Media and Violence Essay -- Social Issues, Aggression

Introduction In this essay I will be analysing whether less visual violence within the media would mean less violence on the streets. Firstly, I will be questioning whether there is a connection between the viewing of media violence and actual acting upon it. To do this I will analyse the usefulness of the different methods used to approach such as complex issue. To illustrate this I will use examples of different media forms that seem to have been a catalyst for acts of violence. I will then attempt to come to a conclusion on whether less media violence could mean less acts of violence. Define Firstly, to begin to analyse the media effects of violence one must define the term violence. The fact that there are several different levels of violence means that it will be difficult to define (Gauntlett, 2001). For example using abusive language can been seen as an act of violent and aggression to some, but to others may not view it as actual violence as there has not been any form of physical contact. A researcher will also have to look at the context in which the act of violence is acted upon, for example a pillow fight and punching some are both forms of aggression, yet they are interpreted differently (Boyle, 2005). One way violence can be defined is an act when an individual intentionally uses aggressive behaviour physically or mentally to creates fear and harm upon others. The media usually displays most acts of violence using a variety of mediums and different forms. In the 21st century there has been a technology boom whereby new and more complexes forms of media have emerged. There has been an increase in immersion and interaction amongst mediums such as the video game, television and mobile phones. For example, by usin... ...luencing crime such as gross structural inequality, poverty, consumer culture and youth alienation (Gauntlett, 2001). To pin point the media as the root cause of streets crime prevents society from dealing with the real issue. To conclude, even if the media had stopped or limited crime being presented, crime would still exist in one form or another. The media is a powerful to for creating aware of crimes but can also cause irrational fear which could then lead to alienation of a particular group. It could then be questioned if the media should limit the amount of crime shown, however in this post modern era technology has become so advanced that visual crime will always be accessible. Therefore, it cannot be said that less crime in the media would mean less crime on the street as there is no rational link between the two and visual crime will always be present.