Spring Break
Video Games Do Not Cause Violence
Brandon Nadeau
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Commentary
Maybe the best evidence I have against the entire "violence inspires violence" movement is me. I have played games my entire life, everything from "Super Mario Brothers" to "Manhunt" and "Halo." Yet, I have never committed a violent act. I have the equipment to do something (pellet guns, pocket knives etc.), yet I have never used them to hurt someone or something. When I shoot someone in a game, I don't think, "That would be cool to do." Actually, I don't think about it at all, it's harmless entertainment; six seconds from then, I could be killed and I know I'll come back in a few more seconds. To anyone mentally stable enough play a complex game, it is apparent it is not reality and should not be imitated.
In the end, video game violence has been given a bad spin by the media and anti-violence advocates. Peddling violent games to children is a dangerous prospect, which is why there is a ratings board that restricts which age groups can buy which games. The same parents who hate these games are the ones who are buying them for their children. I guess they should be thanked for being hypocritical. After all, they are helping create a less violent society.
Sources:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/15/video_games_and_aggression/
http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html4ever/9906.Sherry.video.html, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/24/tech/gamecore/main676446.shtml
http://gr.bolt.com/articles/violence/violence.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Thompson_(attorney)
http://gc.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=5883
In the end, video game violence has been given a bad spin by the media and anti-violence advocates. Peddling violent games to children is a dangerous prospect, which is why there is a ratings board that restricts which age groups can buy which games. The same parents who hate these games are the ones who are buying them for their children. I guess they should be thanked for being hypocritical. After all, they are helping create a less violent society.
Sources:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/15/video_games_and_aggression/
http://news.uns.purdue.edu/html4ever/9906.Sherry.video.html, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/24/tech/gamecore/main676446.shtml
http://gr.bolt.com/articles/violence/violence.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Thompson_(attorney)
http://gc.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=5883