We can change culture of violence

We can change culture of violence

Vote with your wallets and your opinions. We don’t have to wait for politicians to reinstate the ban on assault weapons to decrease the mass shootings that have been on the increase.

Each and every individual in this country could take personal responsibility to reduce the “culture of violence” in America today and every day by choosing to boycott every movie, every video game and all other media, activities or sports that have a violent theme or violent action. We, the people, can do this if we act.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers changed American attitudes against driving while intoxicated or high and individuals’ behaviors in this regard have changed. Attitudes toward smoking changed when Americans were told of the negative effects on health. We became less tolerant of smoking and smoking behavior has significantly decreased.

If all Americans concerned about gun violence and the American love affair with violence expressed those negative opinions and stopped attending movies and/or buying video games with violent actions, the manufacturers of those things would have to create other types of movies and video games — and the American culture would change. We, the people, can do this if we take on that personal responsibility, have the will and the determination and if we don’t wait for “someone else” to act.

Jean Alberti

Aurora