Are People Really So Desensitized?

I have repeatedly heard people referring to todays youth as being desensitized.  I have had mixed thoughts on this. The question is are young people seeing or experiencing violence and disrespect too young? Are movies and music really responsible for it?

We live in a small town so maybe these issues are a bit more noticable. 

I really am the type of person who hates when people label other people. I do not know if I should, as others
do blame the media, society, or the times we live in right now. I have a very strong sense of right and wrong
I also sometimes have high expectations from others.  I admit I am disappointed in people quite a bit
because of this. I don’t feel that I am wrong in expecting so much from other people when I have the same
sense in myself.

I have two teenagers at home. My daughter is sixteen, my son is thirteen. I admit I am very frank with my
kids and try to let them speak their minds, as long as they respect other opinions as well.   I do let them listen to what music they like or watch certain tv shows.  I also know they don’t believe what they see on TV is real.  They know it is only an escape. My son has been
having some issues and difficulties adjusting to things that are going on right now. Just petty, silly things that are quite selfish and arguing being quite disrespectful.I am trying to nip the behavior in the bud now. 

I have spoken to him and even my daughter about issues they are having I know that someone so young
may have just as much stress as we adults might however, I think the way it is handled by the kids could be better managed.

I try to be a good parent to the best of my ability. I expect respect as their parent and respect my kids as individual people with their own minds. One the other hand, I feel if respect is
lost it is so hard to get back.

The reason I am bringing of the subject of desensitization  is because I did not feel it was the fault of the
media or television that created the lack of respect and selfishness I  to feel it started at home.  I know that the parents are held responsible for how children   act, that is fine, except I feel it teaches children
that even though there are consequences the parents pay them so the kids feel they have gotten away with something, depending on the child. I have heard one school acquaintance of my son say things like “well I didn’t have to pay for it” or some variation of this.