Stephanie Boscia
Psych101
Why are our children killing? Raised in a "violence begets violence" environment, with more exposure to violent television shows, video games and murder merchandise, it's no wonder kids today are becoming desensitized. They can access more graphic images via the Internet, movies and television than ever before, but are not legally allowed to purchase pornography. Many people feel this increasing display of violence is the root of the ever more frequent killing but few actually do anything about it. This is where the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children comes in.
This Cincinnati based organization is calling a full-fledged battle on what they call "murdertainment." Web sites that sell "murderabillia" such as killers' letters, hair and manuals on how-to-murder are a main target. Toy weapons, that ooze blood, and violent comic books depicting children, and other such merchandise directed at children is one cause of anger. Violent crime shows airing on such mainstream stations as CBS are also a target. This campaign, dubbed Murder is Not Entertainment, contends that "murdertainment," while not only distasteful, "distorts children's perception of death, which perhaps contributes to more killings and an ongoing drop in the average age of Americas most violent offenders."
Take for instance, video games. Millions of people play violent video games, but how many people ever consider acting out what they see? "I don't think video games contribute to the problem as much as parents not being involved in their children's lives." says James Mitchell, general manager of three Games Plus stores in the valley. The MINE campaign is out to destroy these glorified versions of murder. Of games such as Clue and How to Host a Murder, leader of MINE, Ruhe-Monche says: "By itself it seems innocent. But how would you feel about how to host a drunk driving party? Or a child abuse party?"
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