Violence and aggression are inevitable in contemporary media. However, they are frequently not only in the news. TV shows have many episodes where characters demonstrate aggressive or violent behavior in diverse situations.
One of the examples of violence on TV is a scene from Vikings. Ragnar Lothbrok, the main character of the story, is, according to the Norse legend, the first Viking. The scene full of aggression and violence takes place on the battlefield. The main character kills one of the rivals with a sword and the moment when the sword transpierces the warrior is depicted in close-up. It is difficult to define one episode of violence and aggression in this series because there are many violent battle scenes.
The context of the scene is a battle. Both characters depicted are male in their late twenties or early thirties. As for the cultural belonging, the main character is a Viking, while the culture of his rival cannot be identified. Although there are many displays of violence and aggression in this TV series, their use can be probably justified by the fact that the film is a historical drama. Thus, one of the reasons the TV show includes much violent and aggressive behavior of characters was to reflect the situation of the epoch when Vikings had to fight to the last drop of their blood.
Ragnar Lothbrok, who became a king of Vikings, had to make his way to the throne. Another reason for the series to be so violent is the desire of its creators to add a dramatic effect. Since it is a fiction series, the impact on the spectator is important. Thus, the image of a courageous warrior who fights for the wellbeing of his family and his people is appealing to spectators. The fact that Ragnar Lothbrok was not born a warrior but had to leave farming and start a fight has an impact on the perception of his image. Instead of disgust, contempt, and fear, which are common feelings people share about violators and aggressors, Ragnar Lothbrok finds support and appraisal of spectators.
Still, there is too much violence, and aggression on TV and they finally cause desensitization in people. There are two ways in which TV influences spectators. One of these ways is constant exposure to violence which leads to the awareness that violent and aggressive behavior is normal and is an integral part of life. This way makes people less sensitive to violent episodes and makes them believe that exposure to violence is the norm. The other way in which violence and aggression in the movies are influencing people is using changing their self-perception. People who watch the series frequently compare themselves to the characters or just want to resemble them. This situation is mainly dangerous for people who are easily influenced or adolescents whose mind is still not ready for such amounts of violence. They develop a desire to resemble their favorite characters and can demonstrate aggressive or violent behavior as well.
On the whole, the issue of violence and aggression on TV should become a global concern. Due to the development of technology, TV is available to the majority of the population. Thus, its adverse impacts could have negative consequences, such as the belief that violence is normal, for many individuals, who may become violators and aggressors themselves.