Violence as entertainment

Nature

Some persons are emotionally stimulated by viewing scenes of violence in entertainment, such as television films based on crime, horror movies or violent sports such as boxing or bull-fighting. The fear thus engendered can produce an intense emotional satisfaction.

Claim

The viewing of violence as entertainment is dangerous for adolescents as violence can become their main emotional gratification and thus encourage delinquency. There seems to be growing evidence that TV violence induces a sense of paranoia and fear in the general public. There is 10 times more violence on television in the USA, for example, than there is in life and this is leading large numbers of people - particularly women, the elderly, non-whites and disadvantaged citizens - to think of themselves as victims. It can be argued that when people think of themselves as victims, they act as victims, and thereby tend to be victimized.

Counter-claim

Violence as entertainment is often overstated as a problem. In reality, it serves as a cathartic outlet for audiences, allowing them to explore complex emotions in a safe environment. Movies, video games, and other media provide a clear distinction between fiction and reality, fostering critical thinking rather than desensitization. Instead of fearing violence in entertainment, we should embrace its role in storytelling and cultural expression, recognizing it as a reflection of human experience rather than a societal threat.