Nothing cartoonish about sniper

I was completely shocked after I saw the editorial cartoon in Thursday’s paper.

In case you didn’t get a chance to read the paper, the cartoon, entitled “Through the eyes of a madman,” depicted the rifle scope of the sniper loose in Fredericksburg, Va. The rifle scope was pointed at an innocent little boy who was seen carrying a Sesame Street lunchbox in his left hand and hugging his mother.

To say the least, the cartoon was cruel. While the cartoon may portray the frame of mind of a madman, I believe that it is also a subtle form of systematic desensitization to violence.

Recently, the Fox Network delayed the release of its movie, Phone Booth – a movie about a sniper – perhaps because the network didn’t want to offend the public. Yet, what if there were no sniper loose in America and the film were released? Would the sniper movie be considered a form of entertainment?

What I really don’t understand is why the film industry shows heinous scenes of murder, kidnapping and rape and then expects people not to imitate the criminal behavior of actors. One could argue that the so-called “common sense” of the viewer would be a major factor in determining the person’s behavior.

However, actions speak louder than words, and they can often prove to be costly.

On a personal note, as someone who has volunteered in an emergency room for the last three years, one thing which I have learned is that sometimes when people watch the NBC television show ER, they will arrive in the emergency room with faulty thoughts as they assume that their medical treatment will be identical to that seen on the television show. In a word, “NO!” My former argument illustrates the point that people sometimes have difficulty distinguishing TV from reality.

From an early age, children may learn about violence from cartoons on television.

When I was in second grade, I remember learning about the explosive effects of dynamite – not in science class – rather through the “classic” Wile E. Coyote cartoons. Additionally, I was taught by Tom & Jerry that when one is trying to chase his opponent, he should use a sledgehammer.

Children who experience prolonged exposure to violence may eventually perceive it as a social norm, and thus may become desensitized to violence within their environment.

When you live in a society that is desensitized by violence, you open up the doors to abuse, murder and acceptance of things we should never accept.

Farah Beg is currently the President for Psi Chi