Reflect On Two To Three TV Shows With Interesting Characters

Reflect On Two To Three 2 3 Tv Shows In Which Characters Demonstrate

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. Write clearly and concisely about social psychology using proper grammar and mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

Television shows have long been a mirror of societal norms and issues, often portraying violence and aggression that reflect or influence viewers’ perceptions and behaviors. Examining specific episodes that depict aggression provides insight into the contexts that foster such behaviors and the potential desensitization resulting from repeated exposure to media violence. This paper discusses two episodes from popular TV shows where characters demonstrate aggression, analyzes the reasons behind these depictions, and explores how media violence can lead to desensitization.

One notable episode is from the series "Breaking Bad," specifically Season 4, Episode 13, titled "Face Off." In this episode, Walter White, a male character in his mid-50s of Caucasian descent, demonstrates intense violence as a means of protection and revenge. The violent act occurs when Walter orchestrates the murder of his adversary, Gustavo Fring. The scene is emotionally charged, rooted in the high-stakes world of drug trafficking, criminality, and personal survival. The context of this violence is complex; Walter's desperation and moral decline escalate the aggression, reflecting a shift from passive to active violence as a response to threats against his family and ambitions.

Similarly, in the show "The Walking Dead," Season 5, Episode 1, the character Daryl Dixon, a white male in his 30s, engages in violent confrontations driven by survival instincts within a post-apocalyptic environment. The violence is contextualized within a world overwhelmed by zombies and hostile human factions. Daryl's aggressive actions, including combat with hostile survivors, are motivated by the need to protect his group and ensure their safety. These situations exemplify how violence is often portrayed as a necessary response to extreme circumstances and highlight the influence of a culture that normalizes such behaviors in chaotic settings.

Several reasons underpin the depiction of violence in these episodes. First, the shows aim to create suspense and intensity, engaging viewers through high-stakes scenarios where violence drives the plot forward. Second, media often portrays violence as a means of resolving conflicts or illustrating moral dilemmas, reinforcing themes of justice, revenge, or survival. These reasons reflect storytelling needs but also mask underlying social messages about aggression's role in human interactions.

Media violence can cause desensitization through repeated exposure, diminishing emotional responsiveness to real-life violence. First, viewers may develop a tolerance, where violent acts no longer evoke strong emotional reactions such as empathy or shock. This habituation reduces the sensitivity to the suffering of others, potentially leading to increased acceptance of violence as normal. Second, constant exposure to violent scenes can alter viewers’ perceptions, making aggressive behaviors appear less severe or more justified, thus weakening societal norms condemning violence. Both mechanisms can contribute to a more indifferent attitude toward violence in real-world contexts.

In conclusion, television shows frequently depict aggression in contexts ranging from criminal enterprises to survival scenarios. These portrayals often serve narrative and thematic purposes but can also foster desensitization among viewers. Understanding the reasons behind media violence and its psychological effects is crucial for addressing its impact on societal attitudes toward aggression and violence. As consumers and researchers, recognizing these influences enables more critical engagement with media content and promotes awareness of potential behavioral consequences.

References

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