In order to challenge the Culture of Violence, one must first agree that such a “culture” exists. It is possible that most, if not all, people agree that we live in a violent world. There seems to be no end to war, murder, assaults and so many other types of physical (and mental) violence. Through examples and discussions with readers, this blog will explore the extent and depth of violence in our everyday lives, looking at the fields of entertainment, including sports, film, music and so on, as well as news and general personal interactions. Disagreements are expected, as are courtesy and civil discourse. The disagreements will likely come concerning not only the extent, or depth, of that cultural mindset but also how to address it. Postings will, over time, try to address both aspects. This blog will be unlike many others in that my posts will generally not be long. In most instances, I see short posts to identify particular circumstances which I find to be violent on some level. Some will be obviously violent according to most people’s appreciation of the term “violence”. Others will probably be more questionable. It is from such diversity that I hope we can better see when and how we, as humans, are conditioned to no only accept certain types of violence in our lives, but to actively support or be engaged in some types of violent behavior. Please join in on the discussions. Those who disagree with the author’s posts or those of others in a hostile manner will be acting to support the original premise.

Posts tagged ‘Anger’

#008: Everyday Violence (Exhibit A: “Social” Media)

INTRO: Since there is only so much that can be said about the major and obvious types of violence, I plan to shine a light on what I see as frequent and often unnoticed (or at least unrecognized) violence which permeates our routines. As always, this violence does not need to be physical, but can be mental/emotional and/or the threat of violence.

TOPIC: In the comments section of Social Media (FaceBook, Twitter, blogs, online news sources, etc.), do you notice how quickly and how frequently commentators use words of violence?
ComputerViolence

If they are in radical disagreement with some public figure highlighted in a post, they may call for the person’s untimely death or for some illness or other physically harmful event to befall the person. When a topic is posted which is controversial, it is not uncommon for those making comments to be especially rude or hateful (and again wish for unpleasant things to happen to) others who’ve made comments, including those they do not know in real life, or who are not even on their list of “friends” for that social network.

ComputerViolence3

It is likely that this lack of connection exacerbates the feeling of anonymity and seeing that other person as “other”. And we know what happens when we put the label of “other” on our fellow humans!

What to do about this?

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[Sheesh, even the graphic image is violent!]

Well if you are the original poster of the item, you certainly have the right (obligation?) to inform people that such behavior will not be tolerated. This can be done within the post itself, or, if you wish to be more circumspect and spare the person’s feelings from a public reprimand, send a private message. Any person who is willing to disrespect your wishes on the matter after that point is probably not worthy of continued “friendship” or other connection.

If the original posting is not your own, you can certainly make a generic comment concerning the aggressiveness and violence of the comments of others. If you decide to do this, don’t be at all surprised to find some of that invective turned in your direction! People can get violent when their violent nature is exposed. Sad, but true.

Otherwise, not much to be done except to keep your own comments as free from violence and hostility as possible. [Sometimes, I write what I’d like to say then erase the comment and replace it with a more reasoned, rational comment!]

Even videos and commercials can bring out the hatred and mean-spiritedness in people, especially those who get to post anonymously. For many, this picture can tell more than 1000 stories.

Cheerios

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Computers, Entertainment

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