Within the past week, a string of violent crimes has rocked the U.S. In Omaha, Nebraska a gunman opened fire in a crowded mall which led to the death of 9 people. A shooting at a Colorado church took the lives of 2 individuals. Whenever a violent crime occurs, our nation is confronted with the question of who is to blame.
For years our televisions, movie theaters and radios have been filled with violent content. Society is full of violent video games, movies and music that our American culture cannot get enough of. Many of today’s youth spend countless hours playing video games that portray violence in a realistic manner. Every weekend, moviegoers flock to their local theatres to view films that are heavy on violence and light on content. Numerous television shows portray violence in such a casual manner that many individuals are desensitized to crime and bloodshed. And don’t forget about music. For years, hip-hop music has been blamed for the violent state of society and it would be hard to argue that it does not play somewhat of a role.
While it is completely unfair to solely blame the media for violent occurrences, one must ask themselves what we as a society value. We are continually saddened by news of school shootings and other violent rampages, but we indirectly support violence in other ways. Although the media cannot be held liable for the actions of a few individuals, it does have to accept partial responsibility for the material that they allow to be released into society.
Majority Mind Question
Does our value of entertainment come at the expense of our concern for the effects that it may have on our society?
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1 comment:
I believe Malcolm X, interestingly enough, said it best:
"Violence is as American as cherry pie."
The very founding of this country, and EVERY other, happened by means of conquer, murder, and rape. We are programmed in a way that tells us when words don't work, fists... or guns.. will. This is how its always been. Sadly, this is how it always will be.
Is there irony in a mother who supports gun control to purchase 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' for her teenage son? Of course. What I think we have is a failure to make the connection.
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