Since film was introduced in 1923 as a means of entertainment, violence has played an increasing role as a way of enthralling the masses. However, it is only in recent films such as The Gangs of New York (2003) and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) which have displayed gratuitous amounts of violence, the latter highlighting a real disparity with its certificate. Films such as The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Seven (1995), Copycat (1995) and American Psycho (2000) may be read, in part as a cinematic response to the contemporary groundswell of fear and anxiety about victimization and public safety that has been particularly significant since the 1980s. Ekman, in his findings with his associates in 1972, saw that the more vulnerable, those with mental disorders or character development issues or even young children, could find the short-lived proximity evolve into a long-term obsession. They found that people whose facial expressions depicted the positive emotions of happiness – pleasure, interest or involvement – whilst viewing televised violence would be more likely to harm another person than those who displayed disinterest or displeasure. This infers there is a link between popular culture and violent behavior in certain individuals.
The Essay on Film Violence Violent Films People
... the authors of the report, said the link between film violence and actual violence could not be proved but stated 'Nevertheless people who ... agree that there is not a direct link between film violence and real life violence, but in contrast both agree that people with ... can prove that there is no direct link between film violence and real life violence, meaning no need for more radical censorship of ...
The evidence discussed so far makes it hard to deny the link between crimes such as violence, and television. One third of young, violent offenders admit to consciously imitating crimes from television. But what happens when the visual stimulus is taken away? Is violent behavior inherent to popular cultures such as film and television, or is there sufficient information to prove music has an influence on violent behavior? Violence in Music Music has not always been related to violent behavior. Even throughout the 60s and 70s when bands such as Iron Maiden, Kiss, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest were on the rock n roll scene promoting subversive values and sadism, violence was never a real issue. Although many of these iconic rock figures did condone drug taking and some non-Christian beliefs, they were not deemed as influential enough to young people to incite violence in their nature. It was the introduction of Gangster rap in the late 80s and early 90s to the music industry, reaching music lovers worldwide has caused many groups to start to take note of the violent imagery and verbal articulation in artists lyrics.
The escalating media battles and criminal activities carried out by big name rappers in America has transcended into the everyday lives of young children and teenagers internationally through music icons such as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. The uncontrollable hatred between these two sides of the rap industry has sparked major gang wars between East and West Coast gangs such as the Bloods and the Crips. The persuasive lyrics and violent imagery; killing policeman, raping women and murdering girlfriends, get into the minds of the listeners causing abhorrence between people from different gangs and races in America. The power of the spoken word is shown by the fact that their fans practice what these icons preach. Not only is it the lyrics of these rappers that have a major influence on their fans the everyday behavior that these icons display has a substantial effect on the consumer: “When a ‘gangsta’ rapper is able to commit a crime and get away with it – it does make the crime more legitimate in the eyes of the ‘gangster’ rap consumer It is clear, that individuals who are subject to the violence inherent in areas of the music industry, such as rap, can be influenced by both the violent lyrics and lifestyles of these musicians. This demonstrates the link between popular culture and violent behavior.
The Essay on Violent Music Lyrics Behavior Media
... By concentrating closely on just the effects of violent music and children's aggressive behavior many count out the threat of ... violent music later expressed a greater acceptance of violence,' are main points in the battle against violent music. Even so, blaming of violent music ... while imitating scenes from violent movies and television shows, or acting out lyrics to violent songs. According to the ...
The Long-Term Effects of Popular culture Most criticisms of popular cultures such as television and film regard the short-term effects of over exposure to violent imagery. However, studies have been conducted regarding the long-term effects of violence on television and in films and the effects they can have on individuals over a long period of time..
