systemic erosion of human rights and civil liberties, in the US, is the common theme of many of the most censored stories of 2006-07,“ Dr. Phillips said.

“Most people in the US believe in our Bill of Rights and value personal freedoms,” Dr. Phillips said in an editorial column. “Yet, our corporate media in the past year failed to inform us about serious changes in our civil rights and liberties.”

“Despite our busy lives we want to be informed about serious decisions made by the powerful and rely on the corporate media to keep us abreast of important changes. When a media fails to cover these issues, what else can we call it but censorship?”

“A broader definition of censorship in America today needs to include any interference, deliberate or not, with the free flow of vital news information to the American people,” Dr. Phillips said. “With the size of the major media giants in the US, there is no excuse for consistently missing major news stories that affect all our lives.”

The censored news story ranked number one currently by Project Censored is the loss of American habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is the right to a trial when brought up against criminal charges.

“The corporate media last year ignored that habeas corpus can now be suspended for anyone by order of the President,” Phillips said. “The [Military Commissions Act] effectively does away with habeas corpus rights for all people living in the US deemed by the President to be enemy combatants. “

Phillips also said that, “The John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007 allows the president to station military troops anywhere in the United States and take control of state-based National Guard units without the consent of the governor or local authorities, in order to ‘suppress public disorder.’”

“[The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act] essentially makes many protesters, boycotters or picketers of businesses in the US potential terrorists,” Phillips said. Other issues on the censored list include election fraud and human trafficking.

The event is sponsored by the Arts and Lectures Performing Artist Series. Tickets cost $3 for students, $5 for general admission. For information on purchasing tickets, call 591-5600 or visit the Williams Auditorium ticket office at ferris.edu/arts/ticket_office.htm.