Think there’s too much violence in newscasts? Have hope: a recent Reuter story said some U.S. television stations are offering alternative “family-sensitive” local newscasts.
“The idea is to limit the number of video clips showing body bags, sheet-covered stretchers, blood-smeared pavement, glaring ambulance lights and other flashing images of crime in the big city,” said the story.
“Those kinds of images that are used are put into context. The stations are replacing the violent images with more feature stories, serious stories about community issues and more entertainment news.”
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After having some of the local cable stations subscribe to Detroit or other huge metropolises for several years, Prairie people can attest to viewing too much violence that is irrelevant to their lives. Does a roundup of Detroit murders, gruesome highway accidents and foreign assassinations make sense to someone in a quiet rural town?
Sometimes the scenes needn’t be shown, and they wouldn’t be missed. However, there is another side that should be remembered: a picture is worth a thousand words. A picture can prove an event happened, remain engraved in our minds and sometimes influence world events.
For example, recall that John F. Kennedy slumping into his car after being assassinated sparked national mourning; scenes from Vietnam led to anti-war feelings; scenes from cult-influenced mass suicides led to more critical analysis of fanatical religious groups; accident scenes can be grim deterrents against drinking and driving.
Unfortunately, daily dosages of violence depicted in movies, wrestling matches, computer games, music and art have taken away our sensitivity.
We’ve either become fascinated by the gore and yearn to see it, or we find it doesn’t faze us at all. Changing newscasts won’t change society. We’re too far gone.
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