David DiSalvo summarizes a new study where researchers asked students to read one of two crime reports. In the first report, crime was described as a "wild beast preying on the city" and "lurking in neighborhoods":
After reading these words, 75% of the students put forward solutions that involved enforcement or punishment, such as building more jails or even calling in the military for help. Only 25% suggested social reforms such as fixing the economy, improving education or providing better health care. The second report was exactly the same, except it described crime as a "virus infecting the city" and "plaguing" communities. After reading this version, only 56% opted for great law enforcement, while 44% suggested social reforms. Interestingly, very few of the participants realized how affected they were by the differing crime metaphors. … Only 3% identified the metaphors as culprits.
The Dish 