I think it's interesting because a whole generation grew up with a big push from certain powerful figures hellbent on banning what they perceived as "evil" media. So, hard rock, rap, etc. And then they also wanted to ban video games because they claimed it caused people to be horrible and do horrible things just like in those video games. And of course, when we all grew up and realized that we weren't suddenly murdering people or living like a violent video game nor were we worshipping Satan because we liked loud music or dark imagery - we realize those people were a bit extreme.
However, I think we also over-corrected. And it would get you strung up if you suggested media had ANY impact on how people act or how a society views things - along with social/cultural norms. And the idea of suggesting that "hey, maybe all of this isn't actually great for everyone..." was shouted down. That maybe we should be a bit more mindful of what we feed our brain - even if just for entertainment.
I think the answer lies somewhere in between. I think we need to acknowledge the impact of the media we consume while also taking personal accountability and responsibility. I don't think we should have to restrict/moderate/regulate things more - but it sure seems like a whole lot of parents aren't doing it themselves. I suspect the amount of 14-16 year old kids who have never played one of these games (https://list.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_video_games_rated_M) or one of these movies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_R-rated_films) or any song labeled "explicit" is in the minority.
It's all very normalized in a lot of places - from aggressive casual (often non-consensual) sex to extreme violence. And at a very young age. It's easy to be desensitized to it.
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u/DigiSmackd 14h ago edited 5h ago
I think it's interesting because a whole generation grew up with a big push from certain powerful figures hellbent on banning what they perceived as "evil" media. So, hard rock, rap, etc. And then they also wanted to ban video games because they claimed it caused people to be horrible and do horrible things just like in those video games. And of course, when we all grew up and realized that we weren't suddenly murdering people or living like a violent video game nor were we worshipping Satan because we liked loud music or dark imagery - we realize those people were a bit extreme.
However, I think we also over-corrected. And it would get you strung up if you suggested media had ANY impact on how people act or how a society views things - along with social/cultural norms. And the idea of suggesting that "hey, maybe all of this isn't actually great for everyone..." was shouted down. That maybe we should be a bit more mindful of what we feed our brain - even if just for entertainment.
I think the answer lies somewhere in between. I think we need to acknowledge the impact of the media we consume while also taking personal accountability and responsibility. I don't think we should have to restrict/moderate/regulate things more - but it sure seems like a whole lot of parents aren't doing it themselves. I suspect the amount of 14-16 year old kids who have never played one of these games (https://list.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_video_games_rated_M) or one of these movies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_R-rated_films) or any song labeled "explicit" is in the minority.
It's all very normalized in a lot of places - from aggressive casual (often non-consensual) sex to extreme violence. And at a very young age. It's easy to be desensitized to it.