Narratives and Agendas

"In politics, narrative stories are the principal means for defining and contesting policy problems." -- Stone, p. 158.

From Preventing Gun Violence Through Effective Messaging:

• "The debate over gun violence in America is periodically punctuated by high-profile gun violence incidents, including Columbine, Virginia Tech, Tucson, the Trayvon Martin killing, Aurora, and Oak Creek. When an incident such as these attracts sustained media attention, it creates a unique climate for our communications efforts."
• "There can be a tendency to adopt a quiet “wait and see” attitude when a high-profile gun violence incident happens. The truth is, the most powerful time to communicate is when concern and emotions are running at their peak. While we always want to be respectful of the situation, a self-imposed period of silence is never necessary."
• "Our first task is to draw a vivid portrait and make an emotional connection. We should rely on emotionally powerful language, feelings and images to bring home the terrible impact of gun violence. Compelling facts should be used to back up that emotional narrative, not as a substitute for it."

But have violent crimes in general (and gun crimes in particular) gone up?

The Issue-Attention Cycle

1. The pre-problem stage

• DDT
• Oil & oysters

2. Alarmed discovery and euphoric enthusiasm

• Silent Spring
• The Cuyahoga River catches fire

3. Realizing the cost of significant progress

• Historical tables

4. Gradual decline of intense public interest

5. The post-problem stage

• EPA organization 
• State agencies
• Organizations
• Companies

An alternative view (Laila's post).  The seven triggers:

1.             Social disapproval.
2.             Medical science.
3.             Self-help.
4.             The demon user.
5.             Demon industry.
6.             Mass movement.
7.             Interest-group action.