"Is That Video Game Programming You"

Reading this was like reading a million other articles, or hearing a million other stories on the news. This idea of video games producing violence in people, is probably nothing new to anyone from our generation. There's the need for parental approval to buy certain games, and all the different warnings that the games come with. Then there is the skeptical older generation sitting there judging us and shaking their hands with the traditional "back in my day speech". I personally am not someone that enjoys the "first person shooter" games, but have been known to enjoy a good game of Vice City every once in awhile. Which is why I have mixed feelings regarding this idea.

I know that studies have been done, and it has been shown that kids who play violent video games are more likely to be the ones who also carry out the violent acts. But then that begs the question, is it simply the video game that leads to this violence?? I'm a big believer in someones environment shaping who they become, because I feel like my environment has shaped who I have become. I don't feel like I would have become a violent person from video games even if I had been surrounded by them as a child. I think this comes from my parents being very sure to explain to me what is wrong and what is right. The whole being a parent thing, teaching your children what is right and what is wrong. I always wonder when i hear stories like this, what role did their parents play? Did they stress to their children the difference between real life and the fantasy world of video games? And I know that not all of this responsibility can fall on parents, because no matter how hard someone tries to be the perfect parent, they can still have children that act out in this way.

The next thing I found interesting about this article was when the author pulls in the idea of if violent movies and other violent things should be facing as much criticism. Several of my favorite tv shows are crime shows. I could sit and watch Law and Order SVU all day everyday. The show is all about rape and child abuse and other incredibly violent acts. But again, I don't feel like it leads to me being more of a violent person. I see the acts that this criminals carry out in these shows, but I could never get up and go carry them out. I still know what is right and what is wrong, and I don't fear myself becoming someone more violent.

I think as a whole, the games that children play can have an affect on the way they grow up. I do think that violent games can lead children and teenagers to think that violence is ok and cool. But I also think, that having someone their to guide them and tell them that just because they see it on tv or play it in a game, does not mean it is something acceptable to do in real life. I know that violence is always going to surround us, but with the right discussions, and involving yourself in other activities that are just video games and violence, a person who plays the violent games can grow up into a perfectly healthy, nonviolent person.