PRO
Trigger warnings are a necessity in the sense that they allow audiences to decide whether or not they can handle content. Defined by Merriam-Webster as “a statement cautioning that content (as in a text, video, or class) may be disturbing or upsetting,” trigger warnings are becoming increasingly common in media — and for good reason.
On a smaller scale, they can be used to notify viewers of the sight of blood or the use of offensive language. On a larger scale, they tell audiences if there are themes of sexual assault or suicide.
Some may argue that trigger warnings “spoil” the content or are offensive to the work itself, but people deserve to know what they may see, read or hear before dedicating their time to something.
A few years back, I sat down to watch the 1994 classic “Pulp Fiction.” I knew that violence was an aspect before going in, but there was no warning regarding the brutal and graphic rape scene that occurs later on in the film.
I was completely unaware of this plot point and was ridiculously upset when it appeared on screen. I covered my eyes and ears, I did not want to even finish the film — and I was bothered by the fact that the person I was watching it with, who had seen it before, did not provide a trigger warning for me.
Has society become completely desensitized to these themes? 100%. That does not mean that I have. Topics regarding sexual assault of any measure cause me great distress and I prefer not to engage in content that contains it. That is my choice and I am valid in said choice. I use trigger warnings to keep my peace.
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara is always trending on “BookTok,” and that platform can be very convincing. The book was flying off the shelves in 2024 and I wanted to read it given all the hype. However, when looking at the trigger warnings, I knew it was not a book for me: sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, verbal abuse, kidnapping/imprisonment, self-harm, drug use, addiction and loss of a loved one — just to name a few — and did that spoil anything about the plot? No.
But even if you don’t agree with trigger warnings, it is beyond easy to ignore them. Let the people that need them have them — they are less harmful than the actual content.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
CON
We live in an age where people are constantly considerate toward other people’s feelings, beliefs and mental health — and this is something that I absolutely agree we should comply with. Life is difficult enough, we don’t need to make it harder to make it through the day.
Something I disagree with when it comes to this idea, though, is trigger warnings. TV shows and movies have quickly become one of the main forms of media and their influence on their audiences are unmatched.
For television shows, each one is rated Y (youth), E (everyone) and MA (mature audiences) to name a few. For movies, the ratings are G (general audiences), PG (parental guidance suggested), R (restricted) and NC-17 (no one under 17 admitted). These warnings in of themselves already serve the purpose of preparing the audience for what will be found in the piece.
I find it unnecessary to include specific trigger warnings to topics such as drinking, oppressive language and sexual violence because the expectation is these topics would already be separated into the warnings listed above. Also, listing these topics may spoil the movie for the audience as they already know some specific topics that will be included.
Movies are not generally catered to specific audiences, and should not be expected to meet every person’s need. If people feel uncomfortable with a topic or scene in a movie or TV show, they are free to turn it off or leave the theater.
rcassio@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of pshycologialscience.org
