Social Psychology: Aggression and the Media

Not too long ago, one of my friends introduced me to a Lifetime movie that intrigued me. The 2011 film is called “The Blue-Eyed Butcher” and was based from the events of a trial in Texas with a woman named Susan Wright (mylifetime.com). If you have not heard of this trial, I will explain it for you in more detail. Personally, I know that I had not heard of this incident until I watched the movie.

In 2004, Susan Wright was accused of murder in the first degree for killing her husband, her defense being that his cocaine use and absence from domestic life during the night time eventually led to her stabbing him (CNN.com). You can read more about this incident at CNN.com, but for now I would like to discuss the association between the media and aggression as it relates to this incident.

Aggression and violence in the media is a big subject for many people in the United States. This movie and trial show and demonstrate a lot of aggression! (If you haven’t watched the movie, be aware that it involves much violence and aggression.) Many people debate how much aggression and violence should be shown in the media because of concern for the modeling effect it can have on social individuals like us.

The modeling effect is basically one theory of the origin of aggression when demonstration of aggression through a “model” or person demonstrating for others can develop “behaviors, attitudes, and ideas about aggression” in individuals who watch this modeling (Markus et al., 480). Even though this may not be the purpose of the media, it can still have a profound effect on aggression individuals regardless.

The media’s role, specifically the Lifetime movie, in this incident is probably not purposely intended to display this modeling effect for others, but it is very powerful and some might find this display of aggression and violence controversial. Indeed, it does seem like something to be concerned about and perhaps we should be concerned for a network such as Lifetime, but to what extent? What do you believe about the media’s role in displaying aggression and violence? Do you believe it is intentional/unintentional?

If you have not watched this show, and don’t mind a bit of blood and violence, you should give it a chance and watch it. I enjoyed the drama myself. Here is a clip below for you to preview of the film in case you are interested. Comment, subscribe, or both. Have a great Thursday everyone!