The Movies Made Me Go Mad Violence has existed since the beginning of mankind, some might even say it is a part of human nature. The cause for violence has been questioned all throughout time and the blame has been put on mental illness, extreme emotions, and more recently, media. Violence is present in movies, TV, music, and video games. The most affected by these are children, as they are easily influenced and cannot comprehend fictional images as much as adults can. Is a rockstar singing about murder to blame? The problem is not merely on the screens of the television, but much deeper in the minds of children. Media exposure has greatly increased throughout the years, and even more so unrestricted media exposure. According to a research
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The most talked about when it comes to causing violence is children is video games. According to one source, “the viewer can now interact actively with the image, and this fact has received increasing attention” (Browne 704). Video games allow the player to customize the character they play as, design levels that may be similar to actual life and overall have a more personal connection to the violence shown in these games. Another frequently talked about type of media is television. TV programs display hundreds of violent scenes everyday on shows that are meant for children, even in cartoons (Beresin). We would like to think that these violent acts are depicted by the antagonist of a plot, as it would be appropriate that violence is related to bad people, but the reality is that most protagonists and heroes in children’s shows use violence to resolve issues and save the day. According to Kevin Browne, Very few television programs contain plots and themes that are anti-violence, as most use violence to support a realistic plot and allow the violent characters to go unpunished from their actions (703). This gives children the idea that being violent without suffering consequences is realistic and that it is a rational way to solve conflict. Movies are less talked about or researched, but the effects of viewing them are very similar. Studies show that 1 in 4 15 year olds have seen the film “Natural Born …show more content…
Delinquents and youth crime has made up 69% of crime according to a study in 2005 (Princeton). Most of these young criminals blame the environment they grew up in and the real violence they were exposed to as a child for the crimes they have committed. According to a source most delinquents have a broken family background, been victims of abuse, and lived in poverty (Browne 706). Kevin Browne also states that reactions to media violence and real life violence go hand in hand, almost as if the media violence gives a boost to the impact real life violence will have on a child (705). For example, serial killer Richard Ramirez is commonly associated to AC/DC because he would listen to their music before committing his crimes. This detail is only a small reason for his violent actions as he blames his crimes on witnessing his cousin shoot someone, and taking physical abuse from his father. Children that have already shown violent behavior are more influenced by violent media (Browne 705). Browne also states that delinquents prefer violent media and identify with violent characters
The most talked about when it comes to causing violence is children is video games. According to one source, “the viewer can now interact actively with the image, and this fact has received increasing attention” (Browne 704). Video games allow the player to customize the character they play as, design levels that may be similar to actual life and overall have a more personal connection to the violence shown in these games. Another frequently talked about type of media is television. TV programs display hundreds of violent scenes everyday on shows that are meant for children, even in cartoons (Beresin). We would like to think that these violent acts are depicted by the antagonist of a plot, as it would be appropriate that violence is related to bad people, but the reality is that most protagonists and heroes in children’s shows use violence to resolve issues and save the day. According to Kevin Browne, Very few television programs contain plots and themes that are anti-violence, as most use violence to support a realistic plot and allow the violent characters to go unpunished from their actions (703). This gives children the idea that being violent without suffering consequences is realistic and that it is a rational way to solve conflict. Movies are less talked about or researched, but the effects of viewing them are very similar. Studies show that 1 in 4 15 year olds have seen the film “Natural Born …show more content…
Delinquents and youth crime has made up 69% of crime according to a study in 2005 (Princeton). Most of these young criminals blame the environment they grew up in and the real violence they were exposed to as a child for the crimes they have committed. According to a source most delinquents have a broken family background, been victims of abuse, and lived in poverty (Browne 706). Kevin Browne also states that reactions to media violence and real life violence go hand in hand, almost as if the media violence gives a boost to the impact real life violence will have on a child (705). For example, serial killer Richard Ramirez is commonly associated to AC/DC because he would listen to their music before committing his crimes. This detail is only a small reason for his violent actions as he blames his crimes on witnessing his cousin shoot someone, and taking physical abuse from his father. Children that have already shown violent behavior are more influenced by violent media (Browne 705). Browne also states that delinquents prefer violent media and identify with violent characters