"As we're bombarded with the imagery that we are and now, post 9-11, it's hard not to get hardened by the world and the amount of violence that's allowed to be shown to kids these days"

In this quote, Mark Ruffalo articulates a concern about the desensitizing effects of modern-day media on individuals, especially kids, in the post-9/ 11 period. The expression "bombarded with imagery" recommends a frustrating influx of visual and acoustic stimuli. This could refer to news coverage, films, computer game, and other content that often contains violence and turmoil. Ruffalo emphasizes that post-9/ 11, a substantial global event marked by terrorism and dispute, has actually intensified the general public's exposure to such violent images.

The word "hardened" suggests a growing emotional tingling or insensitivity that might establish as a defense mechanism against the consistent direct exposure to violence and catastrophe. This "hardening" is not just an individual modification however a social shift where compassion and sensitivity might reduce over time. Ruffalo seems to suggest that this cultural shift is especially disconcerting when considering its influence on children. As young minds are more impressionable, the normalization of violence in media might impact their worldviews and psychological development, possibly leading to a society that is less compassionate and more accepting of aggression.

Ruffalo's usage of "enabled to be shown" highlights a concern about the regulatory or cultural standards that permit such exposure. This could be a review of markets and governance that stop working to effectively shield children from inappropriate material or that do not consider the long-term psychological impacts of direct exposure to violence.

In essence, the quote shows a deep concern about social desensitization to violence and the potential erosion of compassion due to the pervasive existence of violent imagery. Ruffalo's words work as a call to review the content we take in and its broader ramifications, urging caution and obligation in both creation and consumption, specifically where younger audiences are involved.