Second in a series by guest author Anthony Marsella
Charting a “culture of violence:” Causes and consequences
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 pervading the United States.
As Figure 1 demonstrates, the manifestations and consequences of violent acts are extensive. They suggest a “culture of violence” that is generated by acts arising from individual and collective impulse and intent and sustained by tolerance and approval across political, economic, educational, military, and moral policies of institutions.
The omnipresence of violence
As the new year begins, let us acknowledge that violence abounds in American society, touching everyone’s life as victim, perpetrator, or anxious observer and witness of endless violent acts committed locally, nationally, and internationally.
Ultimately we are all victims and perpetrators through acts of intention or acts of silence and indifference.
How much more violence can we view on TV, how much more violence can we cheer and applaud in entertainment, how much more violence can we experience before becoming overwhelmed by a constant state of stress, anxiety, anger, and/or moral indifference?
Every person — regardless of location — is compelled to live with daily reminders of risk and danger. What is distinct about violence in the USA, however, is the existence of a national culture of shared, learned behaviors and meanings transmitted across generations via values, attitudes, and ways-of-life that are violent. This is our culture today. What can we do about it for tomorrow?
Anthony J. Marsella, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu