Synthesis Essay- Researched Argument: Topic- What are the links between explicit sexual and violent scenes on television and self-destructive behavior among teenagers?

Essay by sk1992High School, 11th gradeA+, January 2009

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Synthesis Essay- "Researched Argument"QUESTION: What are the links between explicit sexual and violent scenes on television and self-destructive behavior among teen-agers?In its quest for new and sensational ventures to hold its audience, television must excavate into every existing taboo and destroy every moral standard in our culture: Adultery, divorce, homosexuality, fornication, corruption, incest, satanism, and terrible displays of explicit sexual and violent scenes. Because of its inherent power as a visual medium, and because of its almost universal presence in our homes, television can be one of the most effective vehicles for communicating constructive as well as negative messages to the public. Teaching viewers to manage aggression does not necessarily mean filling the airwaves with what we think of as typical educational programming.

Television is full of programs and commercials that depict risky behaviors such as sex and violent exploitations as cool, fun, and exciting. And often, there's no discussion about the consequences of drinking alcohol, doing drugs, smoking cigarettes, and having premarital sex.

For example, (Source B) studies have shown that teens who watch lots of sexual content on TV are more likely to initiate intercourse or participate in other sexual activities earlier than their peers who don't watch sexually explicit shows. Teens also have their own cultural beliefs about what is normal sexual behavior. Although most teenage girls believe that sex equals love, other teens -- especially boys -- believe that sex is not the ultimate expression of the ultimate commitment, but a casual activity and minimize risks or serious consequences. That is, of course, what they see on TV. Misconceptions include - all teens are having sex, having sex makes you an adult, something is wrong with you if you're not having sex, you are a virgin as long as you don't have sexual intercourse. These...