Is it possible that desensitization due to over-exposure to violence can be a factor in mass murders such as the one perpetrated in Connecticut? That’s one possible theory.
But Rowell Huesmann and Eric Dubow of the Aggression Research Program at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan feel it is more than that — games may provide a script that makes these murderers more confident in their actions. And while most teens reject the “script” as flat-out wrong or fictional, there are those who are psychologically damaged who do not reject this common script.
“We must strive to find ways, without trampling on the right of free artistic expression, to reduce youth exposure to violence in life and in the mass media," Huesmann and Dubow said in a press release Dec. 17. "Violence is a contagious disease, particularly for youth. The more they are exposed to it, the more likely they are to catch it.”
Does it require legislation?
According to politico.com, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller has already introduced a bill that would have the National Academy of Sciences examine possible links between violent video games and media, and violent acts by children.
“Recent court decisions demonstrate that some people still do not get it,” Rockefeller said in a statement. “They believe that violent video games are no more dangerous to young minds than classic literature or Saturday morning cartoons. Parents, pediatricians and psychologists know better. These court decisions show we need to do more and explore ways Congress can lay additional groundwork on this issue. This report will be a critical resource in this process. I call on my colleagues to join me in passing this important legislation quickly.”
Gamers say, "NO!"
But the New York Daily News reports gamers are calling for a ban on guns as a solution, not games. Citing a statement from Jim Welling, the manager of Video Games New York, “it's dumb blaming everything on video games. I don't see any of our customers going out and trying to kill someone just because of a video game.”
We do love our video games and it would seem that "gamers" truly enjoy virtual war, rather than dancing. Three of Amazon.com's lists of the four top-selling games this year include Halo 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Assassin's Creed III. Just Dance 4 came in at number two.
What do you think? Tighter controls on violent games or should it be the responsibility of parents to monitor the games their children are playing? Is this a multifaceted problem that is going to take more than a quick congressional fix on either guns and/or games?
I allowed my son to play games (some were pretty violent), but I told him that if I saw any personality or behavioral changes, they would go promptly in the trash. I didn't care how much he paid for them. I actually did throw some cd's in the trash when he was 16 (for getting into trouble). He told me that for my information, some of those cd's belonged to his friends. I said, "Well, that'll teach them to loan anything to you knowing what a wacko mother you have" LOL. It's a true story that we laugh about today (He's 27 now).
IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO RAISE OUR KIDS. IT"S OURS
I'm perfectly capable of turning off the television and the computer all by myself, without government interference.
Plus, how would the government be able to be involved if people actually parented?
Just another way for people to not take responsibility for themselves or theirs.
Also, I read something about being able to autopsy and study the brains of mass murders and those that commit thes e types of atrocities. I wonder what's different in their make-up that might help science look for similarities in potential at risk people? It's a thought, for sure.
Still leaves us with the question of "Should the government be involved?" To which I answer emphatically "No!" Still not the government's job. Plus, if we want to properly mess something up, let the government get involved. That'll show us just how NOT to do something....