(no subject)
How fascinating that no matter what happens in this world, no matter what kind of evil, corruption or deceit occurs, Hollywood is never at fault. Hollywood has the most influence on the American people yet gets a free pass on responsibility whenever tragedy strikes. The recent school shooting in Connecticut is a perfect example. Instantly, couch politicians who normally pay no attention to local, State or national news flood Twitter and Facebook concerning gun control in America. How ridiculous. We live in a country addicted to Halo, Call of Duty, movies with gruesome war scenes or gun violence, idolize the gangs and ghettos, listen to music discussing such life styles, and then blame our gun laws? Where does society think the inspiration for such attacks comes from?
Perhaps many individuals refuse to hold responsible violent video games, movies or television since accepting these entertainment mediums as the source would imply a need to limit such entertainment, which of course nobody wishes to do. People don’t want to change their own wants, desires or life style choices, but desire everyone else too. Citizens who don’t possess guns are the first to declare society should get rid of firearms, since such a law would have no result on their own lives. If society honestly wants to see gun violence decrease, why not introduce video game or movie control legislation? I don’t care how many “studies” say there are no links to violence and entertainment as the source. This is simply not true. Without even realizing, subjection to violent content desensitizes society to the real dangers of violence. Citizens grieve and decry news of school shootings, but the sad truth is until society changes the addiction to drugs and violent content, history will repeat itself, and dare I state, more often. Of course nobody wants to hear this, or for an instant accept this as truth, since doing so would mean adjustment is needed where society least wants to see change. The heart of the problem has been found. Society will not assign blame on entertainment because people don’t want change in an area most loved by many. Citizens would rather see policy that doesn’t affect THEM changing their personal interests, but others changing THEIRS.
During the occupy Wall Street protests, hardly ANY protesters were outside the massive homes of Hollywood’s elite. Instead, protesters were blocking access to ports resulting in a few temporarily shutting down operations. Why were there no protests blocking filming studios? Same reason. Entertainment comes from these studios, and protesting there results in a disruption of entertainment, which society doesn’t want to happen. Citizens don’t want an end or disruption to entertainment, which most of America seems addicted to. You think I’m wrong? How often do you spend on entertainment in a day that involves a TV, game console, computer or mobile device? How much time do you spend on Facebook or Twitter? Were occupy Wall Street protesters found outside of Facebook or Twitter headquarters? No, not at all.
The United States has a culture and history involving guns and war. The 2nd amendment guarantees the right to bear arms and defend ourselves. Yes, something needs to change, for example deeper background checks and mental health screenings for individuals pursuing gun ownership. A push to ban guns is a pathetic excuse to overlook where the inspiration to perform violent acts originates. Ever seen the opening scene of Red Dawn? Look Familiar to anything that happened recently? The idea of killing massive amounts of people comes from somewhere, and ignoring entertainment’s influence as irrelevant is insane. Movies and video games that depict the most violence, anger, or nudity seem to always be the top sellers, or most talked about. If you want to rid the world of violence, start by disciplining yourself to not view such material. Chances are you won’t, because you don’t view yourself as the problem and you feel immune to the effects of violent content. You’re not at fault the gun owners are. Your obsession to Halo and Call of Duty hasn’t done a thing to you. Seriously, we as individuals need to stop lying to ourselves and pretending our own personal ways are not the problem. That mentality is ludicrous. Banning guns is inconsequential as long as the constant flow of violence is coming from the entertainment world. Hollywood will continue to produce violence content, because we the people create the demand. People will find ways to kill others in mass amounts, no matter if guns are legal or not. Banning firearms won’t stop this, but may prevent a fully trained concealed carrying gun owner from stopping the next one. If not guns, something else. Our lust for violent content is the problem, and until us as individuals commit to change our personal ways, we cannot expect the problem to disappear. Stop being lazy and change something in your own life. How about actually parenting your children and not having the attitude “kids can do whatever they want?” How about teaching children correct principles, and not allowing violent games or violent content in the home? Be the example. Do not preach “do as I say, not as I do.”