Chapter 5: Using Popular Culture to Teach About Domestic Abuse and Healthy Relationships

Entertainment media often focuses on relationships, but it does not always show them to be blissful or even healthy. Abusive relationships are often depicted in popular culture, in both good and bad ways. Although it occurs quite frequently in real life, “Many people first encounter an instance of domestic violence through a mediated source, such as a film, TV show, newspaper or magazine” (Said, 2011). While these depictions can help generate important conversations that might raise awareness and even lead to public policy changes, entertainment media often utilizes stereotypical depictions that can reinforce misconceptions about abusive relationships. As Berns (2004) explained, media of all kinds plays an important role in influencing public perceptions about social problems. As such, it is critical to examine the depictions of abuse and to think about ways those can be corrected among viewers. In particular, young people may have a difficult time discerning what is accurate and what is not. Peace educators in many disciplines can use popular culture to help address the misconceptions and to promote healthy relationships.