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Immuned to Violence
"I am no longer appalled by violence, death and terrible tragedy."
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By Trevor Garner
I am no longer appalled by violence, death and terrible tragedy. After years of media bombardment, I am so desensitized that exposure to violence triggers the unexpected. I become invigorated. Like the bloodthirsty audiences of ancient Roman gladiatorial battles, I am enthralled and excited by the graphic, the gruesome, and the macabre. Like a drug, I crave my daily dose of kung fu fight scenes, shootouts, and fiery explosions. So why is this taboo?
It’s part of human nature to be fascinated by destruction, whether one succumbs to the temptation to act or not. Consider the news. Broadcasters prioritize stories of tragedy and violence, because these stories are compelling. If it bleeds, it leads. And so what?
I am by no means condoning murder, rape, or arson; don't get me wrong. At first glance, one wouldn’t peg me for a gore junkie. In fact, I seem fairly normal. And I understand there is quite a big difference between media depicted violence and the real thing. But being unfazed by violence does not make me a bad person.
- Trevor Garner is a senior at Grady High School.
Youth Radio Atlanta is produced in cooperation with WABE and funded in part by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
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