Violence in Society Issue 8 Home Page

Photo: S. Peters There is more violence on TV, video and in crime novels than ever before.   The Cycle That Leads to Violence Claudia Vogt from Germany Claudia Vogt feels society needs to be more concerned about the spread of violence. I think people, especially young people (teenagers and children), have lost their respect for guns over the years. There is more violence on TV, video and in crime novels than ever before. Many children spend a lot of their time in front of the TV set, and their parents don't care what they watch. Parents don't even take the time to explain things or talk about violent scenes, so the children have to handle their developing feelings on their own which is not always easy. It's like a cycle: Violence is increasing on TV and video. --> Parents have less time for their children. Very often both have to work. --> Children are looking for contact with others; they are hungry for some attention. --> Drug and gun dealers have a good chance to act here. --> Children have needs, e.g., money for drugs and alcohol, but they don't know how to get money. --> Children are looking for a weak victim like an older lady. They hit her and steal her money. --> At this moment, they don't think—not about the woman, not about the consequences for themselves. --> In Germany, this kind of violence has increased rapidly in the last few years, not just in big cities like Berlin and Frankfort, but also in rural areas. I believe this development is dangerous for society; adults, government, and churches should pay more attention to youth. More on violence in society: The Need to Limit Gun Acquisition | Guns are Not the Only Problem Society Worries about Televised Violence | Social Action Against Violence Return to:  Violence in Society | Issue 8 | Home Page TOPICS Online Magazine - ©1997-2006 - Sandy and Thomas Peters - topics mag@yahoo.com