_Jessie Staley is a freshman studying political science at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about student life for The Maneater._
Violence is a major part of our global society. Those against all forms of violence are considered outliers to the status quo while we glorify the “strongest” of our community members and fictional heroes. Society says that those who can fight the hardest or kill the most “bad guys” deserve our praise. We tell our children this and encourage it all their lives through dangerous sports, sadistic television programs and a lenient justice system. We spank our children when they misbehave. We smack one another when someone crosses the line. Siblings beat each other up.
It’s the way it goes. I reject this complacency completely.
It is no surprise that violence is linked to most psychological issues and trauma. It forms reflexive concepts such as rape anxiety, paranoia and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are national and global laws against all of these violent acts.
Why can’t this be further implemented on a social basis? Not to say that every incidental form of violence should be a crime, but that it should be socially exiled from the status quo. We should say no to violence culture.
It is “easy” to say that a simple spank or violent movie doesn’t affect development. It is “normal” to accept that war and genocide is out of our control. But justifying violence and ignoring injustices is wrong. Saying no to small acts of everyday violence or supporting antiwar movements is something everyone can do to stop violence culture.
Now what this would look like is something quite different than what present society is used to. Sports would be non-combative, and only defensive martial arts would be considered appropriate. Violent movies would have more mature ratings and eventually would become outdated. Loved ones would have to find new and more productive ways to discipline and deal with conflict. Anger would have to be dealt with in more creative ways than slamming a fist or kicking a chair or bashing someone’s head in. Children would not be allowed to push each other on the playground, and bullying would result in more severe consequences. Life would be better.
Violence is unacceptable and unnecessary. It does not belong in civilized society. For human beings, who pride ourselves as higher beings than other living things and our rapid advancement, violence is a real point of hypocrisy. It is as simple as that.
Let us rid ourselves of one of the few things that hold us back completely from true progress and peace. Violence does nothing good, and good does nothing violent.