Television and Violence

The issue about television and violence caught my eye right away.   Back in the day, crime wasn't seen as big as a problem.  But today, more and more violence occurs.  Who are we to blame? Could it possibly be the media's fault or the game makers that include violence?  The media impact during the 1960's showed a very significant level of interest.  I believe that this caused people who were crazy to want attention so they went off killing people or doing horrible things.  As his went on, people began to see violence as an everyday thing so they didn't think too much of it.  I believe that having that belief, you are bound to become violent without thinking it is a bad thing.  Also, same thing with video games.  Children and adults play them all of the time.  The violent ones are extremely popular in today’s society.  The bad thing with that is once again the players are playing so much that they begin to become more and more use to the violence.  This is called desensitization.  In chapter 2 is says that’s desensitization is a process by which viewers of media violence develop callousness or emotional neutrality in the face of a real-life act of violence.  I have never witnessed any type of real violent act, but if I were, I would be more scared that ever and not know what to do in the situation.  In my perspective, I couldn't see myself having desensitization.  Sure, I watch a lot of violent movies and have played violent video games, but I know that they are fake and not real.

In chapter 2, it also said that the commission found that only a tiny percentage of the population had any real experience with violence as a victim, assailant, or observer.  I agree with this because I don't believe that I have ever met somebody that has been in a violent incident.  Out of all of the places where I have lived in, even Jackson, Mississippi, I couldn't ever find myself running into a situation where violent crimes are being committed. 

I believe that television over exaggerates the likeliness of being in a violent situation.  Also television usually matches the killers with complete strangers but in reality, the killers tend to go for family members, friends, or acquaintances.  I can see how television can cause people to thing that everything that happens can be real and might even relate to a true story, but the thing is that not everything on TV has happened or at least it wouldn't happen as much as you think it would.  If people were to get the idea in their head that none of it is true and it's just for entertainment, then there might be less crime in our country.

  I honestly can't see why someone would act in a violent way and kill or hurt someone.  Do they even think about the consequences?  It could possibly have to do with the certain type of people who watch violent television and/or it could have to do with the type of people who grew up in an environment that was abusive or if they were in a dysfunctional family.  Or maybe it can be because of whom the crazy person hung out with.  If the crazy persons friend was crazy, then that could have a big impact on why the crazy person is like that.

Here's a link that I thought was helpful on understanding television violence so check it out!

Information on Television Violence!!