Expository Essay Question:
'Violence in the world has increased and this is largely the media's fault'. How far do you agree?
Thesis Statement:
The increase in violence in the world is largely caused by the media as it is extremely predominant in our lives today.
Argument 1: (In Support of Statement)
The increase in violence is largely caused by the media as it glorifies violence and promotes it as 'cool' to the viewers who are mostly young, impressionable youths
Evidences:
(a) Compilation of Journal Articles
http://www.dikseo.teimes.gr/spoudastirio/E-NOTES/V/Violence_in_the_Media_Viewpoints.pdf
(b) Grand Theft Auto Video Game and Violence
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500172_162-708794.html
Argument 2: (In Support of Statement)
The increase in violence is largely caused by the media as it repeatedly exposes youth to violence and hence, desensitize them to it
Evidences:
(a) Article titled 'Violet Media can Desensitize Minds'
http://news.health.com/2010/10/19/violent-media-can-desensitize-the-minds-of-young-males/
(b) YouTube Video on Desensitization of Children to Violence
Argument 3: Against the Statement
However, there are other factors which lead to the increase of violence in the world. One example is the legalization of firearms. This national policy has made it easier for people to purchase guns and use it for violent means.
Evidences
(a) Bowling for Columbine Documentary - Gun Culture in America
(b) Article titled'U.S gun culture as a social disease'
Conclusion
Although there are other factors such as national policies which allow the possession of firearms, the media remains mostly responsible for the increase in violence in the world today. This is because it has managed to pervasively dominate our lives and has become an essential part of our everyday life that it governs the way we think and behave. This is especially so for the young and impressionable who spend a lot of time on media-oriented devices such as the Internet, Video Games and Television.
