Violence in Media

In her article ‘The Better to Eat You With, My Dear’ Thea Hughes asserts the notion that the depiction of violence in media exists as a byproduct of the violence itself. Presenting her argument with a certain degree of objectivity. Hughes emphasizes her points by citing human history and science, rather than relying upon subjective evidence or moralistic interpretations that often surface in such discussions. The thesis “No, media are not responsible for violence; in fact, as can clearly be seen, violence creates media.” is one that finds strong support not only in historical accounts but also in the present state of human affairs today. Current global events remind us that violence persists as the last form of resistance, sometimes the only option a person has as a means of survival.

It is an objective fact that violence has been prevalent all throughout human history, often serving as a necessary means for the survival of the species. In the United States, a significant correlation exists between violent crime and socioeconomic disadvantage. Individuals are most compelled to engage in violence when they can morally justify their actions, whether for survival or in the name of an ideology. As globalization has strengthened socioeconomic conditions across the globe, the presence of violence as a means of survival has substantially diminished. A moral compass is inherent to most human beings, developing early in life. Even infants demonstrate a basic form of this, understanding their dependence on others for survival. Through nurturing, they develop empathy and affection, learning that life is sustained through collaboration.

The reason violence creates media is directly correlated to the moral compass most people possess. Media acts as a vessel through which human beings can express the full spectrum of the human condition. Through the art of storytelling, whether it be in books, music, film, or art, people convey their experiences, ideologies, and emotions. Violence is so prevalent in media not only because it is an innate aspect of the human condition, but also because we seek to live in a world perceived as just. The portrayal of violence in media mirrors the conditions of the greater world around us, and often tells stories that resonate with our collective sense of morality.

The story of Cain and Abel is often regarded as the first account of murder in human history. This story, where Cain kills his brother Abel and is then condemned by God to live a life of aimless wandering and guilt, underscores a pivotal lesson: that while divine authority cannot prevent the free will that leads to violence, individuals are certainly not absolved from the consequences of acting on these instincts. This enduring story reflects the complex relationship between our inherent capacity for wrongdoing and our quest for moral goodness. It illustrates why violence captivates our media; we are compelled to confront and depict it, to understand our nature, and to navigate the moral landscapes we inhabit. Such narratives resonate deeply because they reflect the eternal human struggle between our darker impulses and the aspiration to uphold goodness within ourselves and our societies. Thea Hughes was correct in asserting that violence creates media; media serves as the conduit through which human beings articulate the full extent of the human condition.