Society, Violence, And The Media

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   A recent quote I read went something like this: TV is an interactive learning experience played out on 27-inch screens that's turning the world into a replica of hell itself-where violence is viewed, then meted out in dizzying displays of brutality and unfocused rage upon the stranger.
I feel personally that it's all about harming the innocent. When I first started teaching music to special-Ed students, I had a rude awakening. Many of the kids I taught were obsessed with the Columbine shootings. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were role models or even icons I should say to these kids. The idea of committing mass murder and turning the gun on yourself became a trend. A fad. 

The display of evil laughter and appreciation for Charles Carl Roberts IV shooting ten Amish girls and again, turning the gun on himself. A real hero? I was hearing conversations between customers and students in the store regarding how they thought it was cool to invade the Amish. I got the impression they must have thought that an act of violence would anger the Amish. But in return for their tragic loss, the Amish set up a charitable fund for the family of the shooter. Letting go of grudges is deep rooted in Amish culture. This is something that the act of violence cannot penetrate. This time the cool idea of shooting a group of people and doing yourself in didn't work.  Violence will never affect a private community as it does with the innocent stranger. At least of all not in the same way.

Mass murderers have become celebrities like the serial killers of the past. People reenact ridiculous things they view on TV. It's become a circus just like those cornball Stadium Rock concerts of the 70's.Seung-Hui Cho killing 32 people caused the post-modern jungle to flourish even more. So my question is ..

Does society perpetuate the violence it sees in the media? or does the media perpetuate the violence it sees in society? 
What is your gut feeling? Dismiss my rant and express how YOU really feel. What are your personal viewpoints? 

Edited by TODDLER - October 29 2010 at 01:30

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TODDLER Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member VIP Member Joined: August 28 2009 Location: Vineland, N.J. Status: Offline Points: 3126	Posted: October 29 2010 at 01:29
	A recent quote I read went something like this: TV is an interactive learning experience played out on 27-inch screens that's turning the world into a replica of hell itself-where violence is viewed, then meted out in dizzying displays of brutality and unfocused rage upon the stranger. I feel personally that it's all about harming the innocent. When I first started teaching music to special-Ed students, I had a rude awakening. Many of the kids I taught were obsessed with the Columbine shootings. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were role models or even icons I should say to these kids. The idea of committing mass murder and turning the gun on yourself became a trend. A fad. The display of evil laughter and appreciation for Charles Carl Roberts IV shooting ten Amish girls and again, turning the gun on himself. A real hero? I was hearing conversations between customers and students in the store regarding how they thought it was cool to invade the Amish. I got the impression they must have thought that an act of violence would anger the Amish. But in return for their tragic loss, the Amish set up a charitable fund for the family of the shooter. Letting go of grudges is deep rooted in Amish culture. This is something that the act of violence cannot penetrate. This time the cool idea of shooting a group of people and doing yourself in didn't work. Violence will never affect a private community as it does with the innocent stranger. At least of all not in the same way. Mass murderers have become celebrities like the serial killers of the past. People reenact ridiculous things they view on TV. It's become a circus just like those cornball Stadium Rock concerts of the 70's.Seung-Hui Cho killing 32 people caused the post-modern jungle to flourish even more. So my question is .. Does society perpetuate the violence it sees in the media? or does the media perpetuate the violence it sees in society? What is your gut feeling? Dismiss my rant and express how YOU really feel. What are your personal viewpoints? Edited by TODDLER - October 29 2010 at 01:30