Desensitization refers to the gradual loss of responsiveness to acts of violence. In this case, therefore, individuals are left at the mercy of the visualizations and images that make violence and death as simple as a trigger squeeze or missile aim. While the goal is to entertain, it is evident that more significant social and cultural effects are being realized in a society that is slowly becoming complacent and emotionally unconcerned regarding actual feats of violence and aggression. In other words, while the desensitization is occurring in the media, its effects are being experienced within the real world. According to Browne and Hamilton-Giachritsis (2005), overwhelming evidence of violent imagery on various media platforms can be linked to substantial short-term effects on the thoughts and emotions of the audiences. This discussion covers the presence of violence and aggression in media with the goal of highlighting its impact on the well-being of the society in the long run.
One of the most popular shows in contemporary media has to be the Game of Thrones. While it prides itself on some of the most creative scenes and conversations it is without a doubt that violence is pertinent to the show’s storyline. The setting of the TV show is in medieval times which underpins the endless scenes of violence and aggression even as most human communities continued to conflict over resources. Not a single episode is without an element of violence, ranging from wars with white walkers as well as internal political and social wrangles that often end up in wanton aggression and violence. One particular episode that stands out entails the arrest, trial and eventual beheading of Lord Stark in front of his daughters (Taylor Benioff & Weiss, 2011)). This is perhaps the height of violence and murder in the show.
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While countless individuals are killed at war or in battle during the show, this particular scene does stand out mainly because the beheading is done as Lord Starks daughters are watching and to the excitement of the crowd that cheers on the act. Further, “Lord Eddard's head is placed on a spike above the Traitor’s walk,” with the new hire Joffery forcing Lord Stark's daughter Sansa to look at the dead members of her household. While Lord Eddard's death sparks a devastating War of the Five Kings within the Seven Kingdoms, it is the ruthlessness of the new hire that sends shivers down the spine. The gravity of such violence is to be found in the fact that too large amounts of interpersonal violence have been linked to PTSD symptoms and greater identification with fictional characters (Mrug, Madan, Cook, and Wright, 2015). However, more crucially is the fact that such acts of violence tend to decreased empathy and pro-social behavior among the viewers who are likely to become entirely indifferent to real-life acts of violence and aggression.
It is important to acknowledge the element of constant prevalence and repetition of shows and incidences of violence and aggression. This is because it hugely contributes to a diminished empathy as well as a reduced emotional reactivity to violence, which are key elements in desensitization. There is a need for a reevaluation of societal values to safeguard the wellbeing of the current and future generations. While the economic and entertainment benefits of TV shows may be highly valued in the contemporary society, it is also imperative to acknowledge the social and psychological challenges that are likely being introduced through the highly violent and aggressive content that is prevalent on mainstream media.
References
Browne, K. D., & Hamilton-Giachritsis, C. (2005). The influence of violent media on children and adolescents: a public-health approach. The Lancet , 365 (9460), 702-710.
Mrug, S., Madan, A., Cook, E. W., & Wright, R. A. (2015). Emotional and physiological desensitization to real-life and movie violence. Journal of youth and adolescence , 44 (5), 1092-1108.
Taylor A. Benioff D. and Weiss D. B. (2011). Game of thrones. The United States of America. (USA). Home Box Office.
