The
media has consistently found meaning in the process through which it influences
others through communication in order to achieve the set objectives. It therefore
provides a sense of guidance where the masses can get informed of the various
atrocities committed to the children. Media
violence has continued to pose the greatest risk in violent behavior exhibited
by the youth in the contemporary society (Nedzel, N., 2014). The recent upsurge
in aggressive and violent behavior can only be evaluated through the extent in
which media violence has gained exposure to the innocent youths. In the public
domain, ignorance to the different modes of media violence still prevails even
as much studies, research and happenings still point out to the negative
effects of media violence to the youth. One of the notable organizations that
have constantly fed the public with findings through its empirical studies is
the New York Times which has constantly highlighted molestation cases committed
to minors. Another body for instance is the American Psychological Association,
through its various empirical studies on the matter, posed that media violence
has increased the likelihood violent and aggressive behavior .With special
emphasis on the newest forms of media violence, got from video games, the
internet, handheld systems and many other media-enabled gadgets have further
eased exposure to media violence. The empirical findings even further
postulated that 90% of children in the U.S. aging between eight to eleven years
play video games and are all vulnerable to engage in violent behavior (ABC
News, 2016). A
review evidence to ascertain the link between violence in youths and video and
internet games finds no studies on the side effects of violence in adverts on
violent or aggressive behavior (Gentile, D., 2011). From the foregoing, there
is likelihood of violent content’s effect becoming similar.
As a mouth-piece of the masses, the media has
the role of becoming of the lead number of followers whom it influences. With
regard to the papers of choice in the case, New
York Times published a weird case where Mr. Simcox happened to have
molested a minor in gruesome court battle. The news was packaged in a more
resounding manner as if their Therefore, the media observes has to observe
utmost ethical concerns that it consumers would need. With
this regard, would play a huge part in enabling the understanding of media
roles as agents of communication to the uninformed persons. Ethics would
clearly ask the media about: What duties do they owe the masses? What are their
ethical principles telling them to do? With or without parental aid, the child should never find
solace in engaging in violent acts because one is well exposed to such acts
through the media.
Parents should be empowered to take
drastic measures that prevent or control acts of violence by their children.
One such venture that seeks to curb explosive contents to children and tender
youths is the V-chip technology. It is one technique that allows parents and
guardians alike to actually block unsuitable programs from their children’s
view. It is even much easier now that most television stations are obliged to
rate their contents, as provided through the Consumer Technology Act. The
parent or guardian only needs to activate the v-chip option, according to the
guidelines in place. From here, the menu denoting ‘ratings’ appears, and the
adult can chose the suitable ratings for targeted audience. All
answers to these questions.
With
this regard, media has a role of closely
monitoring authorities on behalf of the masses with special consideration
of the limits they can go. Deontological
ethics would task the media to come out of their way and source accurate
and relevant information that they need to feed the masses with since it is a
duty they owe to them (New York Times, 2016). It would also become another role
in a media model situation is the delivery
of authority in diverse situations. It simply requires that what an abuse
is directed to a child, media needs to reflect that the similarity then brings a notable
case of the mass shootings that happened in Columbine High school in 1999. A
look at the happening then leaves no doubt that indeed media violence had a
hand in that violent, aggressive, bloodiest and criminal massacre. In fact,
media has proved so integral to promotion of violent acts that it became a
debated happening till date. The incidence is one reference point that is used
to question the role of the media in shaping certain behaviors. When the two
perpetrators Harris and Klebold, had the guts to play to the cameras indeed
after executing the act, is puzzling. It was a direct attest to the kind of
motivation that other similar-minded individuals got. It is indeed motivating
since when these lads watch such bloody incidences committed by a fellow young
person, they get the will to do it. With
regard to such scenes, the potential aggressive individuals are assured of
notoriety, fame and other accomplishments through the help of mass media. It is
something that happens with little or no parental aid.
References:
New York Times (2016). Retrieved 8
November 2016, from 1. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/us/minuteman-christopher-simcox-sentenced-for-child-molestation.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FChild%20Abuse%20and%20Neglect&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=collection&_r=0
ABC News (2016). Retrieved 8 November
2016, from 2. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/da-charges-man-accused-receiving-teen-gift-43191196
(2016). Retrieved 8 November 2016, from http://ijr.com/2016/10/723576-mom-kept-autistic-son-in-closet-for-3-years-before-he-died-and-his-siblings-knew-the-entire-time/
(2016). Retrieved 8 November 2016, from https://www.rt.com/usa/358446-iowa-teachers-sex-offenders/
Writer, N. (2016). Autopsy report:
Fayetteville Observer. Retrieved 8 November 2016, from http://www.fayobserver.com/news/crime_courts/autopsy-report--year-old-fayetteville-girl-abused-severely-malnourished/article_b1940814-e45b-5583-b2fe-010e058e5b5c.html
Comments