Friday, July 20, 2007

What Happened to Content Warnings?

Twice since yesterday evening, I have been subjected to violent, gruesome video shown on MSNBC News Channel.

Both the videos, one of a policeman shooting a suspect and the other of a dog fight, were shown with no warning that the story may contain violent or graphic images. Both stories opened with the video playing so I had no chance to change the channel or even look away before being assaulted with these images.

When did it become acceptable to show things like this on television without warnings? I'm not a Pollyanna, I know horrible things happen in the world. I know that the constant barrage of fictitious violence in movies and television programming is desensitizing us to real violence, but isn't just casually showing real violence even worse?

I don't want to see it. And I don't like not being given the option.






Loki sez: No, I don't want to see!

3 comments:

Paula said...

I agree. I never want to see that stuff.

Margo said...

I know exactly what you're talking about. That's why I don't even watch the news anymore. I'm happy in my oblivious state of mind. Ignorance is bliss. Seriously, I know it's happening. I can't do much about it. Why put myself through the agony of being subjected to it?

Marcheline said...

I agree with you on this completely.

Did you know that when people are being treated for depression, along with their prescription drugs, the doctors' instructions are to avoid the TV news and reading newspapers?

That says a lot about our world, I think. Or maybe what our news media chooses to focus on.

I always say there should be a "good news" channel. One where they only air good things. Lost kids being found alive, kittens being saved from trees, live broadcasts from the Harry Potter book release party... you know, stuff like that.