Sunday, September 17, 2017

Young Minds and Violent Media

blog post #3



In the article "Violent media is good for kids", Gerard Jones believes that violet media can be beneficial for kids who are timid or who may not have a source of outlet to release their anger or aggression. He then goes on about violent media such as games and comics that include blood, guns, violence, mentioning that it can help children achieve the feeling of "powerlessness".  Jones gathers more evidence of his heroic strategies that have influenced real life children such as a little girl named Emily who claims that drawling violent fantasies helped her deal with her parents' divorce. fortunately, although Jones gives many detailed evidence and includes credible sources such as, psychologist Melanie Moore, he doesn't fail to mention refutations from parents, teachers, and other psychologists. They disagree, declaring that violent stories are harmful to kids and that parents should keep it away from their off springs. 
I personally agree due to the fact that our world today is corrupt and full of violence. Young kids should be exposed to innocent, kiddy shows not violent media. My baby brother, Jaylen, is a perfect example. He got in trouble in school for saying inappropriate things about guns to the students such as "I’m going to blow your head off". Of course, my parents handled the situation, but as a young child who I still developing and is soaking up everything he sees and hears, he would’ve been better off watching SpongeBob or something. Although violet media may not affect every child the same, some become dangerous. After doing some research, I discovered that a teenager was arrested after a school shooting in France. This attack occurred less than two weeks before the two-round presidential election in France, in which 3 students and a teacher was injured. The education minister, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, described the attack as “the crazy act of a fragile young man fascinated by firearms”. I wonder where he got this desire from. Could it be from violent media? Witnesses say he was armed with a rifle, two handguns and two grenades. If you ask me, that sounds like a clear description of those characters in "Call of Duty".  Police indicate that the teenager’s recent history included videos of massive shootings. This could only mean one thing. Whatever this young 16-year-old boy was going through, he used violence in a negative way to portray his feelings and that what I am afraid for my future kids. Of course, I’m not going to be able to fight every battle my child is going through, but if putting positive gestures in his/her mind will help, then so be it. 


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