Regarding the film Blade Runner, it stated: “The vivid depiction of gore, and the plot emphasis on aggressive behavior, seems to raise to a new level a trend evident in many recent mass-audience science-fiction or fantasy movies that attract large youthful followings.” Herein lies the danger​—the younger generation is being brainwashed with gratuitous, or unnecessary, violence.

The article went on to state: “Psychologists interviewed emphasized the harmful effects of vividly depicted aggression. ‘Gratuitous bloodshed and violence is dangerous,’ said the Blade Runner’s director. ‘I think it does inspire violence. Children must be affected by it. It’s inevitable.’”

Do films that feature excessive violence and horror really affect children? According to Dr. Leonard Berkowitz, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin, the adverse effects of the graphic depiction of violence on audiences are well documented. A report by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that ‘excessive violence on television leads directly to aggression and violent behavior among children and teen-agers.’

Dr. Berkowitz affirms that violence has a threefold effect on audiences. “First, it makes audiences in general less horrified by, and more indifferent to, violence. Secondly, audiences may learn the lesson that violence is approved behavior. Third, some can become stimulated by it.”

Science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov stated: “We get inured to violence, and that’s not good for our society. A callous population is a dangerous population.” Do you as a parent want your child to become callous and dangerous?

As a consequence, hatred, violence and prejudice easily get ingrained into a youngster’s mind.