The link between media violence and street violence is weak, despite many studies that indicate television violence reinforces the tendency toward aggression. The issue is how much real-life violence can be blamed on the media. Media violence contributes to a climate in which violence is legitimate but media violence is not an urgent social problem. Violence on the screen does not make a significant contribution to violence on the streets. Instead, violence may result from a culture that disrespects authority and is disposed to aggression. The absence of legitimate parental authority also feeds a culture of aggression. The symbolic crusade against media violence is viewed as a confession of despair. First amendment issues associated with efforts to control media violence are considered, and the distinction between exposure to violence and the occurrence of real-life violence is emphasized.