Firstly I have to point out the distinct difference between unrealistic fantasy or cartoon violence, which, up to a point, will probably have very little long-term effects on children. Yes, children aren’t innocent and are perfectly capable of seperating fantasy from reality, so it’s unlikley they’re going to try and replicate Tom and Jerry. Furthermore, yes the long-term consequences of seeing graphic violence on TV are debatable, and the majority of people, be they children, adolescent or adult, who are mentally stable, living in supportive loving environments, it won’t be a problem. Of course, these are the one’s who are least vulnerable in the first place and who are most likley to change the channel when something disturbs them or whose parents are most likley to use parental controls.

On the other hand, the glamorization of graphic and over the top violence, with no or unrealistic portrayals of it’s effects or consequences (eg the torture on 24 actually working) is an issue. It presents it as acceptable, which does affect how people consider these things, and will desensitize those watching.

It is a difficult issue and quite frankly TV’s always an easy scapegoat and in a perfect world we would be tackling the underlying problems not attacking the media. But we don’t. I feel that program makers do have a level of social responsibility not to (as we Brits say) ‘take the piss’ and go over the top with their use of unncessary and graphic violence. Good program making doesn’t need to be all about the blood and indeed a bit of subtlety can go a long way.

All this said I don’t support over-the-top censorship, but I personally feel a ‘watershed’ system, like we have in the UK, works increadibly well for both sides. This basically means that before a certain time (9 pm) over here, it is assumed that children may be watching and TV programming should be constructed accordingly (i.e. no graphic depicitions of violence or sex, limited swearing etc…). After the watershed, if kids are watching, that’s the parent’s responsibility, they have been warned and programs can get away with a lot more (for an example, Doctor Who is pre-watershed, things like 24, Lost, or even HBO productions like OZ, Rome or Deadwood will air post-watershed without any censorship). People still get good programming and the sqeaky wheel can’t complain because the regulations are very clear and upfront about it.

What I object to is giving evil minds more ideas. 24’s entire premise does that, and I’ll be glad when it’s taken off the air, period.

If it offends you, change the channel. I am happy seeing Jack put the pain on the bad guys and gals.

Leave Jack Bauer alone! Why must the bureautwits always screw with him?

Our culture’s appetite for violence is something which should concern all of us.