New Study Suggests that Heroes are More Violent than Villains
A recent study from Pennsylvania State University suggests that superheroes are more violent than the villains they face. A group of researchers watched 10 superhero films from 2015 and 2016 with the highest gross (this included both Marvel and DC films) and separated characters as good guys (aka protagonists) and bad guys (aka antagonists). The researchers then observed the actions and consequences of the actions of both groups and found the following:
Heroes performed an average of 23 violent actions per hour versus the 18 violent actions taken by villains.
Heroes were fighting at almost double the rate of villains including the use of lethal weapons as well as destroying property
Villains murdered at a rate of 93 while heroes were up to 168
Villains only outnumbered heroes in acts of bullying/torture/intimidation with a score of 237 versus 144
At first these numbers may seem shocking, but I have some questions about the study. For example, did they take into account that heroes fight villains as a reaction and thus one could make a potential argument that the deaths caused by heroes are largely at the fault of the villain?
Also, we see more of what the hero does, and so while the hero is depicted as being more violent, it is possibly because we don’t see 80% of what the villain does throughout the film.
No matter how you look at it though, there is a fair amount of violence in superhero films and children are watching it. This is why it is important to listen to some words from Robert Olympia, a professor at Penn State and lead author of the study:
“Children and adolescents see the superheroes as ‘good guys’ and may be influenced by their portrayal of risk-taking behaviors and acts of violence. Pediatric health care providers should educate families about the violence depicted in this genre of film and the potential dangers that may occur when children attempt to emulate these perceived heroes.”
What are your thoughts on this study? Are villains less violent than heroes?
Via: IFLScience
