The question of what exactly constitutes "symbolic violence" is an important one when it comes to discussing its potential effects on individuals' mental health. Generally speaking, symbolic violence refers to a form of aggression that does not involve physical force but rather occurs through the manipulation of images, symbols, language, and other forms of communication. This can take many different forms, including stereotypes, propaganda, and various types of political discourse.
Someone who experiences repeated exposure to messages about their group being inferior may eventually internalize those beliefs and begin to feel ashamed or even depressed as a result. Similarly, someone who repeatedly sees depictions of women as objectified sex objects may come to view themselves in this way as well, leading to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem.
One particularly insidious form of symbolic violence often encountered in media representations is the depiction of gendered violence against women. In television shows, movies, and video games, men are often portrayed as strong and dominant while women are portrayed as submissive and weak. These representations reinforce harmful gender roles and norms that contribute to real-world violence against women. Women who watch these media products may begin to believe that they should be subservient to male partners or that they must conform to narrow beauty standards in order to be considered attractive. The psychological consequences of such exposure can include anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Another form of symbolic violence commonly seen in media is racism. Racist stereotypes and tropes abound in popular culture, from black characters being portrayed as violent criminals to Asian characters being portrayed as geeks or nerds. These representations can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and fear among members of minority groups, which can then manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or high blood pressure. Repeated exposure to racist messaging can also contribute to internalized racism, whereby individuals begin to believe negative things about their own group that were originally communicated by others.
Symbolic violence can also occur through sexualization. The widespread objectification of women's bodies in advertising, music videos, and other forms of entertainment contributes to a culture wherein women are valued primarily for their appearance rather than their intelligence or accomplishments. This can have severe consequences on mental health, including body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to increased rates of sexual assault and harassment, as men come to view women as objects rather than people with full human rights.
The effects of symbolic violence on mental health can be profound and long-lasting. While some may argue that these messages are simply part of the "entertainment" industry and should not be taken too seriously, they nevertheless shape our attitudes and beliefs about ourselves and others. We must therefore seek to challenge harmful media representations whenever possible, encouraging more nuanced and inclusive depictions of all genders, races, and orientations.
What are the psychological consequences of repeated exposure to symbolic violence in media representation?
Research suggests that repeated exposure to symbolic violence in media representations can have several psychological consequences, such as desensitization, trauma, anxiety, fear, and aggression. Desensitization refers to the numbing effect on individuals' ability to empathize with others who experience or witness real-life violence due to prolonged exposure to violent media content.