Video Game Violence
In the spring of 1998 the Columbine High School massacre gripped the nation in terror and upset parents searched for some sort of tangible meaning as to why the atrocity had been committed. The two suspects had claimed in their manifesto that they enjoyed playing the video game “Doom”, a game that seemed to some as a breeding ground for ultra-violent behavior. As a result a heated argument which had until that time been somewhat kept to the shadows of legislative discussion was suddenly thrust into the face of national attention by the media. Those who introduced the debate basically stipulated that video games encouraged the psychopathic behavior of the youth that was plaguing American society in their minds. Those who did not feel that way stated that video games were simply a new entertainment medium and were no worse than television, cinema, or printed media. Furthermore, video game supporters argued that the consumers buying the games in question were more than capable of distinguishing the fictional events and situations of the video games they played from the reality that they lived in. In the past ten years there has been an increase in the popularity of violent video games featuring adult material. First person video . . .
There have been Congressional hearings in which Bills have been presented to the respective house that entail a strict enforcement of the rating system for all video games. If a person is in fact so influenced, whether it be at a subconscious level or not, by a video game, that they would in fact seek to emulate that which is seen on a screen, there is most likely some sort of psychological trauma or other mental incapacitation which will impair that person from distinguishing fantasy from reality. Such Bills seek to keep the youth of America from being subjected to questionable material that demands a distinction between fantasy from reality that underage audiences may not be able to make. Given the statement that video games insight or encourage violent behavior from those who partake in it, one can examine several flaws. Mature video games are arguably party responsible for the rising acts of violence and anger in the youth of America. The converse argument to this debate is the idea that video games do not actually impact the individual in the slightest. ” The supporters would argue that this evidence is infinitely more important than the way the chose to “blow off steam”. This would only seek to stimulate the creative centers of the mind, not those that seek to cause unrestrained action. After spending hours playing a game in which the user, in one way or another, kills or harms other forms of life it has been argued that the user will experience an increase in frustration and angry behavior. Does this mean that these “little” details did not contribute to bestowing their ultimate fate? Those who argue against this medium would reply, “Of course not. Take for example the two Columbine terrorists, Dylan Kleibold and Eric Harris, who claimed to be huge fans of violent video games. Studies brought before Congress have proven that minors can purchase “Mature” rated video games without the proper identification validating their age. ” With incidents like Columbine uprising in the youth and schools of America anti video game supporters have argued that violent video games have desensitized their users towards the quality of life. Other violent games feature hand to hand combat between contestants as seen in titles such as, “Street Fighter,” and “Mortal Kombat. Although games featuring blood and gore are subjected to a rating system ranging from “M” (Mature) to “E” (suitable for all ages) it has been made clear that patrons are not enforcing these restrictions.
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Acceptance Essays
