The expression of human feelings - Essay Example

? Argument Analysis The expression of human feelings is not always permittable in the context of the modern society. This phenomenon is clearer in the case of children who are usually enforced to hide their anger aligning their behaviour with the society’s claim for cooperation and compromise. The specific problem is analyzed in the article of Gerard Jones’s “Violent Media is Good for Kids”, where the following fact is highlighted: children are likely to express their anger through comics and computer games, which promote violence. However, it is explained by Jones that in the above case, violence does not have its common form and effects; it is rather a tool for expressing the natural aggression, which cannot be eliminated. Without rejecting the role of violent films and readings in the development of aggressive behaviour, Jones notes that for children the involvement in - imaginary - violent activities is rather beneficial than catastrophic – under the terms highlighted in the particular article. The views of Jones on the potential benefits of violence for the psychology of children are presented to the public using a specific methodology: the extensive reference to the writer’s personal experiences – in various forms and dates, from his childhood up today – in regard to the issue under discussion. More specifically, in the beginning of the article, reference is made to the writer’s personal experiences in his childhood and emphasis is given on the fact that Marvel comics – especially Hulk – helped the writer to face his fears for socializing and taking initiatives. In the writer’s adulthood, Marvel comics, helped him to make an appropriate choice in terms of profession – and become a writer; moreover, it is noted that the reading of comics with violent scenes helped the writer’s son to overcome his fear for getting involved in risky games (such as the climbing of a tree). Furthermore, Jones refers to the views of Melanie Moore, a psychologist who has worked in the specific field; the writer also describes the findings of the research he made himself – having worked with children who faced behavioural problems. The methodology used by Jones regarding the presentation and the support of his views can be characterized as effective, having the advantage of the personal testimony on the issues involved. However, the writer does not refer to relevant findings of the literature – meaning the findings of the empirical research developed by researchers in regard to the specific issue – no reference is made to statistics or to the studies of academic researchers on the particular subject. Moreover, it could be argued that the interpretation of the findings of his research is influenced by his personal perceptions – especially his personal experiences, as described in the introductory paragraphs of his article. At this point, the credibility of the research of Jones could be doubted. In this context, it could be argued that Jones has not achieved to persuade the readers on the validity of the views promoted through his article – referring especially to the potential existence of benefits from offering to the children access to readings and scenes that promote violence. The above view is further analyzed below. At this point, the ideas promoted through the article of Jones should be criticized and evaluated. The use of violent readings (comics, books and so on) or of films/ games which include violent scenes as a tool for helping the natural aggression of children to be expressed should be re-considered. The findings of relevant research provided by Jones may lead to the assumption that such practice is effective for controlling the anger of children, however it is not guaranteed that the opposite results can be avoided. Moreover, each child has different perceptions on the notion of peace and violence – being influenced by the conditions in the family environment. The provision of access to the children to readings and games that refer to violent scenes could negatively influence their behaviour – it would be possible that children develop violent trends after being exposed to games or readings that promote violence. The existence of such perspective – even at low level – should lead to the avoidance of such practices and the research for alternative methods in order for the natural aggression of children to be expressed. For instance, games, which require the participation of many children and the development of a series of activities, would replace the readings and the games promoting violence. The above option is not mentioned as an alternative in the article of Jones; instead, emphasis is given on the ‘unique’ power of violence to release the natural anger of children. It is not made clear though why such target would be set; the fact that all children are characterized by natural aggression cannot be accepted; Jones relates the increased the physical energy of children – a characteristic of their age – with aggression. In this way, the physical capabilities of children – which are increased compared to elderly – are ignored and their entire behaviour and activities are related to psychological factors. The above views, in regard to the assumptions and the suggestions of Jones, are justified by referring to the scope of the article of Jones – relevant phrases from the specific article can be also used in order to show the contradictions in the view of Jones regarding the value of violence as a tool for the psychological health of children. The thesis of Jones regarding the potential use of violence for help the children releasing their aggression is clearly stated in his article; indicative phrases are the following ones: ‘They were good for me because they were juvenile; And violent’ (Jones, p.1) – the above phrase is of significant importance for understanding the actual beliefs of Jones as the author speaks for himself – the good that comics with violent scenes did to him; moreover, it is noted – referring to violence, that ‘it's helped hundreds of people for every one it's hurt, and that it can help far more if we learn to use it well’ (Jones, p.3). Additionally, the author notes that his interest in proving the value of violence in releasing the natural aggression of kids has its roots in the following fact: the statements of psychologists that suggested the protection of kids from violent scenes and the similar views of teachers; the author notes that he tried to prove the opposite, i.e. that violence is not as harmful as the psychologists, teachers and parents claim; the above intentions of Jones are revealed in the first paragraph of the second page of his article – from ‘But all the while.. watch cartoons!’ and the phrase that followed, which was ‘That's when I started the research’. Having in mind the methodology used by Jones in order to support his thesis, it could be argued that his main purpose is to persuade the readers on the credibility of his view; he does not intent to provide to the readers evidence gathered in regard to the issues under discussion. He rather tries to prove that his view is fully justified, a target, which has, not be achieved – referring to the issues and the concerns discussed above. Regarding the achievement of his goal, to persuade the audience, it could be noted that the relevant initiative can be characterized as rather ineffective. The lack of appropriate evidence for the support of his arguments – in the context described above – makes his article a personal testimony rather than an academic piece of work. Through the structure and the language of the article of Jones it is made clear that the above author addresses a wide range of readers; his audience can be people of all ages and educational background. At this point, his ideas could influence the personal perceptions of the readers – especially if the readers do not notice the lack of empirical evidence (meaning academic studies); there is the chance that the personal experiences of Jones in regard to the specific subject are considered as sufficient evidence for his arguments; from this point of view, his article would manage to influence the views of the readers regarding the issues under discussion. The intention of Jones to reach the readers of the above category is revealed through the following fact: the author uses pathos in order to increase the credibility of his arguments – reference can be made, indicatively, to the following phrase: ‘Most of us are taught early on to fear our own’ (Jones p.3). At the next level, the intention of Jones to persuade the readers on the credibility of his views is also made clear through the tone used in his article; the text is written in first person giving the sense of story-telling, aiming to attract the attention of the readers and persuade on the credibility of the arguments. However, even through this methodology the aim of the author – to persuade all readers on the credibility of his views – cannot be achieved – at least not fully. The views of the author and the style of his writing reveal the following facts: the author has been strongly influenced by his personal experiences in his childhood; in fact, these experiences have been the basis of the authors perceptions on violence and its role in the expression of natural aggression of children – as described by Jones. However, even if his intentions are actually good, he should avoid supporting such thesis mostly because of the potential risks that such activity could high – referring to the exposure of children to violent scenes. In this way, it is not implied that the author has not ethos; however, he may lead people to develop such view taking into consideration the catastrophic effects of violence on children’s behaviour – as these effects have been revealed through relevant events – for instance the shootings from children against other children within schools. Works Cited Gerard Jones’s “Violent Media is Good for Kids” (p. 195 7th ed.; on Blackboard 6th ed.) Read More