Assignment 2: Aggression And Violence In The Media Week

Assignment 2 Aggression And Violence In The Mediadue Week

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

Discuss at least two (2) possible reasons why the selected TV episode included aggression or violence. Provide a rationale for your response. 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. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Develop an increased understanding of the dynamic between society and individuals. Use technology and information resources to research issues in social psychology.

Paper For Above instruction

Television media exerts a profound influence on viewers, shaping perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to aggression and violence. This paper explores the depiction of aggression in media through the analysis of a specific television episode, the underlying reasons for such portrayals, and the potential desensitization effects on audiences. Through this analysis, the complex relationship between media violence and societal attitudes is illuminated, emphasizing the importance of critical viewing and media literacy.

Example of an Episode Depicting Violence

One notable example of violence in television is the episode from the series “Breaking Bad,” specifically the season 4 episode titled “Ozymandias.” In this episode, intense violence is depicted during a confrontation between the protagonist Walter White and rival drug dealers. The scene is marked by gunfire, physical altercations, and tragic consequences, including the accidental shooting of a character's partner. The characters involved are primarily male, with Walter White being a middle-aged Caucasian male, a chemistry teacher turned drug lord, operating in a criminal subculture that normalizes violence. The violent acts are contextualized within the high-stakes world of drug trafficking, where power, survival, and greed drive such behavior.

Reasons for the Inclusion of Violence

There are multiple reasons why this episode includes such violent acts. First, the show aims to depict the brutal reality of the drug trade, illustrating how violence is embedded within this clandestine economy. This serves to enhance the realism of the narrative and underscore the severe consequences of criminal activities. Second, violence in this context functions as a narrative device to heighten tension and emotional engagement, portraying the protagonist’s moral descent and the destructive consequences of his decisions. The brutal scenes evoke strong emotional reactions and serve to communicate the gravity of the characters’ choices.

Media Violence and Desensitization

Media violence can lead to desensitization in viewers through several mechanisms. First, repeated exposure to violent content can diminish emotional responsiveness to violence, making individuals less likely to experience empathy or distress when witnessing real-world violence. For example, viewers may become numb to images of suffering, reducing their sensitivity to violence in society. Second, media violence can normalize aggressive behavior by depicting it as an acceptable or effective means of resolving conflicts, thus diminishing viewers’ perceived severity of violent acts. This normalization can contribute to a desensitized attitude where violence is seen as a commonplace or justified response.

Impact on Society

The desensitization effect poses significant societal risks, including increased acceptance of violence and decreased likelihood of intervening in violent situations. Research indicates that frequent exposure to televised violence correlates with reduced empathy and increased aggression among viewers, especially adolescents. As individuals become less affected emotionally by violent imagery, their likelihood of condoning or engaging in similar behaviors may increase. Therefore, media outlets bear a responsibility to consider the societal implications of violent content and promote balanced portrayals that do not perpetuate harmful attitudes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, violent portrayals in television, exemplified by episodes like “Ozymandias,” serve complex narrative functions but also pose risks of fostering desensitization among audiences. Understanding the reasons for these portrayals and their potential societal impacts emphasizes the need for responsible media consumption. Increased media literacy can help viewers critically analyze violent content and mitigate its influence, ultimately fostering a more empathetic and less desensitized society.

References

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