In Sissela Bok’s article “Aggression: The Impact of Media Violence” the focus is set on the correlation between violence in the media with respects to how it affects violence in America. The article uses several examples of studies that have proven the negative effect of media violence in everyday life. Bok uses a logos rhetorical appeal with deductive reasoning in that violence in the media causes the American population to become more violent. I can’t help but compare this article to “Pandemic: My Country Is on Its Knees” by Stephen Lewis. In that article Lewis used several examples from his personal experience with life and death in Africa, and in these very personal anecdotes, he makes you care about what his appeal is. I find in the article being discussed, the author mentions several studies and speaks of many investigators, but goes no deeper than that. The reader is inundated with generalizations and research figures that don’t really tell the tale of the violence being committed. Say what you will about Michael Moore’s journalism and interviewing style however “Bowling for Columbine” was much more effective in arguing media violence causing people to be violent. In the film Moore speaks with family members of victims and criminals, media figures and American soldiers whose recollections paint a much clearer picture for the audience as a whole. I find Bok and Moore both to be biased towards the conclusion they are drawing for the audience, however to this end I find Moore’s method to be much more effective.
It is extremely easy to place blame in this world, however society must be held more accountable for the way in which children are raised. Violence has been carried out since the dawn of man, however if children are taught the context of violence and how and when it is needed society will much better off. I find it comical that a country that was founded on the battlefield, a country which survived a civil war, the Wild West, 2 world wars, and many missions abroad can be confused as to how its children can be so violent. Americans have a swagger about them that is proud to bear arms and to not take crap from anybody. A country based on this mentality is bound to be violent in its very heart and nature.
Hi Ben,
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea to bring in comparisons between Bok's article and Stephen Lewis's article. As well, such a good idea to point your reader to another source: Michael Moore. Yes, I remember this film, Bowling for Columbine, especially the scene where Moore goes into a bank to open an account and they're giving away free guns as part of a promotion. I always thought that was an odd promotional campaign. Trust Michael Moore to find it.
Yay someone responded to one of my blogs!
ReplyDeleteYes that was a memorable scene, I also enjoyed his candid interview with one of the creators of South Park, who was born and raised by Littleton, Colorado.