First, here's an easy question:
Do you enjoy suffering?
In this case, I'm referring to YOUR suffering.
If you're like everyone I know, you'll respond by saying (emphatically), "Of course not!"
At this point people will tell me about how much they dislike headaches, angry people, robot phone systems, and so on, because these involve suffering -- or at least some form of inconvenience.
Okay, good
Then I have a hard question:
Do you enjoy watching others suffer?
In this case, I'm referring to the suffering on TV, video games, and movies.
Everyone pauses here.
Then they tell me, "But that's different."
Okay, I'll agree that this is different. The people on TV (or the movies and video games) aren't coping with something like a paper cut; they're being shot. Or burned. Or worse. All of these hurt more than we could imagine.
That brings us to a very difficult question.
How can anyone watch people undergo the most horrific imaginable suffering as entertainment? Really, tell me.
And that leads us to the real question.
What effect has this violent entertainment had on our society?
I think it has eroded our compassion. It has reduced our sensitivity for others. And in turn it has disconnected us from each other as members of human society.
On an individual level, this has also caused damage. It has put vivid fears into people's minds. The result is difficulty falling asleep, chronic anger, and loneliness.
Watching violence is perhaps the most toxic threat that there is to our mental and social health.
So what do we do?
Turn off violent TV.
Trash violent video games.
Avoid violent movies.
Note: I am absolutely appalled by the current crop of horror movies, crime shows, and war video games. While people have a right to make this stuff, the public has the responsibility to reject it.
Key Point: Serenity begins at home.
Much success,
Steve Kaye
714-528-1300
Author, Speaker, IAF Certified Professional Facilitator
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