Its tricky. The deepness with which America celebrates violence almost certainly does have an effect, and hollywood has some weird standards. But countries without such a degree of centrally mediated celebration of violence have issues too (note centrally mediated – locally there is still violence celebration causing the issues, it just doesn’t get further than particular groups, local bands, and open mic night.)
Having no humans celebrate any type of violence does sound like an interesting experiment. It doesn’t mean foreswearing any type – Aikido, for example, works on both defence and no-harm.
Historically non-violent cultures haven’t had as much defence focus, which is a shame, because it leaves them incredibly peripheral these days.
I remember when comic books were blamed for youth violence. Then it was TV. And video games. But what about the previous several hundred thousand years?
I’m of the opinion that games are both violent and promote criminal behavior. How many times have we heard relatives and neighbors say “Oh, he was such a sweet boy! Never harmed a fly!” when that ‘sweet boy’ just shot up his high school cafeteria with an AKM?
Same thing with criminal behavior – look at games like ‘Grand Theft Auto’ that not only condone criminal behavior, but celebrate it as ‘cool’.
Actually, violence of all kinds has been going steadily down over time. Most humans, especially in first-world countries (but also elsewhere), now live in the most peaceful era in human history. Steven Pinker’s “The Better Angels of Our Nature” lays out the case in exquisitely-researched detail; I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the topic of violence.
stlmaddog5 about 9 years ago
Shoot her? Lila, how could you? Hack her up with an axe. More satisfying.
sbischof about 9 years ago
Its tricky. The deepness with which America celebrates violence almost certainly does have an effect, and hollywood has some weird standards. But countries without such a degree of centrally mediated celebration of violence have issues too (note centrally mediated – locally there is still violence celebration causing the issues, it just doesn’t get further than particular groups, local bands, and open mic night.)
Having no humans celebrate any type of violence does sound like an interesting experiment. It doesn’t mean foreswearing any type – Aikido, for example, works on both defence and no-harm.
Historically non-violent cultures haven’t had as much defence focus, which is a shame, because it leaves them incredibly peripheral these days.
pschearer Premium Member about 9 years ago
I remember when comic books were blamed for youth violence. Then it was TV. And video games. But what about the previous several hundred thousand years?
karanne about 9 years ago
I’m of the opinion that games are both violent and promote criminal behavior. How many times have we heard relatives and neighbors say “Oh, he was such a sweet boy! Never harmed a fly!” when that ‘sweet boy’ just shot up his high school cafeteria with an AKM?
Same thing with criminal behavior – look at games like ‘Grand Theft Auto’ that not only condone criminal behavior, but celebrate it as ‘cool’.
live.the.future about 9 years ago
Actually, violence of all kinds has been going steadily down over time. Most humans, especially in first-world countries (but also elsewhere), now live in the most peaceful era in human history. Steven Pinker’s “The Better Angels of Our Nature” lays out the case in exquisitely-researched detail; I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the topic of violence.