Source: Ghanaija
In the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, lived a teenage girl named Amani. She was a bright and ambitious student with dreams of becoming a journalist. Despite the challenges in her life, Amani found solace and inspiration in watching action films. Her favorite pastime was to immerse herself in the world of high-octane chases, epic battles, and heroic feats.
One evening, while lounging in her modest living room, Amani tuned into a popular action film on TV. The film, set in a fictional city, showcased relentless violence, dramatic fight sequences, and larger-than-life heroes. As Amani watched, she couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement and a sense of empowerment. However, beneath the surface of this thrill lay a growing concern that Amani could not quite articulate.
A few weeks later, Amani’s friend, Chidi, from Lagos, Nigeria, visited Nairobi. Chidi was also a fan of action films and had come to discuss their mutual interest. They spent hours watching movies and analyzing the characters’ actions and decisions. Chidi, however, had recently come across an article discussing the impact of violence in films on teenagers, which he shared with Amani.
The article highlighted a troubling trend: excessive exposure to violence in action films could negatively affect teenagers. It was suggested that such films might desensitize viewers to real-world violence, foster aggressive behavior, and distort perceptions of conflict resolution. Chidi and Amani were intrigued and decided to delve deeper into this topic, exploring how violence in action films might be affecting their lives and the lives of other teenagers in their communities.
Their investigation took them to different parts of Africa, where they met teenagers from various backgrounds. In Johannesburg, South Africa, they met Sipho, a high school student passionate about cinema. Sipho revealed that action films were his escape from the harsh realities of his surroundings. Yet, he confessed that the constant portrayal of violence made him numb to real-life issues, and he sometimes found himself reacting aggressively in stressful situations.
In Accra, Ghana, Amani and Chidi met Ama, a teenager who was actively involved in community service. Ama shared that although she enjoyed action films, she noticed that her peers often mimicked the violent behavior they saw on screen. She expressed concern about how action films could influence young minds, especially those who might already be vulnerable due to challenging circumstances.
The journey continued to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they met Tesfaye, a budding filmmaker. Tesfaye was critical of the glorification of violence in action films and believed it could skew the way teenagers viewed heroism and justice. He was working on a film project aimed at depicting positive role models who resolved conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.
Throughout their travels, Amani and Chidi observed a pattern: while action films could offer temporary excitement and escape, they also carried the potential for negative consequences. The portrayal of violence in these films often lacked real-world consequences, and this disconnect could lead teenagers to underestimate the severity of real-life violence.
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Amani and Chidi conducted a focus group with local teenagers to gather their opinions. Many expressed a desire for action films that featured non-violent solutions and realistic consequences. They felt that films could be powerful tools for change if they portrayed characters who overcame obstacles through intelligence, teamwork, and resilience rather than brute force.
Amani and Chidi realized that the impact of violence in action films was not just a personal issue but a broader societal concern. They returned to Nairobi, motivated to initiate a project that would address the issue. They began working with local schools, community leaders, and filmmakers to create a series of workshops and discussions about the effects of media violence on teenagers.
Their efforts included organizing film screenings that contrasted violent and non-violent films, followed by discussions about the different ways conflicts could be resolved. They also encouraged local filmmakers to produce content that portrayed positive role models and constructive problem-solving methods.
As their project gained momentum, Amani and Chidi noticed a gradual change in the community. Teenagers became more aware of the potential impacts of media violence and started advocating for more thoughtful and responsible media consumption. The workshops led to a surge in interest in films that promoted empathy, understanding, and peaceful conflict resolution.
In time, Amani’s initiative inspired similar movements across Africa. In Kinshasa, Congo, and Dakar, Senegal, young activists began championing media literacy programs, and discussions about the impact of violence in films became more prevalent. These efforts aimed to create a healthier media environment for teenagers, fostering a culture that valued constructive and positive storytelling.
Through their journey, Amani and Chidi learned that while action films could be exhilarating and entertaining, it was crucial to approach them with awareness. By promoting media literacy and encouraging more responsible content creation, they hoped to ensure that teenagers could enjoy films without being negatively influenced by excessive violence.
Their story, from Nairobi to various African cities, highlighted a significant issue: the need for a balanced portrayal of violence in media. By sharing their experiences and fostering dialogue, they contributed to a movement that sought to reshape the way teenagers interacted with action films, ultimately aiming to create a more thoughtful and compassionate society.
As Amani looked back on her journey, she felt proud of the positive changes they had helped to bring about. She continued to enjoy action films but did so with a deeper understanding of their potential impact. She hoped that through continued efforts and awareness, future generations of teenagers could benefit from a media landscape that inspired and uplifted, rather than desensitized and distorted their views of the world.
