Too Much Torture on 24?
Thursday March 8, 2007
The first time we watched Jack Bauer torture someone, we were shocked because other than in the movies, scenes that extreme just didn't exist on television. Over the last six seasons, many of these torture scenes continue to shock viewers, and it has captured the attention of the group Human Rights First and the U.S. military. According to the Parents Television Council, 24 featured 67 torture scenes in the first five seasons and it was recently revealed that many military interrogators admitted to using the same tactics they have witnessed on television. Some U.S. soldiers have even gone so far as violating the Geneva Convention, citing the entertainment industry as the catalyst.
Recently, the dean of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, along with representatives from the group Human Rights First met with TPTB over at 24 to urge them to be more responsible and realistic when depicting these scenes. Will shows such as 24, Lost and The Shield downplay interrogation and torture scenes in the future? Will it compromise the intensity of these shows? Why do some viewers have a problem with separating fantasy from reality? We want to hear your opinions -- Post your comments below!
(Photo of Kiefer Sutherland and Paul McCrane ©2007 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Kelsey McNeal)
Comments
I have not seen the torture scenes as noted on 24, nor is it necessary to see them. The fundamental principle involved is man’s survival as a rational human being. If savages choose to try to deprive Man of his liberty and his life, then Man has the right and the moral obligation to use any means necessary to secure it.
24 – too much torture???? Are you kidding me? yeah lets tone it sown so its UN-realistic and no one watches anymore – IF YOU DONT LIKE IT – DONT WATCH IT !!!!! There are enough of us that like it – can separate reality from a TV show, I see cartoons with violence – but thats OK! Dont like it – dont watch it!
This is a TV show for heavens sake. Again, there is an on-off switch on your televisions. If you don’t like – don’t watch it. Those of us who like it will watch it.
Those who say “Don’t watch it if you don’t like it” seem to me to be missing the point: is this the image we want to send out – to our kids, to our parents, to other countries, to our war veterans who may have gone through torture themselves? How many of us actually enjoy watching someone be tortured?
Countless other films and shows have implied torture or maltreatment, but without the explicit depictions that have been appearing lately on TV. 24, Prison Break, The Shield and others have all sunk to showing torture, maiming and dismemberment on prime-time commercial TV, presumably in the quest for higher ratings and more sponsor dollars. I personally feel this is wrong.
Yes, I have exercised my ability to turn off these shows – but not until the offending scenes have already appeared unexpectedly. By then it is too late to “unplay” them.
The network “warnings” can almost be laughable: 24 is routinely preceded by a warning that “this show may contain scenes of violence” – episodes that do not contain scenes of violence are few and far between!
The image (I would hope) we project as representative of our civilization is one of NO compromise on the fundamental principles of man’s survival as a rational human being. That we will defend to the death our rights to Life, Liberty, Property and the Pursuit of Happiness. If this not the projected image of our current civilization then we must create it first in realty. And, dear reader, it starts with me and you.
I have enjoyed watching 24 since it began – but the past 2 years especially
have become more gruesome — I watch TV for entertainment and to escape reality – I do not enjoy watching torture scenes on my TV screen……whether this is “real life” or not…. my husband has decided not to watch the rest of this season of 24 as he says it is actually UNrealistic – not referring to the torture scenes but just the story line itself. I will continue to TIVO it and fast forward thru the torture – at least for this season – but am not so sure I will even begin watching the next season — if there is one — and I am certainly NOT alone among my friends either – many are also fed up with the viloence and quite disappointed with the turn 24 has taken……
I say that people need to think about the torture that the bad guys deliver to their innocent victims. As my husband said the torture that they inflict is probably much much much worse than what “24″ depicts the criminals receiving. Of course there is going to violence it is a show about Terrorists.
I,too, have become increasingly uncomfortable with the torture level on 24.I am very attached to the story line and show, and the fictional Jack Bauer is certainly an American hero, but somewhere there needs to be drawn a line…….when I am squirming in my seat, it is past the accpetable level.The story line DOES seem to be suffering, while the torture and violence increases.I expect 24 to be violent to some degree, but the story needs to be well-formulated, and the torture as a rare and regrettable act.If we fail to see torture as unacceptable, what separates us from our enemies?
When people say “If you don’t like it, don’t watch it”, that misses the impact that such materiel has on society, which has been well-documented by research. It’s not a matter of media only reflecting the realities of society, it goes both ways, with each influencing the other. To say that there should be no “compromise” on things like “Man’s” pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness misses the point that the alterations to society that are created by widespread media depictions of gratuitious violence and dehumanization can actually DIMINISH lives, liberties and happiness of those who aren’t involved and don’t watch the shows because of the changes made in the individuals who do watch the shows and the imact that these things have on society at large. As each show raises the level of violence, other shows follow suit. If the U.S. military is taking this seriously, and soldiers are specifically citing this as having a strongly negative impact on their behavior, you can’t say that it has no effect of people who watch it (or don’t watch it). Just like yelling “Fire!” in a crowded building isn’t protected because of the dangerous situation it creates, things like this should be evaluated if they have a negative or deadly impact. Perhaps change shouldn’t be made by government mandate, but by other means: boycotts, the writers developing a sense of social responsibility, etc.
I love 24! And I think the torture stuff accurately depicts some of the techniques that are actually used. If you do not approve of depicting these things, don’t tune in to the show!
I have watched this show since it started and have to admit I still look forward to it. I had not even thought of the torture being excessive until all the media attention to it. But I have to agree I have shuddered at the thought of cutting off fingers/ threatening his own brother so violently/ and now we all know he will probably have to kill his father who is evil it turns out. I will still watch the show.
And hope this is just fiction not meant to be true.
I decided to stop watching 24 this season, mostly because of the violence. I thought it was overdone and it turned me and my husband off. It also is so repetitive, Jack running around yelling being the only one who could make things right, Chloe being the only one who could figure things out on the computer. I’m sure those who condone violence will continue to watch and hope they have fun.