S4B44 It’s a Numbers Game

S4 E44 · Stop the Killing

933 Plays3 months ago

It’s a Numbers Game

Episode Release Note: This week, we're excited to share a special episode on the main feed that was previously exclusive to our subscribers from last year. But don't worry, we've got you covered with fresh content! Stay tuned every Thursday in between seasons for subscriber-exclusive episodes just for you. If you haven’t yet, you can start a free trial on Apple to see what you're missing!

Introduction:

Katherine and I are currently working on Season Five, which we can’t wait to share with you all very soon.
In the meantime, we’re diving into our archives to bring you some of our most compelling episodes from the past, including episodes that were previously behind the Patreon and Apple subscription paywall.
Thanks for tuning in, and thank you also for your continued support. Let’s get into the episode.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the complex and often misleading world of mass shooting statistics. Katherine and I discuss the challenges of interpreting data from sources like the Gun Violence Archive, and how media headlines can distort public perception. We also touch on the broader trends in violence in the United States, offering a more nuanced view of the numbers that frequently make headlines.

Key Points Discussed:

The origin and methodology of the Gun Violence Archive and its influence on media reporting.
The distinction between different types of shootings and how they are categorized.
The historical trends in violence in the United States, emphasizing the overall decline since the 1970s.
The importance of understanding the context behind the numbers to avoid misinformation.

Important Quotes:

"The media often pull data from sources like the Gun Violence Archive without fully understanding the context, leading to sensational headlines."
"Violence in the United States has been on a steady decline since the 1970s, contrary to what some might believe based on current headlines."

Call to Action: If you found this episode insightful and don’t want to miss out on exclusive content, consider subscribing on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue to bring you these important discussions.

Outro:

Thank you for listening. Stay tuned for more episodes as we prepare to launch Season Five.
Remember, you can access bonus content and support the show by subscribing on Patreon or Apple Podcasts.
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