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Tell Us: Does NRA Exploit Violent Movies to Sell Guns?

A gun industry analyst says NRA spokesman Wayne LaPierre is hypocritical in his latest attack on violent movies

 

Washington, DC — A report issued Jan. 2 by author and gun industry expert Tom Diaz shoots down National Rifle Association executive vice president Wayne LaPierre’s recent attack on violence in films and games.

Bloody Reel: How The National Rifle Association And The Gun Industry Exploit Violent Movies To Sell Guns...And More Guns, documents in detail how the NRA and the gun industry it represents have promoted the use of guns in movies and exploited many of the very movies LaPierre recently attacked as the cause of gun violence in America. 

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On Friday, December 21, 2012 LaPierre, the National Rifle Association’s chief executive, blasted the movie industry in a press conference, pointing to what he called “blood-soaked films out there” and exclaiming, “Isn’t fantasizing about killing people as a way to get your kicks really the filthiest form of pornography?”

“If violent movies are filthy pornography, Wayne LaPierre is the king of filthy porno,” said Diaz, author of two books on the gun industry. “For over 10 years, the NRA—through its National Firearms Museum, its websites, and its media outlets—has glorified the use of guns in some of the most brutally violent films ever made. The gun industry the NRA represents exploits violent movies for one reason: to sell guns.”

Do you agree? Tell us in the comments section below.

Bloody Reel describes two special exhibits on Hollywood guns that the NRA has mounted at its National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA. The report also recounts how former movie critic Stephen Hunter – who wrote the introduction to the NRA brochure for its current exhibit, “Hollywood Guns” – dismissed the effects of violence in movies in his own book, and suggested that violent movies head off violence.

“Wayne LaPierre obviously never visits his own porno-packed museum,” Diaz said.  “He also seems not to have a clue that of one his favorite scriveners has in the past scoffed at the violent-movies-make-them-do-it excuse the NRA is peddling as the cause of gun violence in America.”

Diaz is the author of the forthcoming The Last Gun: How Changes in the Gun Industry Are Killing Americans and What It Will Take to Stop It (The New Press, Spring 2013) and Making a Killing: The Business of Guns in America (The New Press, 1999). 

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Tom Diaz is a lawyer, author, journalist, and was formerly Democratic Counsel to the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice of the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. He worked for then-Rep. Charles E. Schumer. His principal brief covered issues related to terrorism and firearms.

Prior to his staff work for the Congress, Diaz studied and wrote about terrorism and transnational organized crime at the National Strategy Information Center in Washington, DC.  Before joining NSIC, he was assistant managing editor for news for six years at The Washington Times newspaper, where his earlier beats as a reporter included the Supreme Court and national security matters.

Most recently Diaz was senior policy analyst at the Violence Policy Center, a non-profit, non-partisan public policy organization that studies the gun industry, its products, and their impact on crime, death, and injury in the United States.

Related Topics: Gun Violence, Guns and Movies, NRA, National Rifle Association, and violent movies

Firetester

1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

That was allot of jiberish but no facts.

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ed r.

1:50 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Did you actually, you know, read the report? He laid out plenty of arguments. Just because some information may not conform to your opinion or is something you disagree with, does not mean it's "jibberish". Seems he made a pretty decent case.

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solanus

2:22 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

LET'S DO IT RIGHT.......FROM HERE........NO MORE SLEAZY MEDIA LIES.........
CONNECTICUT,,,,,,,,,THE BOY........WHY HE HAD FIGHT WITH 4 WOMEN TEACHERS WHO REALLY........PISSED HIM OFF........WHAT DID THEY DO ?????
WHY ???.....DID ADAM LANZA COME BACK TO SCHOOL NEXT DAY ARMED FOR BEAR.....TO KILL ALL 4 ARROGANT FEMMES......ONE STILL ALIVE.....YEAH
SHE STAYED HOME FROM SCHOOL.....SAVED HER ASS.......WHY.....WHAT DID
SHE DO.....OR KNOW........20 DEAD CHILDREN.....DESERVE ANSWERS..NO LIES........GET BUSY......PRESS.......DO YOUR FLUCKIN JOBS.......HONESTLY....
FOR ONCE.......CONNECTICUT.....WAS.....PREVENTABLE.....ABSORB,,,,,,THAT...
REALITY........NO MORE.......BULLSHIT......EXCUSES.......JAN 20, 2013.....SOLANUS.....OUT..........STEP UP...........

Firetester

1:03 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

That was allot of jiberish but no facts. Everyone is entitled to thier own opinion. But, don't print your OPINION as fact.

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solanus

2:24 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

BLAHHHHH..........WEAK NOISE......FROM........WEAK BOYS.......SOLANUS....OUT..

John Q. Public

1:56 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

This is nonsense. The NRA does not sell guns, but represents hunters and target shooters, none of which have been involved in these massacres. Both hunters and target shooters do benefit from the research and information made available to their members, most of whom are ex-military. Most of their detractors, like the author, are not. As a motorcycle organization provides information on motorcycles, so does the NRA provide information on guns. So what? More people were murdered with knives last year than rifles.

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ed r.

1:58 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Actually the gun industry gives millions of dollars to the NRA. They represent the interests of the gun makers, not "hunters".

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MJP

8:32 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Ye, think your "facts" are wrong:

In 2009, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 66.9% of all homicides in the United States were perpetrated using a firearm. In 2010 USA homicides, guns were the weapon of choice, especially for multiple homicides.

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solanus

2:31 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

JOHN.....WHO GIVES A SHIT.......CONNECTICUT.......20 DEAD INNOCENTS....IS..
THE REAL ISSUE.........WHY DID THE BOY........ADAM LANZA......GO GONZO ON.
KILL 4 ARROGANT WOMEN TEACHERS HE HAD FIGHT WITH AT SCHOOL THE
DAY BEFORE.......OOOPS.......ADAM ONLY KILLED 3 OUTTA 4 WOMEN CAUSE..
ONE IS STILL ALIVE.....SHE STAYED HOME FROM SCHOOL....SAVED HER ASS
BUT.......20 CHILDREN DIED.......WHY......FOR HER.....WHAT IS SHE HIDING ???
LAZY, CORRUPT MEDIA......GET......OFF........YOUR.....LIARS......ASSES.....AND...
DO YOUR FLUCKIN JOBS.....CONNECTICUT......IS......JUST....WARMING UP.....
AMERICA'S SINS........TOTAL MORAL FAILURES.....KILLED THESE CHILDREN.....
THAT......IS.....THE STORY........GET ON IT........WE......ARE.....SOLANUS......OUT..

Joyce

3:30 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

You know nothing about this and neither does Tom Diaz. The movie industry supports violence in films because it sells tickets. Then they use the money that they get from these films to lobby against guns. How hypocritical can one be? The NRA doesn't make theatrical movies, and I can't imagine many of the liberal directors or producers going to them to get funding. It's just absurd, and, if you think about it logically instead of emotionally, that would be crystal clear.

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solanus

8:22 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

CONNECTICUT......IS......YOUR......TOTAL MORAL FAILURES......ALL OF YOU....
US........AMERICA......THE MORAL CODE......IS.......WHY......ADAM LANZA KILLED
20 INNOCENT CHILDREN.......WHY DID HE COME BACK AFTER PREVIOUS DAYS FIGHT AT SCHOOL WITH 4 FEMALE TEACHERS......HE KILLED 3 OF 4......
WHY DID SHE STAY HOME.....TO LIVE.....ASK.....REAL QUESTIONS....TRUTH
YOUR LIES SUCK.......ADAM IS IN SCHOOL...NOW...WITH YOUR CHILDREN....

jw_birdie

5:19 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

could not agree more with joyce. Hollywood and hypocritical liberals make millions off violent gun-filled movies and then act like they have no corrosive effect on society and no ressponsibility for their product. I am all for the 1st amendment but please spare me the crap about "gun control". How about enforcing the laws on the books!

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MJP

8:54 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I believe these same violent movies and shows are available for viewing in Canada, yet the rate of gun related violence is 6 x's lower than in the US.

Dannytheman

5:25 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

OK, this is a ton of BS.

First off the NRA represents 2nd amendment supporters and gun owners not HUNTERS. The 2nd amendment is NOT about hunting. Show me where it says that?
Yes, gun manufacturers give money to many of the NRA charities, The NRA Foundation being the largest. Geez, who finds it weird that gun manufacturers support the largest organization that supports the 2nd amendment. But there is no proof that Hollywood and the NRA get together to make gun sales. NONE!

NRA members do not want criminals or mentally unstable people to have access to guns, ever.

If the NRA places a popular model on their monthly magazine it sells better, yes. Again that makes sense to me.

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John Q Public

7:04 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I see there are two of us Mr John Q. Publics here. Hoorah!

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John Q Public

7:04 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Notice I have no point after "Q" :-)

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I_Love_Delco!

10:08 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I've noticed you don't have much of a point overall.

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kevin

2:57 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

lol q public left himself wide open for that one

John Q Public

7:08 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

You fools better read what Matthew Bracken has to say about the reason for an armed citizenry: http://westernrifleshooters.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/bracken-dear-mr-security-agent/

He is a former U.S. Navy SEAL who job it was, among others, to assassinate people on orders of the president.

Peasant-simpletons-cum-StarterCastle-soccer-moms haven't the faintest idea in their obtuse little heads that the 2dn Amendement has absolutely nothing to do with hunting or lunatics on a shooting spree.

WAKE UP while you still retain your Life, Liberty and Property.

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I_Love_Delco!

10:29 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Just read it...aside from his fixation on alliteration, this is one of worst written missives I have had the displeasure to read. He comes across as a paranoid who make superman-like leaps of logic and buys into the "new world order" conspiracies. He, apparently like you, sees the government as some entire 3rd party, not representative or ourselves, inclusive of law enforcement. I hate to break it to you, slick, but we are the government, we are law enforcement. Don't you know any cops? Don't you know any local politicians? They're your neighbors and friends, and potentially even you, if you get your head out of your bunker.

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kevin

3:21 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Wait, so you name yourself john q public, as if you are in tune with the common person. But then you give some sobbish rant about 'simpleton peasants' and 'soccer moms' like you're higher and more enlightened than them.

This just in- john q public is a pathetic little man in his basement with no one in his life. Worthless troll, you're everyhting that's wrong with this country.

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John Q Public

4:39 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Dear Kommrades Delco unt Kevin,

No one really cares what you think. In fact, I'd rather you go crawl under a rock with your fellow worms and slugs.

I write for the benefit of the not-Communist/not-Bolshevik/not-Jack Booted Thug Wanna Be Kings of the World people that don't hold a life membership in the Communist Party of the USA.

Now I understand the O-Zero campaign pays you a few bucks under the table to trash talkbacks and such. If I pay you to stay away, Will you? I'll double O-Zero's offer to $5/hour. Whaddaya say?

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John Q Public

4:46 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Kommrade Kevin, another thing: When my ancestors built New England out of the savage wilderness, there were no peasants to bother us. The Plymouth colony was middle and upper middle class by contemporary standards.

No, you peasants didn't wash up until your steerage class transports regurgitated you onto Ellis Island, forever polluting our fair land with your envy, your hatred of anyone "better" than your lowly selves, your seething resentments of all your failures and bad choices in life, your criminal mentality and of course, the foul smell that marks New York City apart even to this day.

In point of fact, you were the perfect ingrates then and you're the perfect ingrates now. American? Not so fast, pal. "American" is an ethnicity -- my blood lines, not that of the Huddled Masses and Wretched Refuse. (Those immigrants that were truly adopted into the American nation understand this and completely agree with the sentiment. Such is the way of loyalty.)

Why don't you go chase Brinks trucks or play the Lotto or whatever it is you people do in-between six pacs?

MarpleResident

4:43 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

More made up words and phrases slammed together by low information voters on the left and State controlled Media. NRA doesnt exploit violent movies, ONLY the Hollywod stars and producers that support Obama do that - DAILY. NRA does not make movies or show violent movies - that would be Hollywood or the movie theaters that remove your Constitutional rights while promoting a target rich "gun free zone".. NRA does not sell firearms or own firearm related companies. Owners / employees of firearm related companies, as with millions of other Americans are NRA members too.

Gun registration leads to confiscation. Gun confiscation is a precursor to genocide / holocaust. It has started with disarmament for hundreds of years. Keeping thinking that it won't happen to you as the left disregards the Constitution of the United States.

More people are killed by savages (not gun related) - no outrage from Americans. More people are killed from attacks with hammers - no outrage from Americans. More people are killed by drunk drivers - no outrage from Americans. More people are killed from medical malpractice - no outrage to go after doctors.

America has a serious savage problem (Cherry Hill Mall fight is a perfect example). Taxpayers are financing the government's savage breeding program and then blame an inanimate object or legal responsible citizens when savages strike.

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MJP

8:46 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

In 2010, 67.5% of all homicides in the United States were perpetrated using a firearm.

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I_Love_Delco!

10:07 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Wow, you managed to sound racist, paranoid and crazy in one post. Trifecta!

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MarpleResident

3:19 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I love Liberals!
When logic and facts are present just scream racism.

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I_Love_Delco!

5:22 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Ok, you've stopped making sense now. The chart you've posted goes against what seems to be your argument .

Tony Malvern

7:44 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

"Gun confiscation is a precursor to genocide / holocaust" - have you no faith in the US government and our armed forces to protect us ?

When was the last time 20 innocent kids were brutally murdered using a hammer ?

Cherry Hill Mall fight ? are you serious ? two kids got injured over a little rough housing ! it's hardly Sandy Hook now is it ?

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MarpleResident

3:13 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Agh, in China two days before the CT shooting.

Alex

9:11 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Guns don't kill people. Movies don't kill people. Video games don't kill people.

People kill people.

End of story.

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I_Love_Delco!

10:09 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I've never heard of anyone killing someone with a movie or a videogame.

Tony Malvern

11:12 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Yep, people kill people, and if they have a gun it's that much easier.

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MarpleResident

3:12 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

More people are killed from taxpayer funded abortions, DUI, hammers and medical malpractice than gun related deaths.

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I_Love_Delco!

4:09 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

You've made that up! Cheeky monkey....

Charlie D.

11:47 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

If you think the government will never take / confiscate your legally owned guns, then you need to watch this YouTube video about what happened to everyday citizens in New Orleans during the aftermath of Katrina. This happened and it can happen anywhere in the USA....frightening, at least to me.

Please comment IF you watched the YouTube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8X9JkSudCX4

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Tony Malvern

3:21 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Marpleresident, I take it you mean this incident ....On 14 December 2012, a 36 year-old villager in the village of Chenpeng, Henan Province, stabbed 23 children and an elderly woman at the village's primary school as children were arriving for classes.[23] The attacker was restrained at the school, and later arrested.[24] All of the victims survived and were treated at three hospitals, though some were reportedly seriously injured, with fingers or ears cut off, and had to be transferred to larger hospitals for specialized care.

Great argument, expcept NONE of them died, now, if only that guy had a had a gun of some sort.....

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MarpleResident

3:33 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

You proved my point about government financed savages.

So you would prefer children to survive with injuries than have some qualified indivudual armed guarding your children preventing the situation?

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I_Love_Delco!

3:54 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I would rather that neither happened, actually.

Tony Malvern

4:16 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Why don't you ask that question to the parents of the Sandy Hook kids ? would they prefer to have their kids home with them now with a missing finger or two, or would they prefer them dead and buried with between 3 and 11 bulletholes in their innocent little bodies.

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lee dastur

8:12 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I am trying to contact Hugh Yann who responded to last week's post. We'd like to invite you to a discussion on existing drug laws. Are you there?

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Linda G

11:28 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Why is it the libs never address the fact that the killers had mental issues and were on prescrip drugs? Who is addressing that? This crime was not committed by a law abiding citizen who legally obtained their gun! Further, murder is against the law but that stops whom??? Laws don't stop the lawless!

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area man

12:29 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Amen LG. This great country doesn't have a gun control problem. It has a mental health problem. Before they round up guns they better round up those who have psychological issues. I know it sounds horrible, but we need to bring back insane asylums. If families had had a safe place to deliver their troubled members, these terrible tragedies would likely not occur.

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I_Love_Delco!

8:45 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Seems like you're ok with taking away some rights, just not yours.

Linda G

11:32 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

BOs children attend a school with armed guards. His children are no better than ours. Why shouldn't our children have the same protections??

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I_Love_Delco!

8:50 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Are you insane? Seriously, are you? Although his kids are no "better" than ours he is the President and as such his family is a credible target. I doubt their are scores of groups looking t kidnap your kids but I'm quite confident there is for his.

William A. Wheatley

11:47 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013

The NRA does not sell guns. It represents the interests of the approximately 100 million gun owners in the United States, who pay dues to support the organization and who contribute to its PAC, which supports candidates of any party who support the right to keep and bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

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Charlie D.

4:11 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I'm amazed at the number of people who believe that a legally purchased AR-15 (vs a stolen military version) operates the same as a machine gun. It does not. It is semi-automatic, which means it shoots 1 bullet each time the trigger is pulled. Many of us own shot guns that are semi-automatic. Almost all hand guns are semi-automatic. Semi-automatic is not a fully automatic gun, which I believe are illegal in all states.

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