American Medical Association

The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest professional association of medical doctors in the United States. In the following viewpoint, taken from a 1995 position statement given before a U.S. Senate committee, the AMA asserts that media violence is a significant problem that contributes to the prevalence of violence in America. Arguing that violence should be treated as a public health issue as well as a criminal justice concern, the AMA calls for educational campaigns designed to increase public awareness about the dangers of media violence, much as similar programs have warned against drunk driving and tobacco use. The organization also contends that media and advertising companies should reduce the amount of violence found in television and other forms of media.

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