Many years ago the American Broadcasting Co. carried out a survey of 'kids' to see what effect if any 'violence' in movies and plays had upon them.
I'm not sure what the outcome of that survey was.
However, let's go back to Wm. Shakespeare - in many of his plays there is 'war' or reference to 'war' or the possibility of 'war', somewhere, usually abroad.
I think the intention of 'violence' in plays and movies, is to arounse the aggressive nature of the males in the population.
Take this next speech, from Wm. Shakespeare's "Henry V" - starring Lawrence Olivivier - the film was made during WW2 and the purpose it was to rouse the young men and the people of the country to 'war'. It has no other purpose.
St. Crispin's Day speech - Henry V - Larry
http://youtube.com/watch?v=P9fa3HFR02E&f…
There is no doubt that arousing male aggression is important at time of war. Some might even argue that arousing male aggression is a positive thing and that if it can be directed properly, then it can be of benefit to society as a whole.
I'm not entirely convinced about any of the findings. I only know one thing and it is this, as an old soldier, I know that if youg men are not prepared to fight for their country in time of war, then we are doomed to be defeated by our enemies.
A few days ago we celebrated the Dam Busters raid on the mighty dams of the Rhur. Guy Gibson VC who lead that raid was only 23 year old. He was a national hero then and remains so to this day and forever.
Warbird - Rolls Royce Avro-Lancaster - RAF Bomber Command
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNt1Cn2Uy…
The Avro-Lancaster bomber of WW2 is a magnificent sight. We should never forget the sacrifice of the Dam Busters - fifty of their number never returned from their daring raid over the Rhur on that night.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM