Violence

            Violence has always been a common subject throughout world history.  As a form of problem-resolution, it has withstood the test of time and continued to modern society.  In today’s society, it has begun to take on a new form through the entertainment industry.  With movies and video games displaying increasingly violent themes and stories, the consumer is becoming more entranced each day by the power of artificial violence.

            However, violence has not been restricted to the entertainment industry. With the shootings at Virginia Tech in 2007 and the roommate murder at the dorm buildings on California State University, Sacramento’s campus, the violent scenes from video games are  becoming increasingly tangible occurrences.  After the shootings in Virginia in 2007, Australian Prime Minister John Howard criticized the emerging American “gun culture” that is being propagated by our fascination with violence and being allowed by our lax gun laws (Perry).  This comment by an elected official of another country begs the question if there is a “gun culture” gaining support from the market of violent entertainment products in this country.

            The issue of societal violence can be addressed by looking at what is often the first meeting many children have with violence: the media. Films that feature high levels of violence for the sole purpose of entertainment are an industry worth millions of dollars. It is safe to say that it is not going to give up any time soon.  The Saw film series has grossed nearly $416 million in box office sales alone, and  additional movies in the series are still being produced (Box Office Mojo).  This industry is gaining momentum and it is making violence a common subject accepted and emulated by American citizens.

References:

Box Office Mojo "Saw film series (2005-2009)" Retrieved 9 Feb, 2011 <http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=saw.htm>

Perry, Michael. “Massacre sparks foreign criticism of U.S. gun culture”. Reuters. 17 Apr 2007. Web 9 Feb 2011. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/04/17/us-usa-crime-shooting-world-idUSL1752333820070417?pageNumber=1>