Media Ethics: Cases and Moral Reasoning

Twelfth Edition

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Chapter 14: Violence

Violence is an important part of the media landscape. Despite the aversion of many media consumers to violent media content, it is a part of our culture that we cannot escape or ignore. In this chapter, we consider the use of violence in television programs, films, popular music, comic books, video games, and websites. We discuss many of the ethical and legal issues associated with violent media content and consider some useful guidelines for the proper use of depictions of violence. This chapter will stir up lively discussion and debate by grappling with critical moral and ethical questions regarding the effects of violent media content.

Chapter 14 – Video Introduction

Transcript

Key question for the chapter

  1. Why is there so much violent media content?
    1. Why is there a high degree of public demand and appetite for violence in our culture?
    2. Is there a way to stop the descent of our media content into entertainment-degradation?
    3. How can we persuade producers seeking the highest ratings with controversial content that challenges moral boundaries to show restraint?
  1. How might we learn to use violent media content responsibly by considering the following questions as guidelines?
    1. Is the violence gratuitous? You can show that a person was stabbed without showing a drop of blood. Alfred Hitchcock was a master we can learn from.
    2. Is the violence rewarded or punished? In the story, are the violent acts shown to be rewarded; or are the negative consequences of violence shown?
    3. Is there a clear ethical or moral message conveyed through the violence? Does the audience learn an important principle or truth about violence?
    4. Can the same message be communicated without the use of violence? Is it necessary to move the narrative forward and create meaning?

Case 62

Discussion Questions

  1. Discussion Questions for the 13 Reasons Why Case
    1. How should parents effectively communicate their concern about the effects of this program to their own children who may be watching it and to the program’s producers?
    2. How should adolescents who are watching this program communicate with adults and teachers about their need to discuss the sensitive issues brought into focus by the program?
    3. What are the ethical and moral values that both the producers of the program and audiences of the program need to consider?

Weblinks

13 Reasons Why Case

Case 63

Discussion Questions

  1. Discussion Questions for the Violence-Centered Case
    1. Was Oliver Stone a good choice for a filmmaker to direct World Trade Center? What skills and experiences did he bring to the table from his craft that served him well in this project?
    2. Did this film portray violence in a responsible manner? Why or why not?
    3. What are the competing ethical and moral values that should be considered when evaluating the effects of this film on its audience?

Weblinks

Violence-Centered Case

Case 64

Discussion Questions

  1. Discussion Questions for the Comics for Big Kids Case
    1. Why are violent and sexually explicit comics like Nemesis, Flesh Gordon, King Pin, and Evil Ernie not restricted to adults only like most violent and pornographic media content?
    2. What is the ethical problem with providing violent comic books to target adolescent boys with repressed anger so they can see characters act out their aggressions?
    3. Do the imaginative stimulations of violent and sexually explicit comics help or hurt a reader’s ability to responsibly interact with neighbors, friends, and family members?

Weblinks

Comics for Big Kids Case

Case 65

Discussion Questions

  1. Discussion Questions for the Video Games Changes the Rules Case
    1. Have you ever played the video game Grand Theft Auto or interacted with acquaintances, friends, and family members who have played this game? What do you think the motivation is for entering into such a violent world?
    2. How does Grand Theft Auto portray women and is this portrayal morally sound?
    3. What might be the unintended consequences of the World of Warcraft players who video-recorded their online attack of a funeral service for an actual player who had passed away?

Weblinks

Video Gaming Changing the Rules Case

Case 66

Discussion Questions

  1. Discussion Questions for the Porn as Innocent Pleasure Case
    1. Why is the extensive availability of online porn worldwide weakening the moral fabric of societies that allow its easy access?
    2. Why do studies show heavy porn consumption leads to sexual dysfunction and discontent?
    3. Why is mediated sex an unsatisfying illusion that can never lead to the fulfillment of an authentic and committed romantic relationship?

Weblinks

Porn as Innocent Pleasure Case