Page 36 - Pure Life 11

Modern Media and Changing the Functions of Family /35

In fact, the role played by media is that it can weaken
or strengthen the common norms and values of the
society. When one’s beliefs and standards are weakened
vis-à-vis a certain issue, a form of behavioral nonchalance
starts to happen, so that the person sees himself liberated
from the restrictions and limitations of the past. If one
firmly believes that certain deviational behaviors are not
acceptable, then taking part in that action will become
unimaginable for that person. 1
Thompson argues that the effect of family, peers and
gangs on crimes is a lot more powerful than other factors,
and family plays a specifically sensitive role prevention
and control of crimes. 2
Alongside family, some scholars point to some other
factors that might have external or internal causes, but all
these scholars emphasize the depth and effectiveness of
media on our lives.
In sum, it can be argued that these theories emphasize
that radio and visual media with their glorious crime
depiction weaken the badness and immorality of criminal
behavior. They portray crimes as natural incidents
happening in all societies. In this situation we gradually
get used to immoral behavior and social misconducts, and
the ground is paved for decadence of social values and
corruption of healthy norms in the society.
Another social harm that happens in our society is divorce.
A very important issue in divorce is emotional separation.
Hidden divorce or emotional divorce means co-existence
without empathy and mutual feelings and emotions.
Emotional divorce paves the ground for official divorce.

1. Robertson, 1995, p. 176.
2. Thompson, 1991, p. 45.