Cultural+Violence

Cultural violence is the social justification of violence (direct or indirect) through media, social structure, religion or religious institutions, art, etc. It is any facet of culture, whether absorbed in the home, school, workplace, or where ever, that encourages violence, permits us to ignore violence, or allows us to send our conscience on a vacation by deeming an act of violence natural or socially acceptable.

[|This Radiohead music video] is a nod towards issues that are perpetuated on a more global scale than what we're talking about, but I thought it was relevant all the same.

In what ways to we directly or indirectly exploit others? What aspects of our lifestyles should we be held accountable for if they, in some way, cause another person to suffer? How responsible are we for the suffering of others and which "others"?

Another random (and musical) example of cultural violence. I **hate** this [|Eminem song]. It's so offensive in so many ways. Just the title is an example of cultural violence (in relationships). "I love the way you lie"? Since when did that become ok? "Just gonna stand there and watch me burn, but that's alright because I like the way it hurts..." The lady friend in this song is romanticizing victimization.

Oh, also this. HAhahaha. Pictures for Sad Children is a webcomic and it is excellent. But seriously, this one seems relevant to all the types of violence we've discussed. So get your dose of snarky satire.