Problem Solving the Raw Way

The following is the twenty-fourth in a series of essays written in response to the media analysis assignment described in the January 28, 2000 article on this topic page. Colorado State University student Luke Ryner analyzes WWF Raw's reinforcement of violence as an acceptable way to solve problems.

Problem Solving the Raw Way by Luke Ryner

The Red Raven comes out on stage with his apparent girlfriend to begin his speech on his upcoming championship match. From the backstage comes a loud voice bellowing obscene comments about Red Raven and his girlfriend. Red Raven is starting to become furious and angered. Soon the Red Raven goes running to the backstage to attack whoever it is behind this mysterious voice. As the cameras follow into the back, the Red Raven begins to throw punches and kicks at the person who was speaking. As the Red Raven is beating the tar out of the other guy, his girlfriend comes running to his side to cheer him on. When the dust settles it is clear that the Red Raven is the winner and everyone is happy. Is this the way we should act when someone starts talking trash? In today's world it seems people do act this way.

Today more and more young people are solving their situational differences with acts of violence or aggressive behavior. Television shows such as WWF Raw reinforces that violent behavior is an acceptable way to solve problems. With increases in school violence it is evident that this violent behavior exists in our society.

The television program WWF Raw displays simulated acts of violence as their main content. Many of the story lines that Raw airs are similar to the one described earlier. When a character wins they always are made out to be the better person such as "getting the girl," winning the prize, or being the hero. Now most intelligent mature adults will say that all of the wrestling is fake and they understand not to believe it. What about the young people who cannot establish this understanding that the wrestling is not real? Young people make up a fair majority of the viewers of Raw. Even though the wrestling show might have a rating, once a month big events which only adults can order to view, and is aired on Monday night for weekly events; it is still marketed to younger people. The WWF airs a show that covers the week's wrestling events that is shown on Saturday morning, prime viewing time for children. The WWF also markets action toys for children as well as a line of trading cards. So in fact there are young viewers who watch wrestling. And of these young viewers how many actually know that the show is all a hoax? Now that is a hard question to answer correctly. Raw is a show that puts women fighting men, men hitting each other in the head with chairs, belts, bells, tables, and even trashcans. In every match or battle the loser is never hurt from the activity. Or better yet Raw stages a serious injury to a wrestler, then in weeks to come the wrestler recovers fine and is back in the ring. The young viewers who watch this type of program are going to believe that you can aggressively attack someone and they will not get hurt, or they think that acting this way is the best answer to the problem.

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