Adelphi University Considers “The Fascination with Guns in America” In Latest Exploring Critical Issues Televised Broadcast

In the aftermath of the shootings in Newton, CT, America understands it must explore the complex issue of balancing individual rights with the collective responsibility to create a safe society. Adelphi University President Dr. Robert A. Scott, host of the television series, Exploring Critical Issues, has engaged colleagues at Adelphi University for a look at the history of America’s fascination with guns—as emblems of the individual’s right to bear arms in self-protection, as symbols of man’s mastery over the wild, as sport, and as weapons of war, murder and suicide.The segment airs over a two-week period beginning Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 10:00 p.m.

According to Dr. Scott, “U.S. civilians hold 310 million guns and, in 2011, there were 12,664 murders—8,583 by firearm. The number of guns registered for hunting and sport is greatly outweighed by data about guns used as weapons. Each day, 17 young people, ages 15-24, are the victims of homicide.Guns are ten times more likely to be used in crime than in self-defense, and 50% of suicides involve guns.”

Joining Dr. Scott for a history of America’s fascination with guns are Adelphi University’s Jacques P. Barber, Ph.D., Dean, The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University; Jennifer I. Durham, Psy.D., Assistant Professor, The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University ; Jonathan Jackson, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Psychological Services & Field Training, The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University; and Gene Palma, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety & Transportation, Adelphi University.

“The Fascination with Guns in America” airs in New York and Connecticut on Cablevision 29 (Long Island) and 137 (CT and NY area outside of Long Island), FiOS 296 (NY and Fairfield, CT), and streaming simultaneously at telecaretv.org on airdates and times as follows:

• Sundays, April 21 and April 28 at 10:00 p.m.
• Sundays, April 28 and May 5 at 7:00
• Wednesdays, April 24 and May 1 at 10:30
• Thursdays, April 25and May 2 at 1:30

Seen by over seven million households, Exploring Critical Issues has earned three Telly Awards, the cable equivalent of the Emmy.

As the engaged University, Adelphi is proud to sponsor Exploring Critical Issues to provide scholars, advocates, and other distinguished guests with a forum in which to explore critical local, regional, national, and global topics, such as the environment, health, business, the arts, politics, law, and government regulations.

Exploring Critical Issues: The Fascination with Guns in America
Joining Adelphi University President Dr. Robert A. Scott (center) for an exploration of America’s historic and current fascination with guns is Adelphi University’s (l to r): Jacques P. Barber, Ph.D., Dean, The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies; Jennifer I. Durham, Psy.D., Assistant Professor, The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies ; Jonathan Jackson, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Psychological Services & Field Training, The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies; and Gene Palma, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety & Transportation.