Tag: Culture of Violence

Gun Violence

On By scottpetersenIn Culture of Violence, Real Time with Bill Maher1 Comment

Why does America endure the agony of gun violence? Yes – we need gun control. Red flag laws. Assault weapons need to be banned (as was done until 2004). Yes – young men have mental health issues which need to be addressed. Yes – smart phones and social media have exacerbated the problem. But where should the crosshairs also rest (sorry for the pun) for much responsibility for gun violence? In my opinion Hollywood bears some responsibility. And what is done? Nothing.

On January 3, 2013, I posted on America’s “Culture of Violence.” For me, this post was so meaningful that I reposted on 10/8/17 and 4/20/22. Please check it out. Violent movies. Cruel and murderous video games. What do all the mass shooters have in common besides their guns, social media rants and mental instability? THEY ARE ADDICTED to the violence of our culture. They are addicted to the oceans of blood and guts and murder and hate and revenge that we POUR into their minds with violent games and movies.

On June 10, 2022, Bill Maher hit the nail on the head on “Real Time with Bill Maher.” Folks – this is 8 minutes and 29 seconds. I ask you – to watch this. Please. Because it is a clear and understandable explanation of cause, effect and potential cure — of the tragedy of gun violence. Watch this. . . . .

A Culture of Violence

On By scottpetersenIn Culture of ViolenceLeave a comment

On Saturday mornings when I was growing up, I could watch one hour of television.  I was not allowed to watch “Superman” (the old one with George Reeves) because my mother thought it was “too violent.”  So I usually picked “Mighty Mouse” and “Sky King.”  On Saturday nights, I sometimes watched “Have Gun Will Travel” and “Gunsmoke” with my father.   In the old Westerns, if a bad guy was shot, he’d fall down.  Narry a drop of blood.  No coughing.  No twitching.  No movement.  And no gloating.   

In 1969, Sam Peckinpah ended that age of innocence with his iconic “The Wild Bunch” in which blood flowed in rivers and the carnage was suffocating.  I remember seeing the movie and going “whoa!” 

Today we accept that young people can watch movies that glorify horror, death, murder and fear.  They play (often for hours on end) the most violent, brutal, cruel and bloody video games.   Killing.  Burning.  Defiling.  Bombing.  There is the scalding inhumanity of and bloodlust for ultimate fighting and the degrading and debasing reality television shows where manipulation and back-stabbing win.  Hollywood sinks lower.  And lower.  And discourse more hateful.  But – hey – don’t you dare try and impose your values on anyone.   There is no “right” or “wrong.”  Don’t even think of mentioning the word “God” in school or a public place.   And heaven help you if you bring a Bible to school.   The ACLU and secular “progressives” (who want to impose their distorted values on you) will sue you, condemn you and run you out of town under the guise of safeguarding liberty.   

When you see the horrific violence that we as a Society wreak upon ourselves, I have to wonder if this new casual acceptance of violence and debasement of traditional values — doesn’t invite it. . . . .