VIOLENCE: INVISIBLE CHAIN OF SOCIETY

Violence has become a part of our lives not only as a physical but also as an emotional and social wound. In a geography like Turkey, where there is a constant struggle, violence has almost become a part of daily life.

So, why are we so prone to violence?

Why do we harm our environment, even for things that do not exist?

And where does this chain lead us?

WHAT IS VIOLENCE?

Violence is defined as the act of causing physical, psychological or economic harm to an individual or a group. However, violence is not limited to one person attacking another. Violence is an expression of injustice, corruption, betrayal and repressed emotions in society.

Outbursts of anger in traffic: When a driver loses the right of way, he or she immediately swears or even physically intervenes. The reason for this is not a simple right of way issue, but the pent-up anger that has accumulated inside that person.
Domestic Violence: An individual who is struggling with economic difficulties reflects his/her helplessness to his/her spouse or children. This is not only an individual but also a social problem.
Digital Violence: We constantly encounter insults, threats or lynch culture on social media. This is just one of the forms of violence in the modern world.

WHY ARE WE SO VIOLENT?

Repressed Emotions:
People often cannot express their emotions in a healthy way. For example, an individual experiencing economic difficulties may explode in the face of a simple situation such as a long queue at the bank. This is not just anger about that moment, but accumulated helplessness.
Need for Power:
Violence becomes a means of gaining power or feeling powerful for some individuals. A powerful figure in the neighbourhood tries to establish his authority by spreading fear around him. However, this power is only a temporary illusion of control.
Social Norms:
In our society, violence is often accepted as a ‘sign of masculinity’. Individuals who grow up with teachings such as ‘a man does not cry’ or ‘be tough, otherwise you will be crushed’ try to solve their problems with violence by suppressing their emotional aspects.
Failure of Justice:
When people cannot obtain justice through legal means, they use their own methods. For example, a person who has a border dispute with his neighbour may start a fight instead of solving the issue through legal means. This is a reflection of mistrust in the justice system.
Cultural Influences and Media:
We constantly encounter violent content in films, TV series and news. This normalises violence and even portrays it as a legitimate problem-solving method.

EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE ON TELEVISION ON CHILDREN

Television has become an integral part of our lives. However, this powerful tool can have a positive effect on children as well as negative effects. In particular, violent scenes shape the thinking and behaviour patterns of young viewers in a negative way.

What does a child learn from the violent content they watch on television?

Normalising Violence: When children constantly watch scenes involving fighting, threats or bullying, they may think that violence is a way of solving problems. This also shapes their future behaviour.
Lack of Empathy: Violent content makes it difficult for children to understand the feelings of others. A child who grows up with violence may have difficulty understanding the pain or happiness of others.
Fear and Anxiety: Violent scenes can create a constant state of fear in children. This leads to anxiety disorders and insecurity.

Families have a great responsibility to prevent these effects

Controlling Media Content: It is very important to monitor which programmes children watch and how long they stay in front of the screen. Educational and creative content should be encouraged instead of violent programmes.
Parental Involvement: Watching television with children and discussing the content they see can help them understand violent scenes from the right perspective.
Alternative Activities: By introducing children to hobbies and activities other than television, you can reduce the time they spend in front of the screen.

THE RESULT OF VIOLENCE ANGER AND LATENT ANGER

Violence not only causes physical harm but also deep psychological wounds. One of these wounds is anger.

Open anger: People who show violent tendencies often project this anger directly onto their environment. This manifests itself in physical or verbal attacks.
Hidden Anger: Some individuals suppress their anger and may appear calm from the outside. However, this suppressed anger can accumulate inside the individual over time and lead to depression, anxiety and even physical health problems.

EFFECTS OF ANGER AND VIOLENCE ON SOCIETY

Fraying Relationships: Angry individuals have difficulty in establishing healthy relationships. This situation weakens family ties and social solidarity.
Environment of Fear: In a society full of violence and anger, people do not feel safe. This situation causes individuals to withdraw from social life.
Economic and Educational Effects: Angry and violent individuals are less successful in business and education life. This situation also negatively affects social development.

HOW DO WE GET OUT OF THIS?

Emotional Education:
An education system should be established from childhood to enable individuals to recognise and express their emotions. Anger control techniques should be taught in schools.
Psychological Support:
Individuals who show anger and violent tendencies can control these behaviours through therapy or group work. It is important to reveal hidden anger and process it in a healthy way.
Promoting Empathy and Tolerance:
Promoting a culture of empathy and tolerance in society plays an important role in reducing violent behaviour. When people learn to understand and support each other, anger is replaced by co-operation.
Media and Education Reforms:
Media content that encourages violence should be controlled, and content with positive messages should be disseminated instead. Educational TV series and films can set an example for the society.
Support Mechanisms in Society:
Structures such as community centres, shelters and psychological support lines should be strengthened to support victims of violence and angry individuals.

CONCLUSION: IT IS POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME VIOLENCE AND ANGER

Violence and anger are major obstacles for individuals and societies. However, this is not an unchangeable fate. We can reach a more peaceful society by reducing the content of violence, expressing our anger in a healthy way and encouraging empathy.

Let's not forget, change starts with the individual. Each of us can take a step to break the chain of violence. Because a world without violence is not just a dream, it is a possible future.

THREE BOOKS TO MOVE AWAY FROM VIOLENCE AND GET TO KNOW OURSELVES

‘Emotional Intelligence’ - Daniel Goleman
A guidebook for empathy, anger management and understanding how to build healthy relationships.
‘Man's Search for Meaning’ - Viktor E. Frankl
A classic on how we can find meaning and make peace with life even under difficult circumstances.
‘Nonviolent Communication’ - Marshall B. Rosenberg
This book, which teaches effective communication techniques to prevent violence and conflict, contributes to individual and social transformation.

FIVE FILMS TO GET AWAY FROM VIOLENCE AND GET INSPIRED

The Green Mile
A film with high emotional depth that questions the concepts of justice, empathy and humanity.
Dead Poets Society
An inspiring production about discovering the meaning of life and defending individual freedom.
Good Will Hunting (Can Dostum)
It tells about the importance of discovering our potential while struggling with anger and frustration.
Invictus (Invincible)
A story that reveals how Nelson Mandela's leadership transformed social division into peace.
A Time to Kill
A powerful film about justice, prejudice and the consequences of violence.

TEN SONGS TO SOOTHE AND INSPIRE YOUR SOUL

Imagine - John Lennon
A universal classic that stands out with its theme of peace and hope.
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
A work full of positive energy that reminds us of the beauties of life.
Fix You - Coldplay
An emotional song that you can find solace in difficult times.
Rise Up - Andra Day
An inspirational track that gives you the strength to keep fighting.
Heal the World - Michael Jackson
A song that calls for making the world a better place.
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
A classic that motivates you with its hopeful lyrics.
Let It Be - The Beatles
A work that will help you find calm in difficult situations.
Brave - Sara Bareilles
A powerful song that encourages courage.
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
An energetic song that makes you feel perseverance and determination.
You've Got a Friend - Carole King
A work that will warm your heart with its message of support and friendship.