1) The mainstream media selectively reports on tragic events like the Trayvon Martin shooting based on what will garner the most attention, rather than addressing more numerous but less covered tragedies. 2) Television has a powerful influence over society, with the average American watching over 4 hours per day. Prolonged TV watching is linked to negative health effects, desensitization to violence, and less time spent on other meaningful activities. 3) The mainstream media uses techniques like dividing people into "us vs. them" to stoke fear and prevent meaningful discussions about issues like war, violence, and their underlying causes. This shapes public views and priorities in ways that maintain the status quo.