A Week of Violence
Start writing a post
Politics

A Week of Violence

20
A Week of Violence

It has been a horrible week. It seems like every day there was another incident of violence. In one day there was a workplace shooting on the west coast and a congressman was shot on the east coast while he was preparing for a congressional softball game.

As soon as the congressman was shot, the Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, jumped on the gun control bandwagon.

I don’t debate the fact that we probably need more restrictions on buying guns, but if a housewife wants to buy a .38 to feel safe, she should be able to do it with little hassle. The people that execute these heinous crimes are about to break some serious laws by killing people, do you think breaking a few more by acquiring a gun illegally is going to make much difference?

I applaud Trump for not making this horrible crime a political statement. He simply offered his condolences, support and called for unity.

"We may have our differences, but we do well in times like these to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital is here because, above all, they love our country," Trump said, "We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans, that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace and that we are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good."

Instead of blaming the lack of gun control for the increase in these horrible attacks, I ask you to consider something called the Cultivation Theory. The Cultivation Theory was created by George Gerbner and his colleagues in the mid-1970’s. The theory explains that people’s conceptions of social reality are influenced according to exposure to television. The Cultivation hypothesis states that the more television people watch (now we could add social media time and online time), the more likely they are to hold a view that is closer to television’s depiction of reality.

In the mid 70’s people had newspapers and the evening news to bring the horrors of the world into their living room. Today we are influenced almost 24/7 by images and news from a myriad of sources, some factual some not so factual, so it stands to reason that what we are fed by news outlets influences the way people think.

This is a bi-patrician issue. Both conservative and liberal have been quoted by media calling for violent rebellion by the people. To make things worse the news media and television no longer vilify things like the so-called comedic image of a beheaded President or the play in New York that assassinates the President daily in their performances.

When a culture is constantly bombarded by images of violence and this violence is applauded not shunned it stands to reason that the influences would lead to weeks we have had this week.

I am not saying this is the sole reason for the violence, the problem is so immense and there are no simple fixes but we as a couture have to let politicians know that the evil violent vitriol that is spouted will not be tolerated.

Comedians that glamorize the violent death of a sitting president need to be condemned by both liberal and conservative. We no longer have a right or wrong everything is up to the person to determine what is right or wrong to them. To a point, I agree. When it comes to violently portraying hatred for another person or people group it needs to be wrong no argument and with no regards to religion or political beliefs. Some things are just wrong.

The issue with the increase in violence in so much more complicated than could be addressed in 500 words but I think a good place to start is for us all to remember we are all human beings and all of our lives are important.

We were all put on the earth for a reason and just because what you believe and how you live your life may make me uncomfortable doesn’t give me the right to harm you or create images that depict harm toward you.

The scene at the congressional softball game that went on despite the earlier violence needs to happen on a national scale. Liberals and conservatives were gathered together to form a unified front against the violence. I hope that this incident resonates in Washington and helps these leaders address the nations and the world's issues with that same unified front.

We hold different beliefs but if we can find the common ground to value each others lives no matter if we agree then just maybe we can change the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70710
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132335
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments