Violence in American culture back in focus as Super Bowl approaches

PHOENIX — With the Super Bowl just days away, reminders of recent domestic violence issues in the NFL seem ubiquitous, turning public attention was again to the issue of violence in American culture.

That was the topic of discussion at Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix Mercado campus on Thursday by a panel consisting of athletes and public service officials.

UFC flyweight fighter Joseph Benavidez said after the discussion that there is a separation between sports and real life and that role models are important in teaching kids how to behave.

“It does come down to values and how do you teach that? It’s hard, you know, it’s hard to find a role model,” he said.

Benavidez was joined by Phoenix Police Sgt. Richard Cosenza, Iraq War veteran R.J. Mitchell and former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion Grey Ruegamer in the discussion.

The pervasiveness of violent movies and video games was one point of discussion and Ruegamer said he thinks it’s important that kids form real relationships away from those digital accessories.

“Have a conversation with someone, actually talk and not text, actually spend time to get to know someone,” he said.

Ruegamer also said when it comes to violence, it’s important for adults to set good examples for others.

“We all have a responsibility to hold each other accountable,” he said.