Catharsis Theory

Yeah, so in my perusal of various articles, I found this idea of Catharsis Theory in reference to violence in entertainment. It states that violent media allow the viewer to express pent up emotions through experiencing them through watching. In other words, you feel angry and you watch a violent movie to release your anger. Sounds good right? The problem is that while this may happen from time to time, more likely, someone is going to pick up negative emotions from violent media. Classic example: you watch a horror movie and you have terrible nightmares. The movie did not help you release any pent up feelings about going on a chainsaw rampage; it implanted the terrible idea in your mind. This would be a rather extreme example of the failure of Catharsis Theory. A person could very possibly be able to relate to a situation in a movie and be able to feel with the character involved, leaving a connection and understanding between the viewer and character. Here, Catharsis Theory would claim a victory, but such an example is the exception to the rule. Instead, when people walk out of a violent movie, the subject of conversation is usually focussed on the amazing feats of our fair hero and how he vanquished the nameless and faceless minions in a dramatic and merciless fasion.
So, Catharsis Theory, great in concept, but inadequate to describe the most common results.

My Video Game Made Me Do It

I recently read a post by Tijir on his blog Grand Gravey (found at http://tijirs.blogspot.com/2006/09/video-game-violence-in-media.html). He wrote in response to the idea that violent video games create killers. He argues that just like music, television, and movies before them, video games have become the scapegoat for violent actions. He says that even if killers happened to play violent video games, it can never be proven that the games are to blame for their misdeeds. Very true, but unless one can understand exactly what goes on in another's mind, nothing about their thoughts can ever be proven. Tijir concludes that the hype about video game violence is often some one's self-centered agendas being put into action. For the most part I agree with his position. Video games tend to be blamed for a lot. I can remember instances hearing people rail against a game for its content when I know from experience that game has no such material in it. I agree with Tijir, video game scapegoat-ism stems from general misinformation being spread by people who have already made up their minds. I agree with him that the solution lies on the individual level. He says "Quit watching or reading the articles that you know are wrong, do not support the ones who report it." Easier said than done. Since when has mankind stopped doing something simply because he knew it was wrong? If we see a sign on a pole that says WET PAINT: DO NOT TOUCH, we automatically have a desire to touch the pole to see if the paint is indeed wet. While Tijir's article leaves asks for each individual to be responsible for himself, I believe that is not enough. Change in this area will come about when individuals like Tijir take it upon themselves to intelligently inform others of the reality of the situation. This will stop much of the namecalling and so-and-so said that so-and-so said level arguments that video game violence has been reduced to.

Why am I here...?

Before you assume that the following material will entail some discussion of the meaning of life, you should note that I intend for the title to be asking the question about this blog and not me asking the question through the title. This discourse will therefore seek to answer itself about the reason for its own existence.

This is but one post among millions of other blogs. What is it that is attractive about a web log that has created this virtual community?

Blogs provide a way to create, organize, argue, share and record ideas. The strength of a blog comes from its opportunity for individuals to openly express their ideas. The lack of boundaries for expression guards writers from feeling pressured into any specific style or form. This gives blogs a more personal touch than many other methods of publication. Writers never directly face their audience and therefore need not fear direct scrutiny. Without such pressures, bloggers can be more authentic than other mediums allow. For this reason, when the subject turns to current issues, blogs provide an "unbiased" opinion. While every writer will have his or her personal views, he or she is not limited to the biases of any given news media.

Blogging is also very useful because of the ease of interaction with other bloggers. One is not required to communicate with other bloggers, but blogs provide a quick, organized way to communicate, share, and argue opinions. Therefore, blogging inherently encourages participants to catch a glimpse into each other's minds. Important life skills such as relating to others, critical analysis of ideas and structuring of ideas are developed by participation in blogging.

On a personal level, I believe blogging fulfills the call for Christians both to go into all the world and to serve God with our minds. The virtual world is as good a place to have a spiritual discussion as any. Just because one is a Christian does not give one permission to check one's brains at the door. Christians need to be out in the thick of debate, giving an apology for the faith or a biblical viewpoint on hot topics.

Conclusion. Blogging, it's good. Do it.