tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post1554874224218535983..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: Does Violence in Entertainment Contribute to Violence in Society?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-2491579640994048672013-07-01T11:24:16.543-07:002013-07-01T11:24:16.543-07:00Interesting topic and totally relevant nowadays.
...Interesting topic and totally relevant nowadays.<br /><br />It does contribute a little bit, especially when it comes to the culture created by shooter video games. But I wouldn't go ahead and blame the entire entertainment indusry for ALL of the shootings and acts of violence that have occurred. <br />No matter what, violence is going to be there... as someone said in the movie Clueless, even if you get rid of all the violent shows, people will see violence on the news everyday. <br /><br />The biggest factor I think is that people aren't speaking up or going the extra set when something seems to be out of place. The parents of these kids have either not been present or in the case of Newtown, she was afraid of him (therefore failing to act in getting psychatric help) and because of her own history with her ex-husband, guns got in the house AND that was how they bonded. Talk about there being something rotten in Denmark.Jackie B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-12362133852432389332013-06-26T12:20:12.309-07:002013-06-26T12:20:12.309-07:00D.G., weapons availability and mental state certai...D.G., weapons availability and mental state certainly play a role.<br /><br />Donna- I hope you enjoy the book. I agree that I don't necessarily think crime has changed so much over the years as much as we have more access to news what with internet, social media, etc.<br /><br />Haddock, there probably is a visual component to movies that may be different than violence in books. I'm not sure how I feel on this one.colbymarshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14056535503422186623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-90849604191614378852013-06-26T12:15:22.089-07:002013-06-26T12:15:22.089-07:00Andrew- apt point.
Lucy, that's exactly the ...Andrew- apt point. <br /><br />Lucy, that's exactly the way I feel about it.<br /><br />The Desert Rocks- Unfortunately, these things are our reality. The concept for my story stemmed from a news story about a woman in Central Park years ago who was killed for her baby. I made the leap t the baby trade, but unfortunately, the original seed for the story was a real event. That said, I don't consider telling a story to be spreading negative ideas, but we all have different ideas of what genre we like to read, so I'm glad different choices are available. <br /><br />colbymarshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14056535503422186623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75364668627152605112013-06-26T12:10:15.010-07:002013-06-26T12:10:15.010-07:00LD- I definitely go for a good vs. evil motif in m...LD- I definitely go for a good vs. evil motif in my writing, and most thrillers I have read do as well.<br /><br />Sheena- the blame game certainly doesn't help a lot of things.<br /><br />Robin, that partiular video game does sound disturbing.<br /><br />DiscConnected, I personally don't feel like I use that excuse to push the envelope since many ideas I have come from a true crime story, but I can see where that perception comes from in many things.colbymarshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14056535503422186623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-64626563583401743832013-06-26T12:05:58.830-07:002013-06-26T12:05:58.830-07:00Jo- I do see where kids could become desensitized,...Jo- I do see where kids could become desensitized, but at the same time, it's a hard call for me, since I also think they are smart enough to tell the difference between real and make believe. Tough call.<br /><br />Susan, I think you're right that the gore level is different today than in years past.<br /><br />Em- Crimes inspired by media are certainly a concern. that said, I think plenty of folks were "creative" enough with crime prior.colbymarshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14056535503422186623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-28714373232799295822013-06-26T12:03:13.381-07:002013-06-26T12:03:13.381-07:00I'm dropping in to comment today and running a...I'm dropping in to comment today and running a bit late after a nasty bug tore through my family early this week. Thanks to everyone who commented, and to Lee for having me over!<br /><br />Yeamie, thanks so much for your omments. I hope you enjoy The Trade if you get a chance to pick it up.<br /><br />Alex- Yes, the question about whether or not it perpetuates violence is something in my mind, but I'm not entirely sure of my feelings on that one yet.<br /><br />I'm glad you enjoyed the post, Yvonne.<br />colbymarshallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14056535503422186623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75325055412652221182013-06-25T19:25:24.537-07:002013-06-25T19:25:24.537-07:00Great discussion by all. Thank you, Colby, for se...Great discussion by all. Thank you, Colby, for setting it in motion. I agree with many points expressed here, but Haddock summed it up for me. The reading audience is usually of a much different mindset whereas a visual audience may not always be a thinking audience and more stimulated to emulate things they see. Few of them will actually do anything that they see, but I think it could be a stimulus for some.<br /><br />Thanks Colby!<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-60835347345691984642013-06-25T17:59:06.239-07:002013-06-25T17:59:06.239-07:00Books don't cause tragedies, but I think movie...Books don't cause tragedies, but I think movies do have some sort of impact the way it is picked up and replicated by the young.Haddockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11573906991666088642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-42131998219468143792013-06-24T22:53:07.507-07:002013-06-24T22:53:07.507-07:00I thought the same statement your editor told you,...I thought the same statement your editor told you, the media reflects violence, it does not create it. Although I do believe there are time some idiot reads or watches something - either in the news or some other fiction - and decides to try it. You just can't predict or stop stupidity.<br /><br />I think violence seems more prevalent now than in decades past because it is more often reported in the news, and on reality shows. Shows like DEA, Unsolved Mysteries, Murdered Brides; real cops, real criminals, real crimes. It is sensationalized more in the NEWS media than in games, movies and novels.<br /><br />But I don't think the viewed violence causes a good person to go bad. They were going to do whatever some time, they were already committed.<br /><br />I write women's fiction: I write about all manner of abusers, substance addiction, and even have a MC who is a nice family type guy - who is a drug runner and assassin. I've taken my character from my real life - clients, friends and family members. Your statement "We do it because it gives us control over the outcome" is exactly why I write in this genre. I get to right the wrongs through a fictional world of my creation. MY RULES, MY JUSTICE.<br /><br />I'm also with you on the thoughts of gun control - I wouldn't want to meet up with some of my characters without one. Though I'd probably just shoot myself in the foot, so I hope a real life equivalent of my good guys are around to save me :)<br /><br />I'm glad you decided to not worry over your novel's content. I've read books like yours - and will purchase this as it sounds like my kind of horror reading - and it does give me a sense of justice, that the good guys are every bit as strong and smart as the bad guys, and they always get their man. <br /><br />.......dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-25296025654753470042013-06-24T13:14:35.654-07:002013-06-24T13:14:35.654-07:00I agree with what Alex said, that entertainment ca...I agree with what Alex said, that entertainment can feed on violence in real life. Look at which movies and games are popular.<br /><br />But does real life feed on entertainment? It depends on your mental state. I also think the easy availability of acquiring weapons is an issue. D.G. Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06213237734772028645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-26333676546351058892013-06-24T12:33:45.535-07:002013-06-24T12:33:45.535-07:00I can't even imagine thinking such things much...I can't even imagine thinking such things much less writing about them and expecting others to pay money for them. I agree you have control of the outcome but spreading negative ideas starts with just putting the thoughts out into the universe. I wish you luck. Intangible Heartshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05047040538015079182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-70084072405159858072013-06-24T11:55:44.225-07:002013-06-24T11:55:44.225-07:00As a history teacher I know that all societies hav...As a history teacher I know that all societies have been riddled with unspeakable acts from the beginning of time and many of these societies were illiterate, so what was the cause then? In addition, technology overtime has made each society more adept with killing. It is just our want for answers and our need to blame therefore we try to locate scapegoats. <br />This doesn't mean I am a huge fan of blood and guts or everyone owning a gun but in the end it comes down to knowing right from wrong and a television show, movie or book isn't going to change one's values/morals. If one lacks those essential values they just lack them and it is beyond frustrating for the rest of us to understand.<br /><br />Lucy from <a href="http://www.lucysreality.com/" rel="nofollow">Lucy's Reality</a>Lucyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14795342448811764481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-43817567800632608302013-06-24T10:48:54.496-07:002013-06-24T10:48:54.496-07:00The truth is that we just don't know. We know,...The truth is that we just don't know. We know, from studies, that there is a correlation, but we don't know if there is a causation. The distinction is important.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-59897401195802221212013-06-24T10:41:26.487-07:002013-06-24T10:41:26.487-07:00Lee-
No offense meant to your readers with a diff...Lee-<br /><br />No offense meant to your readers with a differing view, but I think that saying "there has always been violence" is a bit of a cop out.<br /><br />True, there was no TV when Cain killed Abel, which means that killing was not cabled into every home and shown in gory, graphic technicolor with Dolby Surround Sound.<br /><br />When <i>The Wild Bunch</i> was released in the late sixties, the violence was so controversial that I believe there was talk of an "X" rating.<br /><br />Ten years later, <i>Scarface</i> was being bandied about for it's violence, which was far more graphic (remember the chainsaw in the shower scene?).<br /><br />Nowadays, that kind of violence is shown on prime time TV.<br /><br />Do all of you really believe that there is no connection?<br /><br />I think that writers and directors have used the "reflection of life" argument to push the envelope, and there is no question that the envelope has been pushed.<br /><br />Are the writers and directors to blame? I still believe that people need to be accountable for their own behavior.<br /><br />But I absolutely believe that there is a link between the cheapening of life due to film violence and the cheapening of morality due to film sexuality and the acceleration of the decay in our society.<br /><br />Add that to the lack of involvement by parents in their children's lives, and the erosion of any kind of moral guidance (or any other kind of guidance) in our schools, and you get what we've got.<br /><br />A generation that was raised on <i>Resident Evil</i> games.<br /><br />Society is to blame, as one reader pointed out.<br /><br />And WE are society.<br /><br /><i>When you point your finger <br />cos your plan fell through <br />You got three more fingers <br />pointing back at you</i><br /><br />-Dire Straits "Solid Rock" <br /><br />DiscConnectedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013919800637508392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-27969947047939588612013-06-24T10:12:12.069-07:002013-06-24T10:12:12.069-07:00Back when Sandy Hook happened there was a lot of d...Back when Sandy Hook happened there was a lot of discussion about Contributing Factors. Movies and Video Games were both Discussion Points. I don't think books were ever really even considered because it is the visual aspect that is at work here. Between the movies and the video games, an expert in the field (someone in the military who trains soldiers to go into battle) said that there was one video game that kids were playing that was virtually no different than what the military used to train their soldiers. That took me aback. The difference between that game and the rest was that it felt like you killing another person. The game is designed to train a person to kill another person and it being marketed to our kids (as a game). And we wonder why they are desensitized.<br /><br />If the military is using it prep/train soldiers to kill the enemy, I strongly think that our kids shouldn't be playing with it. This military trainer (whose name I once knew, but it has been too long now) saw the direct correlation between the two. So do I. That game needs to be recalled. Parents need to understand that a game isn't always just a game.Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14932408372240147454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-15554106935736297002013-06-24T09:44:55.389-07:002013-06-24T09:44:55.389-07:00This post was quite thought provoking. I think soc...This post was quite thought provoking. I think society needs to take responsibility and stop blaming entertainment. There's lot of countries with similar entertainment and much less violence. Congrats Colby on your book.Sheena-kay Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17712661419116636671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-23937016116122760772013-06-24T09:34:01.627-07:002013-06-24T09:34:01.627-07:00I think most crime fiction/mysteries/thrillers etc...I think most crime fiction/mysteries/thrillers etc. are a type of morality play. Good vs. evil and, in the end, good wins. <br /><br />I am concerned, though, about the movies and video games that saturate our young people. The constant bombardment of violent images de-sensitizes them to the horrible reality of violence which can lead to tragic consequences.LD Mastersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01202135756299574972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-64237995153130271622013-06-24T07:17:15.591-07:002013-06-24T07:17:15.591-07:00There was no TV when Cain killed Able, so violence...There was no TV when Cain killed Able, so violence exists sans media. But I believe sick people can get motivated by other's acts of violence.Karen Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01522178275164058849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-23950203034912348522013-06-24T06:12:13.479-07:002013-06-24T06:12:13.479-07:00I have to agree with Colby. I think there has alwa...I have to agree with Colby. I think there has always been violence in movies and books. The difference is in the amount of blood the camera shows nowadays compared to years ago.<br />Politicians are all about gun regulation while they're cutting funding to programs to treat mental disorders. They're trying to treat symptoms instead of the real problem.Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-27970076901469177002013-06-24T05:50:02.474-07:002013-06-24T05:50:02.474-07:00I believe violence on screen or in vid games tends...I believe violence on screen or in vid games tends to inure people to violence and reality particularly as they know the actors weren't really dead. The same thing will happen in schools, the kids will get up again once its all over won't they? I think that is what the mind set tends towards.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-33904122220662002792013-06-24T05:01:46.618-07:002013-06-24T05:01:46.618-07:00This was an excellent post Lee,
I'm sure viole...This was an excellent post Lee,<br />I'm sure violence on screen do spur real life crime.<br /><br />Yvonne.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-66445146915160906972013-06-24T02:28:18.530-07:002013-06-24T02:28:18.530-07:00I think it is more of a reflection of society. Rea...I think it is more of a reflection of society. Real life violence is far more tragic and twisted. Can entertainment feed on it and perpetuate violence? Yeah, I think it does that as well.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-37156641607574455002013-06-24T02:19:59.131-07:002013-06-24T02:19:59.131-07:00Great and thought provoking post Colby, I don'...Great and thought provoking post Colby, I don't know how to feel about it to be honest but one thing I feel like is that violence in media is sometimes unfairly used to blame people for things when it's really nothing to do with it. Thanks for dropping in to write for us today, your book sounds incredible to me!Outcasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03400755239612162157noreply@blogger.com