Is it normal to not be able to handle violence or prejudice?

[Locomotive]

I'm a 17 year old girl. I can't watch violent movies or movies with rape scenes because I will become very emotional and will begin to sob and shake. When we talk about hate crimes in class I tense up and became very emotional and angry. If i see any of that in real life, I don't want to talk to the person at hand, or will freak out at them. Sometimes I feel like i'm overreacting, but it feels like a physical sensation in my gut, as if i had just been punched in the stomach. I am very passionate about human rights and want to become a social worker, but is this normal?
sometimes I will cry for no reason if I think about things like that for too long, and I often become depressed and nihilistic about it and then feel guilty that I live in north america, or feel guilty that I have all my needs met.

[Naguru]

It depends on various other factors, which have also to be simultaneously considered seriously while examining such critical problems.

Pl. consult a professionally qualified doctor and strictly listen to his good words of advice.

[JIL]

I think it is and it isn't. I think it is immature. Your problem is fixable if you try helping the problem. It doesn't look good being that way so you have to act more professional and think before you react.

[shana162]

You are an awesome kid who has an ability to fully emphasize with what others are going through. You've probably been treated unfairly at some point in your life. I hope you never lose your ability to feel what others are experiencing. If you have to, during a movie, remind yourself that it is an actor, imagine them filming the scene, the actor safe at home ...until the scene is over.

[ChiMom]

It is very normal to be upset by atrocities in this world. The media has made tv and movies so uikltra-violent and sadistic and people are becoming immune to torture and rape scenes--and I think that is simply horrible.
I am an animal advocate and managed a dogs group for over 10 years. I became aware of the horrors done to dogs and it just made me stronger in my quest to spread the word about animal care, etc.
You are a sensitive person, which is a good thing vs having no empathy/sympathy at all.
BUT--you also must realize that there are things in life that you have control over and things that you have NO control over. You can control your own behavior and you can express your beliefs to others--but you cannot control others' beliefs, feelings, opinions and behaviors.
ALL you can do (or any of us can do, for that matter) is to be a role model--and show others.
I have been in Psych for 25 yrs and it is because I care about people. I am a HUGE dogs' advocate, as well as women's rights, gay rights, ethnic rights and equality. All I can do is do the best I can--stand up for what I believe in and perhaps shed some light and influence on others.
You can do the same.
Many things get me upset, angry, tearful, and that is okay--it is good to 'feel'- but don't let it overtake your life. Decide what you CAN do about it.
As for 'feeling guilty" about living in N America and having your needs met? Do not take it for granted, do not feel you do not deserve it--be grateful everyday for what you have and what you can share with the world. best of luck to you.
I live in US--near Philly, PA. {{{HUGS}}}

[Bader]

in my view it is normal

God with you ^_^