Blog Post 5

Men are usually in the frontline when the topic of violence arises. But according to an article in BBC News women are now taking part in violence in an increasing number. Some would argue that females historically are the more submissive sex, but now according to the BBC article, “Dr Sally Henry, a researcher from Brunel University, argues that images in the media are "feeding" aggression among girls.” And she believes the violence they become involved in is a kind of twisted feminism.” The violence that we all consume effects all people apparently pretty much equally, women and girls seem to be affected by this as well at a young age, but just aren’t as publicized for their acts as much as men usually are. This could be due to many different factors like, their violence being on a small scale, or not being reported, or that they are just better at getting away with things? Just like their counterparts it seems that modern day media and pop culture is starting to change the outlook young women have on violence.
“Dr Henry told the BBC News website: "It's not surprising these things are happening because girls are witnessing scenes on TV, in films and in music videos where it's not just men committing violence, but women too. "These girls think physical violence empowers them. It is feeding their aggression and they are misinterpreting it as some kind of feminism." The definition of feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. So does this mean that every time a group of people want something done in this world it has to result in violence in order to gain equality or fairness? The article focuses mainly on teenage girls committing  the violence, and only touches on older women committing the same acts stating that, “in fact, overall, the female prison population fell by 2% between February 2006 and February 2007, although the number of girls aged 15 to 17 in custody increased slightly from 64 to 69. “ Teenage girls are becoming more active in gangs and might at times have the false impression that when they commit violent acts that it will make boys like them, due to the attention they receive or the way their peers praise the young girls after fighting or committing a violent act.  
If the numbers are continuing to go up in violent acts being committed by girls how can we deter this issue? We need to look to education and a sense of respect for the law. Society should try and help teach not just girls but all kids about how to handle their problems, and what to do if they have some sort of issue. It seems that educating on the topic of violence in high school is a bit too late in a child’s timeline, because by then they are actively violent and have painted a picture on what violence is and can do for them. Being an empowered person should not come down to whether or not you can beat up the next guy or girl next to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAjXJ5DezqQ
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6552177.stm