Video Game Violence?
- Thread starter Max Shade IV
- Start date
I don't honestly believe that violent video games incite physically violent responses in people. I believe that the notion otherwise is merely a scapegoat. Everyone seems to need something to blame for the problems in our society.
During the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy, the media and several politicians blamed certain bands and video games for the shooting. In all honesty it was just two troubled teenagers who lashed out.
Even further back in time, the government blamed rap music for violence against women, gang culture and a slew of other things. While some rap music did, and does, promote violence and gang activity, it's up to every person to decide what is right for them.
I suppose what I'm getting at is this: Video games don't make people violent. People have to blame something, so anything that could possibly be seen as a negative influence will take the brunt of it.
During the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy, the media and several politicians blamed certain bands and video games for the shooting. In all honesty it was just two troubled teenagers who lashed out.
Even further back in time, the government blamed rap music for violence against women, gang culture and a slew of other things. While some rap music did, and does, promote violence and gang activity, it's up to every person to decide what is right for them.
I suppose what I'm getting at is this: Video games don't make people violent. People have to blame something, so anything that could possibly be seen as a negative influence will take the brunt of it.
Even though I too play video games I think it's violent. Now days the people who play Halo, Gun games, sword games, and other dangerous games are killing other students. For example Manhunt is very very dangerous and the kids sometimes act like them. That dude from Virginia Tech? He too killed students because of the video games. First of all the United States shouldn't even sell guns and knifes and things like that to children... I'm not saying that if you play a Rated Teen game yoru going to kill someone. It's how long you play it and get into the game. If your a person who gets mad for losing... your going to kill someone... The Columbine incident too was because of video games. However not all video games are bad the bad video games should be trashed.
Harvard already solved this fools. Violent video games are more likely to be played by people who are naturally violent, it doesn't convert anyone to doing them. The big bookies have spoken.
increpar said:
I agree. Like I said, people always need a scapegoat to place the blame on. It all boils down to justifying things so people can sleep at night. Nothing more.
If I may go on, however, I would like to address a couple other points. In my initial post I mentioned violent video games and music. Someone had said that Columbine was caused by violent games. That is simply foolish. No mentally sound person plays video games and goes off to kill someone because of it. That's nonsense to even think otherwise.
I'd like to bring up Dungeons & Dragons, if I may. There was a time period when the game was heavily controversial because of the "magical" and "violent" themes and undertones. Everyone blamed D&D for anything from a violent fight to ritual animal killing and witchcraft. Now, I think we all know that a pen and paper mixed with some imagination couldn't possibly cause such things. If so, books would be leading people to murder by the boatload.
In closing, I would just like to reiterate my stance that you can't blame video games, books, music and the like for what evil lies in the hearts of men. I've been playing video games for a very long time; I never wanted to kill. I've been listening to metal for a very long time; I never wanted to join a Satanic cult. I accept responsibility for my own actions, not lay blame on everyone and everything else.
The thing is everybody has the potential to kill someone else, it's just the key, that one point wich unlocks violence in you, and if that door is fully opened, 'chill runs down spine'. Games might be to blame but they are not the only factor, like has the kid been bullied, has the kid always been naughty. It's not just games, and for some of the more gory graphic ones you've got to like that sort of stuff first...
pokemon-dragonfly.piczo.com said:
I agree with the notion that everyone has a potential to murder. I also agree that pre-existing conditions and mental illnesses can factor in heavily when other elements are involved. It's entirely possible that may solicit a violent and negative reaction. As for the gory and graphic games, I'm not sold. I've played more than my fair share and I've never even considered such a horrible thing. Granted, I consider myself to be completely sane. In any event, I do believe you are right.
perfect "people always need a scapegoat to place the blame on"... people that mentioned the studies, lol not all studies are correct so just because they say violent people tend to play video games bla bla bla doesnt mean there 100 % correct. Scientist and scholars make mistakes too.... theorys are theorys we just tend to accept them because they are "experts in their fields
Didn't the dude from Virginia tech play Mario? I think I heard that somewhere...Pokemon Noobiepie said:
And people who go mad over a video game and start killing each other are rare, very rare, but media blows everything out of proportion and tries to scare people, seriously. Actually, if there's anything you should be afraid of, it's the influence the media has on modern day society. Look at what the fear of terrorism did to the middle east.
Heavenly Spoon :F said:
Wonderful points you made! I think you made a beautiful statement in regard to the influence of the media. They tend to blow things up way too much in order to sensationalize their story. We, as a people, are being led to live in fear of what could happen thanks to the media and their influence on our attainment of information.
It's not just a scapegoat. Regardless of psychological studies, people don't want their "perfect little angel" to have some mental issue so they blame everyone and everything that could possibly do it that isn't an internal source.