100% of the time, something violent is on television. Whether it’s an action movie, a crime drama, or even children’s TV show, violence is always available for the public to watch. Despite what some may believe, television and movies may not be responsible for societal violence. Often, violence in media can portray a hero fighting for good, or a villain being punished for a violent crime. If anything, violence in media might force society to better itself. Violence in society has been around for a very, very long time. Ancient societies dating as far back as 1000BCE were already committing violence in quests to gain territory and build empires.
Let it be known that violence stems from conflict between humans is caused by differences in beliefs. Before civilized society came about, violence was a perfectly natural way of ending a conflict (2). Just as violent villains are punished in civilized society, they are almost always punished on television. A good example of this is the television show Criminal Minds. Although the violent criminal may be intelligent about his or her crimes, the Behavioral Analysis Unit always catches him or her through excessive strategy and evaluation. The convict almost always dies or is placed in prison. Seeing this reduces the probability of a viewer to commit a violent crime.
When the consequences of an action are out of a person’s favor, he or she will attempt to stay away from the action altogether. Violence, although not accepted by society could be considered natural in human nature. Humans need to relieve stress, and violence is a surefire way to do so. Psychologist Christopher Ferguson from Texas A&M University suggests that violence in today’s media could increase “stress management” abilities in youth because it allows them to experience violence without actually participating in it, therefore reducing the likelihood of actually committing it. Children, unlike most adults, are still learning to avoid violence.
Most children’s shows and movies do not promote violence, but they do not discourage it either. Children’s shows often include a hero fighting a villain. It is important to recognize that the hero is always fighting for good. This teaches kids to stand up for what is right and confront problems, something many people have trouble doing through all of their life.
A small boy watching Teen Titans is not going to grow up to beat up random people on the street. He is going to grow up and try to help others, because although the show includes battles with villains, it also includes a group of kids going out of their way to help people in need and save their city. Violence in media is natural. It has existed from the beginning of society and will continue to exist. It has been rebuked by television and movies and will continue to be rebuked in society. It has taught the youth what’s worth fighting for. Rather than focusing on the violence in television and movies and blaming it for the hardships faced in society, turn on the television and learn a lesson about the consequences of violence, or the benefits of helping others.
