Bhutan's problem with child violence is very similar to the growing trend in America with video games. I am an avid gamer and pretty much like any type 
of game: Sports, fantasy, first-person shooter. Video games come in a wide variety of genres and also a wide variety of age appropriate ratings. There really isn't a limit to what adult content can be in game as long as the "Mature" label is on there. People under those ages cannot purchase them. However, it is very easy for children to acquire these games. If a parent is there to give consent, they can buy it. Also, I know from experience that many video game stores don't even ask for I.D. Since it is so easy for children to get these violent games, should video game creators be tamed or be free to do what they want?
Check Out This Video
of game: Sports, fantasy, first-person shooter. Video games come in a wide variety of genres and also a wide variety of age appropriate ratings. There really isn't a limit to what adult content can be in game as long as the "Mature" label is on there. People under those ages cannot purchase them. However, it is very easy for children to acquire these games. If a parent is there to give consent, they can buy it. Also, I know from experience that many video game stores don't even ask for I.D. Since it is so easy for children to get these violent games, should video game creators be tamed or be free to do what they want?Check Out This Video
**WARNING SOME PARTS EXPLICIT AND IRRELEVANT**
Can children distinguish real from imaginary?
Start the video at 1:34
Start the video at 1:34
He believes that kids should be able to establish real from imaginary and if they are unable to make this determination, then the problem deeper than video games, such as poor parenting.
Now go to 2:30
Jack Thompson, famous for his lawsuits against major game manufacturers. He believes there is definitely a correlation with violence in gaming and the violence of children.
I believe that both views have their points, but I do believe there should be a stricter policies for how children can acquire these games.
What do you think?
I was actually thinking about writing a post about the same thing as you. While I do not personally believe that videogames have anything to do with all the shootings/acts of violence, where they have blamed them as the reason - I do however agree that children should have a harder time getting to those M rated games, simply because there are some things in those games that a children should not be exposed to.
ReplyDeleteNot that everyone takes damage from such things, personally, I remember playing Mortal Kombat when i was around 4 years old - and I don't feel like it affected me in any bad way, but I'm sure it can have a negative effect on some people.
As for Jack Thompson, I believe it was about time that he was permanently disbarred - what he was up to was nothing but a witch hunt, and some of the things he claimed that videogames did, were ridiculous. I'm glad we wont be hearing anymore from him.
Interesting topic, Matt. We'll be looking at this topic in the future when we start talking more about how much the media influences audiences. Perhaps you can revisit it then. Another way to think about it is- how much does our society in general glorify violence through media? Are violent video games simply reflecting this or are they a cause?
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