Media Violence

A 1949 New York Times critic said, “No survey’s needed, of course, to establish that television has brought family together in one room”(Winn). This statement was mutual for all in this time period. Back then, when TV’s first came out, families would gather around and watch the news to hear what was happening around the world. Then, shows became more popular and something was produced to please each person. Many became violent, because this is what people wanted to watch, since it kept them entertained. Nobody predicted there to be multiple television sets in one home, dividing the family like communication over a cell phone instead of actually conversing face to face. Moreover, by discouraging interpersonal communications, TV is detrimental to family life. Television was a great way to bring people together back 50 years ago, but in this day in age, the shows and games people participate in are completely different. You have TV shows where people are killing each other, having sex, and doing drugs, so what do you expect when a child is flipping through channels and decides to watch it. Of course they are going to be amused, but also brainwashed, as it is normal to do.
Media violence does make you violent. This is common sense, something many individuals never gain. A child who is exposed to violent video games, television shows and movies that are not rated for that person is much more likely to be violent in terms of themselves against others. Researchers have long focused on television violence because television is the most widespread format for media violence. Television has provided American children access to endless hours of increasingly violent programming that simply did not exist before the 1950s. Many schoolchildren spend more time watching television than they do doing homework or playing with friends. Because of this, it has been estimated that the average American will witness approximately 20,000 simulated television deaths in his or her lifetime. Television and the American Experience Since 1945, to conclude that saying “if you don’t like what’s on TV, just turn it off” is like saying “if you’re troubled by air pollution, just stop breathing.”
In 1996, the argument that television violence is too pervasive led Congress to pass the Telecommunications Act, which required television broadcasters to develop a voluntary rating program. The act also required television manufacturers to include the V-chip, an electronic device that allows parents to block out any program with a particular rating, in all new television sets made after 2000. This is a great example of our society using technology to better ourselves. I am a firm believer in the Liaise-Faire type of government, with no regulation, but sometimes government interference is for the betterment of the nation.