Page 32 - Pure Life 11

Modern Media and Changing the Functions of Family /31

Media play an active role in all the above-mentioned
areas. In some cases, the immediate impact of a TV series
can easily be seen in the words and behavior of some people.
Radio programs also play an active role in decreasing
domestic violence, by tackling family and social issues.
Violence against women is worrying in all countries of
the world even in advanced countries that have
progressive laws to prevent violence in families. 1
In advanced countries, media are used as an effective
tool in reducing domestic violence, in fact these are the
wants and needs of government and social institutions.
However, in the other side of the coin, the commercial
film production companies and cable TV programs are
worsening the situation by showing action movies.
It can be deduced from the status quo that social
benefits that governments are seeking are in contrast to
material and monetary goals that film production
companies are pursuing. Depiction of violence in movies
will stimulate violent behavior, since violence does not
curb the temptation for violence. In fact violence
stimulates violence and foments aggression and violent
behavior among people.
On the other hand, victims of the family violence
(mostly women and children) look for ways to tackle this
situation. Programs that talk about equality of men and
women’s rights, roundtables that pay attention to family
issues with guests such as lawyers, counsellors,
psychologists and sociologist in media are valuable
attempts to increase awareness of family members about
their range of responsibilities and rights.

1. Clein, 2004, p. 25.