USA: A culture of violence


[Note from Kathie Malley-Morrison: Today’s post begins a series on the culture of violence in the United States.]

By guest author Anthony J. Marsella, Ph.D.

As the immediate emotions of the presidential elections pass — the euphoria and elation of the winners, the grief, despair, anger of the losers — the harsh realities of daily life once again emerge. Among these is the widespread violence that exists in the United States—many examples of which are displayed in the graphic.

Diagram of culture of violence

 

As demonstrated, the manifestations and consequences of violent acts are extensive. In the U.S. (and elsewhere), a “culture of violence” is generated, sustained, and promoted by acts that arise from both individual and collective impulse and intent. These acts all too often find tolerance and approval across political, economic, educational, military, and moral policies of institutions.

The diagram is neither comprehensive nor explanatory, aside from recognizing the reciprocity of the different acts and sources of violence. Each act of violence is both a source and consequence of other acts of violence—the inverse of an ethic of reciprocity.

What do you think of this model of a culture of violence? Can you see the ways in which animal cruelty, bullying, gangs, and the American media may be related to poverty, racism, inequality, and our high rate of incarceration in this country? And vice versa?

We will be writing more about these issues over the next few weeks and welcome your comments—including your suggestions for additions to or subtractions from this model of a culture of violence.

Anthony J. Marsella, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Past President of Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR)