With the current rave going on in the world addressing issues concerning rape, riots, killings, social injustice, etc.
You may be thinking “Another case again?” or “This is not anything new”. You most probably may not feel triggered or emotional about any of these things. What you feel right now is called being in a state of desensitization; where you are emotionally unresponsive to both positive and negative happenings. When this feeling applies specifically to social issues however, it is called social desensitization.
You’re thinking to yourself, how do we get to the level of being desensitized cos I definitely do not want to be in this state. How can I get out of it if I am already in that state?
I love that energy; stay with me and I would tell you all I know.
Some ways by which Desensitization happens are;
- The continuous portrayal by the media.
This happens when issues that affect the society are gradually normalized through movies, music videos, comedy, advertisement, books and other media outlets.
Once a huge social concern is downplayed in these forms of media, it is not long before it is normalized by the society.
- Consistent neglect or inappropriate handling of these issues by governmental bodies
Another way this happens is when there is no response to these concerns. When a social concern is repeatedly ignored by the leaders of a society, the people get used to these occurrences even when they are abnormal.
Graphic movies, pornography, horror movies, explicit music videos (and books too) often trigger some individuals to engage in practices they have observed without being able to understand that what they had viewed was as an act meant for entertainment and not to be practiced in real life.
Other reasons why this occur are:
- The abnormal normalization of these issues by the society (me and you).
- Cultural influences that are yet to be appropriately addressed.
In understanding desensitization, it is important to note that it occurs gradually. It is not a sudden effect. It is similar to the proverbial frog that was put in a pot of cold water and placed on a stove. The frog is unaware of its unsafe environment until it boils to death.
When society is consistently exposed to these negative issues without properly addressing it or providing solutions, it becomes a normal act that is actively embraced
Unfortunately, the usual reaction to these things is “if it is not affecting me, then e go be”. The only time some people get concerned is when the issue gets close to home. For these issues to be addressed properly however, our response needs to be different.
Now how can we fix this?
- There should be no downplay of these social issues such as rape, immoral protrayal of women, aggressive protrayals of men, elevating wealth above people, inappropriate protrayal of sex etc. Desensitization easily occurs when these themes are repeatedly portrayed in the media. Movies that portray intense violence should be moderated and censorship increased.
- The government should respond immediately to these issues as they arise and set specific laws that target them without waiver. If immediate response is given to these situations, the seriousness of the issue will not be overlooked.
- Active participation and conversations should be had at basic levels such as homes, schools and social gatherings.
- Personally, we need to guard what we watch. We need to be observant of the thoughts we harbour. If we are not careful, we may act out what we have spent so much time on.
I know it’s hard, but we should not lose hope. Let’s continue addressing these issues by making sure we are also responding appropriately to them, and making valuable use of opportunities to address them.
We should continue to propagate the normal: Treat people as human beings by caring for them.
I hope we have been able to challenge your thought process, but before you go, here are some questions for you?
What other channels do you think encourages social desensitization? Are there other ways that social desensitization can be addressed?
Would love to learn from you so please, share your thoughts.
Written by: @onyiyechi-roseline
