SmackDown to blame for broken arms?

After pushing him to the ground, the bully “jumped on his arm.” Does anyone wonder where little boys learn the techniques of “drop-kicking” and “stomping on arms?” Ah, yes, good old TV.

And what better show than WWE SmackDown, that epitome of glorified violence? While I have no problem with what TV stations choose to show or what people choose to watch, I often wonder what it is about SmackDown that some find so captivating. As is well known, most of WWE is a well-scripted drama, not a sport. Like most TV shows, it is designed for entertainment purposes. According to reference.

com, “WWE wrestling is a combination of real wrestling moves and choreographed stunts performed by professionally trained athletes...

The stunts and choreography moves are practised repeatedly in order to increase safety and minimise injury.” They understand that while the wrestling is fake, it is quite possible to get injured. The inter-play between wrestlers is also well planned, like any good soap opera.

Adults may be able to appreciate all of this and yet be entertained.

(But you do wonder when you see grown men and women baying for blood.) Children, on the other hand, are more impressionable.

They believe what they see is real, and when they see their parents shouting their support/approval (“hit him,” “break his arm,” even “kill him”) some may think that’s a good thing to do.

And while I do not condone violence of any kind, by anyone, it might be helpful to consider why these boys felt it was okay to stomp on another’s arm and break it.

We’ve heard it all before but parents, be careful what your children watch.

Noel Kalicharan via email