I don’t see a problem with video games. For the most part. I know, I know, some mommy right now is thinking “You idiot! Video games are violent and send out the wrong messages to children!”. Okay, Hypothetical Mommy, let’s look at my reasoning.
I am a video gamer. I admit it, though some of my female friends just don’t understand the appeal. One of my favorite games for Playstation 2 is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. In this game you are essentially a criminal, sent on different jobs by mob bosses that have morally questionable aims. Currently I’m stuck on a mission where my Puerto Rican buds and I sneak over to the Cuban section of town where we kill their men, take out a sniper, and steal a van full of drugs. This game, understandably, is rated M for Mature (in other words, it is not intended for anyone under age 17).
I haven’t gotten too far simply doing missions, so many times I play just to do insane stunt bonuses or do cheat codes. My favorite cheat makes a tank appear, and then I’ll go on a blind rampage blowing up cars that get in my way with a bunch of police cars and a swat team on my tail, while a helicopter circles over head. I will tell you, I get down and violent in this game. I’ve killed hundreds of people, blown up cars, chopped a policeman’s head off with a katana blade, and gunned down pedestrians in kill frenzies. I am your worst nightmare.
Also, I’m an A and B student, currently enrolled in college, usually involved in multiple extra-curricular activities, and have no attitude problems to speak of. My friends think I’m not even capable of anger. Do you still believe that video games make violent kids?
Rethink what the studies are showing you (or are concealing from you). Read my informative entry. Now what do you think? Am I a simple exclusion to the video game conspiracy, or are people griping a little too much about a certain form of entertainment.
Please keep this in mind, however. I do not suggest Adult (Mature) rated games for younger children. Especially under the teen years, kids are very impressionable. So Grand Theft Auto in the hands of a seven year old can prove to have some negative results. If you are a parent concerned about your children’s video game use, limit their game play time and get age appropriate games. They are rated for a reason.
~please see my entry “Do Video Games Make Violent Kids?” (http://www.progressiveu.org/205013-do-video-games-make-violent-kids) for less opinion, more hard fact. ~
