Aggression: The Impact of Media Violence written by Sissela Bok identifies a relationship between the growing number of violent acts performed by and to women and children with to increases in opportunities to view media violence. However, without conclusive evidence to support hers and others claim of this correlationship, media coverage of violence and shows/video games displaying explicit violent acts continues to increase .
At first, Bok hypothesizes that there is a coorelation between viewing preferences and real-life behaviours making specific references to media violence. She cites Oliver Stone’s movie Natural Born Killers as a prime example of inspiration for two youth to go “on a killing spree with the film’s murderous, gleeful heroes expressly in mind” (Bok, 85). Additionally, she states that the viewer’s ability to identify with the aggressor rather then the victim helps to make the aggressive behaviour seem more acceptable. However, she then provides evidence that argues the correlation. She says “Most investigators agree that it will always be difficult to disentangle the precise effects of exposure to media violence from the many other factors contributing to societal violence” (87). She reports that others studies that drew conclusions similar to hers are also being challenged. Again, not taking into account all factors, in addition to media violence viewing, are credited for pulling theories apart.
Bok appears to be arguing with herself. Copycat crimes and child crimes are on the increase but further study must do done to determine the primary causes. Media representatives are particularly resistant to change if no definite link between media violence “… and real-life violence” (p. 88) can be established. The only conclusive statement Bok makes is that “the television screen is the lens through which most children learn about violence” (p. 89) which is unfortunate as this repeated exposure at a young age impairs their ability to censure the brutality of it.
Do you think violence by cartoon-like characters in video games will encourage violent behaviour in youth?
I think that it depends on more circumstances than just the cartoon violence. A number of other factors are contributors to violent behavior. This is what makes this topic so interesting.
ReplyDeleteIs Bok arguing with herself? You raised a good question. Many writers make their arguments stronger by pointing out the weakness in their theory, and then going on to convince the reader that in spite of this weakness, they still have a good argument. Do you think that Bok fails to take it to this next level? Does she make a better objection to her theory than the theory itself? Does she convince us to take take Natural Born Killers off the shelf?
ReplyDelete