The Moral Implications of Watching Fights: A Critical Analysis
The act of watching fights, whether they are physical altercations on the street, organized combat sports, or violent confrontations in media, raises ethical questions about our society's values and the consequences of our entertainment choices. While some argue that watching fights is merely a form of entertainment, it is essential to recognize the moral concerns associated with this practice. This essay will explore the reasons why it is wrong to watch fights, examining the negative impact on society, personal values, and the individuals involved, with supporting evidence from credible sources.
One of the primary concerns regarding the act of watching fights is the potential desensitization to violence that it can foster. Numerous studies have shown that repeated exposure to violent content, such as watching fights, can lead to a desensitization effect, where individuals become less sensitive to violence and more accepting of it. This desensitization can have significant implications for society as a whole.
Researchers Anderson et al. (2003) conducted a study that found a positive correlation between exposure to violent media and decreased sensitivity to violence. The authors argued that this desensitization could contribute to increased aggression and a higher tolerance for violent behavior. This research highlights the potential harm of watching fights, as it may contribute to a culture that is more accepting of violence as a means of conflict resolution.
Watching fights often involves the exploitation of individuals who are willing to engage in violent confrontations for the entertainment of others. This raises concerns about human dignity and the ethical treatment of individuals, particularly in the context of professional combat sports.
In their book "Combat Sports: A Philosophical Inquiry," Morgan and Meier (2015) discuss the ethical issues surrounding combat sports, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity of the athletes involved. They argue that the commodification of violence and the promotion of fighters as mere entertainment products can undermine their humanity and dignity. Watching fights, especially when the fighters' well-being is not adequately safeguarded, can be seen as complicit in this exploitation.
Another ethical concern associated with watching fights is the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, particularly when the fights involve individuals from marginalized communities. The media often portrays fighters in ways that reinforce stereotypes about race, gender, and socioeconomic status, contributing to discrimination and bias.
A study by Kim and Willis (2007) examined the portrayal of race and ethnicity in televised sports, including combat sports. They found that racial and ethnic stereotypes were prevalent in the coverage, which can reinforce existing biases and discrimination. Watching fights that perpetuate these stereotypes can contribute to a harmful cycle of prejudice and discrimination in society.
While watching fights may be considered a form of entertainment by some, it is essential to recognize the moral concerns associated with this practice. The potential desensitization to violence, the exploitation of individuals, and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes all contribute to the argument that it is wrong to watch fights. It is crucial for individuals to reflect on the ethical implications of their entertainment choices and consider the impact they may have on society, personal values, and the well-being of others.
References
1. Anderson, C. A., Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L. R., Johnson, J. D., Linz, D., ... & Wartella, E. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(3), 81-110.
2. Kim, D., & Willis, L. A. (2007). Talking about race and ethnicity in sport. Journal of Sport Management, 21(4), 447-470.
3. Morgan, W. J., & Meier, K. J. (2015). Combat sports: A philosophical inquiry. Palgrave Macmillan.