TED Talks Daily Stop making mass shooters famous | Tom Teves
Jul 20, 2020
Tom Teves, an advocate for responsible media coverage, shares his heart-wrenching experience after losing his son in the 2012 Aurora mass shooting. He discusses the harmful focus of media on shooters, emphasizing the need to honor victims and heroes instead. Teves champions the No Notoriety campaign, aiming to change how these tragedies are reported. By highlighting the bravery of individuals like his son, Alex, he calls for a shift toward responsible journalism that prioritizes community safety over sensationalism.
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The Call
- Tom Teves recounts the tragic night of the Aurora theater shooting, receiving a call about his son Alex.
- Alex saved his girlfriend's life but was fatally shot, leaving Tom and his wife frantically searching for information amidst the chaos.
Media Focus
- The media extensively covered the shooter's image and name, giving him notoriety.
- Tom Teves' son, Alex, a hero who saved lives, was largely absent from initial reports.
Notoriety as Motivation
- Mass shooters desire notoriety and fame, evident in their actions and statements.
- Tom Teves argues that media coverage fuels this desire, citing examples like the Sandy Hook and Parkland shooters.