Societal Pressures Fueling Aggression Among Young People

Introduction

In Pakistan today, there’s a growing concern about the increase in aggression, violence, and crime among young people. But are these individuals naturally violent? Or is it the environment around them—shaped by parents, friends, media, and societal pressures that fuels such behavior? The “Frankenstein Effect” helps explain this. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, Dr. Victor Frankenstein creates a creature but rejects it, leading the creature to become violent. Similarly, children who face negative influences may grow up imitating them, eventually becoming the very “monsters” society fears. This article looks at how family, peer groups, and media in Pakistan contribute to the development of aggression in children and youth.

A Powerful Example of Frankenstein Effect:

In Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein abandons his creation due to its appearance. The unloved and rejected creature becomes violent in reaction to its isolation and mistreatment. This mirrors real life: children are not born aggressive but are shaped by their environments. When children are neglected or exposed to harmful influences, they may adopt destructive behaviors to cope.

In Pakistan, where family structures and societal pressures heavily shape behavior, this concept is especially relevant. Just like Frankenstein’s creature, children who are neglected or mistreated can grow into individuals who act out in harmful ways.

How Parents and Families Nurture Aggression

Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s behavior in Pakistan. Their words, actions, and attitudes leave lasting impressions. Here are some ways families may unintentionally nurture aggression:

Violence at Home: Domestic violence, verbal abuse, and constant fights within the family create a harmful environment. Children who witness such behavior may see violence as a normal way to solve problems.

Glorifying Anger and Dominance: Many parents, unknowingly teach their children that being aggressive or “tough” is a sign of strength. For instance, boys are often encouraged to “be a man” by showing dominance, while girls are told to hide their emotions.

Lack of Emotional Support: In a culture where expressing emotions is often discouraged, children who feel ignored or unloved may turn to aggression to get attention.

Traditional joint family systems can either help or worsen these issues. Extended families can provide emotional support, but they can also expose children to toxic family conflicts.

Influence of Peer Groups and Societal Pressures on Behavior

Peer groups become very influential during teenage years. In Pakistan, where there is a lot of societal pressures to fit in, young people often adjust their behavior to be accepted. Examples include:

Gang or Group Mentality: In some urban areas, especially low-income neighborhoods, joining gangs or groups is seen as a way to gain respect and power. These gangs or groups often glorify violence as a way to survive or succeed.

Peer Pressure: Friends who mock kindness or encourage bullying can push others to act aggressively. For example, in schools, boys may be pressured to fight to prove their masculinity.

Like Frankenstein’s creature, youth who feel rejected or excluded often turn to negative peer groups for a sense of belonging. This is worsened by the lack of extracurricular activities or positive outlets for young people in many Pakistani communities.

The Role of Movies, Dramas, and Media in Fueling Societal Pressures

Media plays a significant role in shaping young minds in Pakistan. From Bollywood movies to Pakistani dramas, violent content is widely consumed and often glorified. For example:

Indian Movies:

Bollywood films like Singham and Wanted show heroes using violence to achieve justice, making aggression seem admirable. These movies are very popular in Pakistan and influence local audiences.

Pakistani Dramas:

Dramas such as Dunyapur and Landa Bazar show violence as justifiable responses to injustice. While these stories aim to highlight social issues, they can leave a lasting impact on young viewers.

Violence in Video Games:

Games like PUBG, Counter Strike and Call of Duty are popular among Pakistani youth. These games normalize violence by making shooting and killing seem like entertainment. While the media often focuses on conflict, there are also programs that promote empathy, kindness, and peaceful conflict resolution. Guardians should be mindful of what their children watch or play, guiding them toward content that fosters positive behavior and emotional intelligence. This helps ensure children grow up with healthy role models and constructive values.

Breaking the Cycle: Raising Children with Good Values

To reduce aggression, parents, teachers, and society must work together to create a healthier environment for children. Here are some practical steps:

Be Role Models: Parents and adults should demonstrate kindness, patience, and peaceful conflict resolution in their own lives.

Encourage Positive Friendships: Guide children to form friendships with peers who inspire good behavior and discourage negative influences.

Monitor Media Consumption: Parents should supervise the content their children consume, discouraging violent movies, games, and dramas. They should explain that such content is fictional and not reflective of real-life values.

Provide Emotional Support: Create a safe space for children to express their emotions and discuss their problems. Teach them healthy ways to cope with frustration or anger.

Promote Religious and Cultural Values: Teach children the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and respect through religious education and storytelling.

Conclusion

The “Frankenstein Effect” reminds us that aggression is often a product of neglect, harmful influences, and poor nurturing—not something children are born with. In Pakistan, societal pressures, and media influences all play a role in fostering aggression. By addressing these issues and promoting positive values rooted in our cultural and religious heritage, we can break the cycle of violence. Only by working together as families, educators, and communities can we ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the next generation.