Today is Friday. For many people that means a number of things: the weekend, sleep, free time, and a break from what seems like the never-ending cycle of school and work. For CW viewers it means another: "Friday Night Smackdown."

"Friday Night Smackdown" is a weekly two-hour professional wrestling show. At 7 on Friday nights you will find my brother sitting in front of the TV like clockwork. During his viewing of the program he will often jump out of his seat in amazement of what is happening on the screen before him. He’ll make noises and wince at particular parts during the matches. While I am glad he is showing empathy for those in pain, I worry when he starts “practicing” wrestling moves he sees on TV.

Although the violence seen on "Friday Night Smackdown" is in a somewhat controlled environment, I fear it has a negative impact on the minds of young people. Sure, they know violence is bad. But what happens if regularly watching violence influences the behavior of young people so that violence unintentionally becomes second nature? People say you take in much of your knowledge visually. So wouldn’t watching images of constant fighting cause children to think that violence is OK? Or does it send a message to children that violence equals pain?

Not only do children practice wrestling moves they see on TV, but video games allow them to actively participate in the violence. On one hand, it’s good for kids to let their anger out in a way that doesn’t hurt others. However, they are seeing violence without the extent of consequences and injuries that would occur in real life.

Wrestling is a part of American television. Merchandise is sold, advertisements are everywhere, and numerous channels make a profit from providing violence. Many people have become accustomed to watching violence played out on a screen before them for their own entertainment. I can’t help but question, however, what effect watching this violence has on the actions, mind, and beliefs of young people.