The whole issue with video games having a direct effect on violence boils down to this:
Are parents responsible for their kids actions?
Granted, a parent cannot control what their child chooses. One person cannot force someone to think or act 100% of the way they want them to.
However, a parent does play a major role in shaping the life of their child. In fact, that IS the role of a parent.
Now, if a parent chooses to neglect that responsiblity, and use Mr. TV or (insert your favorite entertainment medium here) to take on that role, then you can expect problems. If this child is raised soley on what TV tells them to do, then that will be their life. The problem arises when the child cannot tell the difference between TV and the real world.
It is the parent's responsiblity to teach this child the difference. If this parent is unable to do so, or neglects to do so, then this is a not person fit to be a parent.
Now, suggesting that TV and video games directly controls the actions of a violent person is completely absurd. Although, it could play a small factor indirectly to a person's behavior, but only if this person was never taught otherwise. End result is that this will all lead back to how this person was raised.
In reality, very rarely do video games or TV ever relate to a violent person's behavior, but it is blown out of proportion by politicians and the media. The media will pick these occurances because it will draw much attention, therefore making their network ratings go up. Politicians will do the same because it will generate more votes.
I first played my video game when I was 5 years old. I am now 22, and have never had the problem distinguishing the difference between reality and a violent video game. My parents were responsible enough to teach me the difference.
And on an additional note, I would much rather have someone take their violent tendancies out on a video game than real life.
Slashdot Mirror
That someone has been watching too many "hacker" movies like "The Net" or "Swordfish".... lol
Alcohol was once made illegal and banned by the US. However, the result was a sharp increase in crime, and the Mafia coming to power.
The whole issue with video games having a direct effect on violence boils down to this:
Are parents responsible for their kids actions?
Granted, a parent cannot control what their child chooses. One person cannot force someone to think or act 100% of the way they want them to.
However, a parent does play a major role in shaping the life of their child. In fact, that IS the role of a parent.
Now, if a parent chooses to neglect that responsiblity, and use Mr. TV or (insert your favorite entertainment medium here) to take on that role, then you can expect problems. If this child is raised soley on what TV tells them to do, then that will be their life. The problem arises when the child cannot tell the difference between TV and the real world.
It is the parent's responsiblity to teach this child the difference. If this parent is unable to do so, or neglects to do so, then this is a not person fit to be a parent.
Now, suggesting that TV and video games directly controls the actions of a violent person is completely absurd. Although, it could play a small factor indirectly to a person's behavior, but only if this person was never taught otherwise. End result is that this will all lead back to how this person was raised.
In reality, very rarely do video games or TV ever relate to a violent person's behavior, but it is blown out of proportion by politicians and the media. The media will pick these occurances because it will draw much attention, therefore making their network ratings go up. Politicians will do the same because it will generate more votes.
I first played my video game when I was 5 years old. I am now 22, and have never had the problem distinguishing the difference between reality and a violent video game. My parents were responsible enough to teach me the difference.
And on an additional note, I would much rather have someone take their violent tendancies out on a video game than real life.
Orrin Hatch makes me embarressed to live in Utah :/