Violence and Aggression in Sports is Because of the Media Research Paper

Violence and Aggression in Sports is Because of the Media - Research Paper Example A conclusion will hence be drawn as to the validity and weight of the thesis of the essay and a possible means of reducing violence and aggression in sports suggested. Introduction Violence in the field of sports is the physical and verbal actions executed during, around or directly linked to a sports event that are over and beyond the stipulated guidelines of fair play (Atyeo, 2000). This may be a boxing match, football, martial arts or even wrestling. These acts can and to include intentional assault of opposing players, abusive language and gestures towards referees. Threats also constitute violence. The violent and aggressive behavior witnessed in sports is as a result of the content of media coverage. Media (print, televised, audio and networked) has in the past swayed opinions, created and advanced perceptions and supported/ instigated different actions from the public they reach. However, it is worth noting that the media sometimes promote violence in sports unintentionally th rough live coverage. For example, the National Hockey League (NHL) of Northern America is characterized as lenient and supportive of gross misconduct, such as fighting between players. Hockey fans are entitled to watch the matches and the media is there to facilitate and satisfy this desire but its failure to censor occurrences of physical fights has in the past resulted in instances of violence perpetrated by the fans. ... the role media has played in fostering and fuelling acts of violence and aggression by sports enthusiasts and fans before, during and after sports events proving that the media coverage actively leads to and causes violence and aggression in sports. Discussion Giulianotti and Armstrong (2003) state that, â€Å"Modern day sports violence has its roots in western countries and was widely linked to the broadcasting of games on television sets† (p. 6). Popular belief suggests that initial cases of violence were directed and conducted by the working class individuals in an attempt to reclaim the various sports events which were primarily reserved for the rich and affluent members of the society. A decade later, similar incidences of hooliganism sprung up in more countries in Europe. The main reason the media creates and showcases sports violence and aggression is for the purposes of profit maximization through increased viewership and purchase of magazines and newspapers. The socie ty we live in is such that negative reports such as violence, deaths and accidents, during events attracts a considerable amount of public attention as opposed to more informative topics such as economics, healthy living, reforms among others, and the media utilizes this to its advantage. It is for this reason that the media will capitalize on every single opportunity that presents itself to report of violent incidents in sports events, with some glamorizing them and the perpetrators either with or without the knowledge that by doing so, they are just helping to polarize fans depending on their club loyalties. Children watching and reading the reports grow up knowing or thinking that violence in sports is something, which is normal and with such a trend, hooliganism in sports will never be