Does a business owe anything to its customers?
Should the creators of violent media owe a duty of care to victims of crimes based on violent media? If modified comparative fault existed in a situation like this, then absolutely. Let’s dive into a few questions to add more “weight” to my response.
Does a business owe anything to its customers? Specifically does it owe “duty of care”? Here are a few nuggets from the text to consider. Kubasek says, “The courts generally hold that businesses have a duty of care to protect their customers against foreseeable risks about which the owner knew or reasonably should have known.” (Kubasek, 2016, pg. 158) Also, the text states, “Businesses should warn customers about risks they may encounter on business property. Some risks, however, are obvious, and businesses need not warn customers about them.” (Kubasek, 2016, pg. 158)
From my experience, businesses tend to exist or thrive based on supply and demand. Is there a demand for violent media? I tend to say, absolutely. Whether it is inner-cravings produced by seekers or just a “swipe and watch” because the post is so captivating, the creators of violent media are prepared to meet the need. But, where does this start?
“The impact of violence in the media on our society is undeniable. Recent statistics reveal that 97% of youths play violent video games, which can increase aggressive behavior by 60%. Surprisingly, less than 10% of parents use technology to restrict their children’s access to such content. Moreover, children are exposed to over 8,000 murders on television before graduating from elementary school.” (Gitnux, 2023) What this tells me is that businesses, that produce violent media, are feeding society material that can potentially be the reason that many decide to imitate and live out the imagery “sold” to them. Also, from the article excerpt, children seem to be the target. This is where a large part of my issue lies. Are they not partly responsible? I believe they are partly responsible, but not ultimately. When parents allow such media to filter in their homes and support, by purchase, these products, there is acceptance of the “tarnishing-dusk” that comes with having this kind of media viewed. Scripture says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (King James Version, 1769, Romans 12:2-3) From this passage, we know that to do good and to honor the will of God, one has to have their mind renewed. Renewed from what? Things that promote evil within the minds of “men”.
So, are these businesses aiding in the promotion of violence, aggressive behavior, and the like? Jesus says, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (King James Version, Mark 7:20-23) I believe scripture would definitely place some ownership on businesses that provide this type of media, outside of those that are reporting news for awareness and protection purposes. The creators of violent media owe a duty of care to victims of crimes based on violent media.
Reference(s)
Kubasek, N. K., Browne, M. N., Barkacs, L., Herron, D., & Dhooge, L. (2016). Biblical worldview edition of dynamic business law: The Essentials, 3e. N. J. Kippenhan (Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education
Gitnux. (2023, September 5). Violence in Media Statistics and Trends in 2023.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769; King James Bible Online, 2023. www.kingjamesbibleonline.org
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