Analysis Of Violent Media Is Good For Kids By Gerard Jones

In Gerard Jones’ “Violent Media Is Good for Kids” found in our text, Practical Argument, Jones argues that children should not be sheltered from violence. Gerard Jones discusses his own experiences growing up in a home that banned any violent media. He was a scared, introverted child in desperate need of help understanding the feelings he was taught to bottle up. When a few Incredible Hulk comics somehow made it past his parents and right into his eager hands he was a child reformed. The stories of the violent brute known as The Hulk gave Jones an outlet for his internal rage. Consequently, he became braver and happier with his new so called “fantasy self”.
Many other children experience the same good outcomes from this violent media that
society has labeled as harmful to children. One example Jones talks about is the theory of a psychologist that states that all of the angry emotions children try to keep in may need to be experienced vicariously through violent stories. Jones does state he understands that violent media has inspired some violent acts. However, for the most part it gives people an outlet for pent up rage and helps these individuals to develop their character.
Throughout the article he discusses many stories about how violent media has a positive influence on different kids. All of the children began to feel better and conquer their fears after being exposed to some sort of bloody game or crazy comic. The rage and bravery that are shown in this type of media provides each child their own fantasy self. Therefor Jones argues that children should not be sheltered from violent media or taught to keep their natural emotions to themselves. Parents think by sheltering kids, they are keeping them safe. However the only thing they are keeping them from is becoming themselves.