Final answer:
Humans are interested in violence due to psychological factors and historical uses such as empire building. The media's portrayal of violence and its potential effects on behavior are researched by psychologists. Theatre uses violence to challenge narratives and question power structures, while the ethics of violence in conflict resolution remain debated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fascination with Violence and its Role in History
Humans have long been fascinated by violence due to various psychological factors such as adrenaline responses, the catharsis theory, or narratives of power. In historical context, violence has played a critical role in the expansion of empires and nations. For example, industrialized nations often used violence to build and maintain empires, subjugating peoples and exploiting resources.
The entertainment industry, including video games and action films, taps into this fascination by glorifying battles and heroic violence, such as those from the Crusades, which can propagate a simplistic and sometimes misleading view of historical events. Moreover, this exposure to violent media is a factor being rigorously studied by organizations like The American Psychological Association to understand its effects on aggression and social behavior.
In artistic realms like theatre, violence is explored not just to sensationalize, but to challenge dominant narratives and probe the morality and consequences of conflict, thereby opening up discourse on power structures and the human cost of violence.
Is Violence Ever Justifiable?
The justification of using violence, except in cases of self-defense, raises ethical questions. While history has seen violence used to resolve conflicts, whether it's justifiable remains a contentious issue. Within the spectrum of historical and contemporary society, the illegal arms trade and drug trafficking have also contributed to the prevalence of violence, necessitating a complex analysis of its causes and justifications.