Assignment 2: Aggression And Violence In The Media Reflect O

Assignment 2 Aggression And Violence In The Mediareflect On Two To Th

Reflect on two to three (2-3) TV shows in which characters demonstrate aggression or violence. Consider the context in which this aggression or violence occurred and ways in which it can lead to desensitization. Write a one to two (1-2) page paper in which you:

1. Briefly describe at least one (1) episode of a television show in which you observed aggression or violence.

2. Identify the context in which the character(s) demonstrated aggression or violence. Include the gender, age, and culture of the character(s) involved in the aggressive or violent act(s).

3. Discuss at least two (2) possible reasons why the selected TV episode included aggression or violence. Provide a rationale for your response.

4. Describe at least two (2) ways that media violence can cause desensitization in people. Justify your response.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

Television shows often depict aggression and violence as a means of storytelling, creating complex characters and engaging narratives. However, repeated exposure to violent content in media can have profound effects on viewers, including desensitization to violence. In this paper, I will examine a specific episode from the TV show "Breaking Bad," analyze the context of violence, explore reasons behind its inclusion, and discuss how media violence may lead to desensitization.

One notable episode that exemplifies violence is Season 2, Episode 2, titled "Grilled." In this episode, the character Jesse Pinkman is coerced into a violent confrontation by drug dealers. Jesse, a young man in his mid-20s, is portrayed as a white American from a lower socio-economic background. The scene involves Jesse being forced to participate in a drug-related crime, which escalates to acts of physical violence including threats with guns and intimidation. This violence is contextualized within the criminal underworld that Jesse is entangled in, reflecting themes of coercion, desperation, and survival.

The context of this violence is rooted in the criminal lifestyle that Jesse and Walter White, the protagonist, become involved with. The gender of Jesse Pinkman, as a young male, plays a significant role, as masculinity and dominance are often associated with violent behavior in this social setting. His young age makes him more impressionable and susceptible to the violent norms of his environment. Culturally, Jesse's background as a white American from an economically disadvantaged community influences the portrayal of violence as a means of asserting power and protecting oneself in a dangerous world.

There are several reasons why violence is depicted in this episode. Firstly, violence serves as a narrative device to illustrate the perilous world in which the characters operate. It heightens tension and underscores the stakes involved in their criminal activities. Secondly, violence is used to develop character arcs, showing Jesse's vulnerability and the moral dilemmas he faces. The inclusion of such scenes adds realism to the story, emphasizing the consequences of involvement in illegal activities.

Media violence can cause desensitization through various mechanisms. Firstly, repeated exposure to violent acts in television and movies can diminish emotional responses to real-life violence. Viewers may begin to see violence as a normal or acceptable part of life, reducing empathy for victims and decreasing the likelihood of intervention. Secondly, desensitization occurs because frequent exposure to violent scenes can condition individuals to become numb to violence, dulling their emotional reactions and increasing their tolerance for aggressive behavior. Over time, this can lead to an acceptance or normalization of violence within society, which poses significant social concerns.

In conclusion, television violence, as depicted in episodes such as "Breaking Bad," plays a crucial role in storytelling but also has potential adverse effects on viewers. Understanding the reasons behind the inclusion of violence and its impact on desensitization is essential for developing awareness about media influences on societal attitudes towards aggression and violence. Responsible media consumption and continued research are necessary to mitigate these adverse effects and promote healthier societal responses to violence.

References

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