Censorship won't solve schoolyard violence
Posted February 18th, 2010 by debritz
Like millions of kids of my generation, the one before it, and the one now, I've watched thousands of hours of cartoons and live-action television shows and films in which the characters have died in the most awful ways. It has not inspired me, or the vast majority of others who consumed this material, to take a weapon to another person. Yet, in the wake of the tragic schoolyard stabbing at Shorncliff this week, Queensland Opposition politician Vaughan Johnson reckons we need censorship to "shield" children from the "filth" on television. Johnson should study his history. The fact is that we had lived in less violent times since the introduction of film, television and video games. If he doubts it, he should read up on the ways people died in ancient and medieval times, and even in 19th century Australia. Humans had at their disposal an ugly array of weapons and torture techniques that could inflict slow, painful death -- and all of them devised by people who had never seen a crime drama on TV or played Grand Theft Auto. To think censoring film and television beyond the restrictions already in place will magically solve schoolyard violence overnight is, at best, naive and at worst dangerously misguided. Good parenting and good schooling will make a difference, though.
Brett, forgiving your anti cycling stance last week, I am in total agreement with you here. People need to stop trying to blame 'society' for their problems. It is an easier way out and an easier pill to swallow than the truth. The truth is that the individual is responsible for his/her actions
Nice one Brett.My mother died when I was 2 so my Dad brought me and my 3 brothers up on his own.He worked and we received very little help from the government.That was the way it was then.We live in pampered times today.Mum and Dad lose all their money on the pokies,its the Governments fault.A couple borrow too much money buy an overpriced house then fall behind with the mortgage,it's the Governments fault etc etc etc.
With respect to Vaughan Johnson I think we need less Government interference in our everyday lives.It's high time parents started talking to their children.They might find out whats going on in their lives instead.A touch of discipline and saying no to them wouldn't hurt either.
When I was 12 I wanted to go to the cinema.I asked Dad for some money but he said no.I 'borrowed' some money from his wallet and went anyway.That night I received the biggest hiding known to mankind.The funny thing was I never disobeyed him again.I have stolen anything in my life since either...Funny that !