Terri Schiavo\'s Case Is Arguably

Terri Schiavo's case is arguably one of the most controversial medical cases in recent times. After suffering a heart attack in February 1990, Terri experienced brain damage that led to her hospitalization. Her condition deteriorated steadily and soon, doctors concluded that she had sunk into a persistent vegetative state. Her condition necessitated the insertion of a feeding tube which was eventually removed on March 18th, 2005 after an acrimonious court battle pitting her parents against her husband. While Terri's parents (the Schindlers) opposed the removal of the tube, Michael Schiavo fought hard to have the said tube removed.

The six stages of moral development proposed by Kohlberg seek to explain the three levels of morality individuals ideally go through (Hill, 2001). Using these stages, it would be possible to determine exactly where Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers fall. To begin with, it is important to note that Michael Schiavo's resolve to have the PEG tube removed was partly based on his assertion that Terri had once intimated that she wouldn't want to have her life supported using artificial means. Her chances of full recovery according to him were also minimal. The Schindlers on the other hand deemed such a move unacceptable and inherently wrong. They occasionally attempted to demonstrate that Terri's state could improve. They tried all they could to keep their daughter alive. To them, this was the right thing to do.

In my opinion, the Schindlers fall at stage 4 of Kohlberg's stages of moral development. This stage according to Hill (2001) is characterized by the desire to do that which one considers to be his duty. Here, individuals are primed to do the right thing. The right thing in the eyes of the Schindlers was keeping their daughter alive. Killing her under any circumstances was simply wrong. On the other hand, Michael Schiavo seems to be in the 4th stage of Kohlberg's stages of moral development. According to Hill (2001), what pleases others is what is regarded good behavior at this stage. Michael Schiavo's desire was to fulfill Terri's wish. From his viewpoint, his intention was largely honorable.

Part 2

Quite a number of studies have been conducted in the past in an attempt to determine if violent media, i.e. exposure to violent video games, has any effect on violent behavior in children. Anderson et al. (2010) conclude that indeed, violent video games do increase the likelihood for aggressive behavior. How well to deal with violent behavior remains one of the most significant challenges we face in the modern society. This is more so the case given that unlike a couple of years ago, access to weapons that could compromise public safety has today become relatively easy. We only need to look at the recent school shootings to catch a glimpse of the escalating problem of violent behavior. While blame cannot be apportioned entirely on violent video games, research has shown that the said games do indeed have an impact on violent behavior most particularly amongst children. The relevance of exploring measures available to rein in the problem in this case cannot hence be overstated.

To begin with, parents should play an active supervisory role when it comes to the purchase and utilization of video games. This would allow them to make the necessary clarifications. For instance, the parent could in this case explain that the approach taken by video game characters to resolve conflict largely differs from what one would ordinarily embrace in reality. Parents should also ensure that children do not spend a lot of time playing such video games. This is more so the case given that the impact of the influence could be dependent on the time the child spends engaging in virtual violence.