Two generations ago only a ...

Two generations ago only a few unfortunate children ever saw anyone hit over the head with a brick, shot, rammed by a car, blown up, immolated, raped or tortured. Now all children, along with their elders, see such images every day of their lives and are expected to enjoy them. ... The seven-year-old who hides his eyes in the family cops-and-robbers drama is desensitized four years later to a point where he crunches potato chips through the latest video nasty.
 Penelope Leach

Quotes from the same author

Guilt is the most destructive of all emotions. It mourns what has been while playing no part in what may be, now or in the future.
 Penelope Leach