Violence permeates our culture throughout all forms of media and on occasion into reality. Violence is an inherent part of humanity, for better or for worse. Instead of going into the reason why violence is unnecessary and peace is the only solution, I am going to take the unpopular route: why is violence so necessary?
The first thought that comes to mind is catharsis. Catharsis is defined as "the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions." This first theory of aggression has been repeatedly disproved by studies that violence or violence sports do not actually vent anger but increase it. Although this is true, catharsis or any expression/experience of emotions can be therapeutic "if they facilitate a cognitive or working through process." This reminds me of the samurai films where the hero goes through a desperate struggle for revenge. They usually end up dead by the end of the film although their singular purpose of vengeance is fulfilled. It is safe to say that violence isn't therapeutic.
I believe that violence is ingrained in our psyche/genetics from our roots as a species that had to fight for survival against all odds to become the predominant species on Earth. That the same energy we used to overcome the elements of nature and take control of our environment must be funnelled towards a higher purpose. This is where some people start to see forms of oppression and feel the need to take control. The ability to take control of circumstances can manifest in many ways but the quickest route is often violence. It circumvents all options and obstacles to create a solution.
By no means is it an effective solution. This escalation causes other people, groups and systems to escalate as well. Murderers are arrested, assaulters lose their careers and reckless militant groups cause full out war. This is why violence is necessary. It is safe to say those who seek to gain control using violence without mercy against the innocent and will not listen to the voice of reason or those who wish to mediate have fallen into madness. It has happened countless times before in murders, wars and genocides. It will continue to happen.
I write this not only because it is so pervasive in our world. I originally intended to directly to respond to ISIS. I am against war in almost every circumstance but I believe that this group has crossed all lines with their cruel acts of rape, murder and genocide. They must be stopped. But it is a scary situation considering it was war that led to the creation of ISIS in the first place.
I believe that violence is ingrained in our psyche/genetics from our roots as a species that had to fight for survival against all odds to become the predominant species on Earth. That the same energy we used to overcome the elements of nature and take control of our environment must be funnelled towards a higher purpose. This is where some people start to see forms of oppression and feel the need to take control. The ability to take control of circumstances can manifest in many ways but the quickest route is often violence. It circumvents all options and obstacles to create a solution.
By no means is it an effective solution. This escalation causes other people, groups and systems to escalate as well. Murderers are arrested, assaulters lose their careers and reckless militant groups cause full out war. This is why violence is necessary. It is safe to say those who seek to gain control using violence without mercy against the innocent and will not listen to the voice of reason or those who wish to mediate have fallen into madness. It has happened countless times before in murders, wars and genocides. It will continue to happen.
I write this not only because it is so pervasive in our world. I originally intended to directly to respond to ISIS. I am against war in almost every circumstance but I believe that this group has crossed all lines with their cruel acts of rape, murder and genocide. They must be stopped. But it is a scary situation considering it was war that led to the creation of ISIS in the first place.
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