Assignment task:
Does our society transmit mixed messages about the acceptance of violence? Family violence and abuse are widely acknowledged as a damaging and pervasive social problem in America that occurs across various social classes, racial groups, age categories, and religious associations. While as a society we collectively acknowledge that family violence and abuse are unacceptable, how do we separate this from other forms of violence that are openly accepted or even encouraged? Identify various forms of entertainment, either sports or media, where violence is acceptable. Specific discussion starters might include:
- As a nation, how do we intervene or react to other nations we are in conflict with?
- How much of our national spending goes to defense versus other government-funded programs like Social Security and Medicaid?
- Were you ever told that it is okay to hit someone who is picking on you or bullying you?
- How does the public respond to athletes and sports figures that abuse their intimate partners or family?
- Why are action movies and violent video games so popular?