The media violence can be divided into categories, because when we talk about media violence it is important to distinguish what media, and what target group this violence is affected. I specifically choose to write about children in the age group of 8-18 years old, and the medium I will focus on are violent movies, TV shows, and video games. I do believe that it is not only the age group of 8-18 that is affected, but under the age of 8 it is rather difficult to have access to these violent movies, video games, and also the interest in violence is not as strong at a younger age. Looking at the older age people have a less manipulative, and can distinguish between fiction and reality (even though some people above the age of 18 are just as simple to influence).
As I mentioned above I believe the real issue with violence and children, is for them to distinguish between what they see on TV, movies, and video games, usually children have a lack in after school activities and hobbies, or usually parents are too busy to be spending time with their children, and the children turn to their video games, and TV, usually spending hours doing so. But who is to blame, The Parents, the industry that provides these violent games, movies, and TV shows, or the media itself? Why does none of them want to take any blame for any violent behaviour in children? If we hear news about something a child did it as an act of what he saw in a movie, who should we blame? Is it even of any importance? In my blog I want to focus on this topic, and see how violent these mediums are, and also look into how it can influence a child and its surroundings.
Love to know.(2006,July7).Kids and Guns [Image]. Retrieved from: http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Kids_and_Guns
I think that media violence is a very important issue that needs more public awareness. You make a good point asking what has happened to our values, what are we teaching to our children?
ReplyDeleteYou say that the real problem is children being able to distinguish what they see on TV (in terms of violence). I agreed with you. If from an early age children are exposed to violent content from a variety of media sources; it may become increasingly difficult for them to differentiate between violent and non violent behaviors.
In my opinion, the problem with violence in the media is the fact that it is that can desensitize the youth. Violence is everywhere; it’s in TV show, commercials, games, movies, etc. This constant feed and repeated exposure (from early childhood) inevitably changes the way that violence is perceived by the youth. Instead of being a rare and bad action it’s an almost “normal” and acceptable action.
Perhaps this numbness that is created in their minds to violence supports the mimicking of violent acts by children, or even by young adults.
Either way, it is an important issue that you bring forward. Hopefully maybe parents can provide a foundation by educating their children about the media – explaining what violence is and why it is negative.