Violent Games and Violent People: Correlation or Coincidence?

I don't think the burning of the Library of Alexandria is a proper analogy
to the destruction of video games, but I'm posting it anyway.

We've all heard the arguments that violent media creates violent people, but this point has been incredibly hard to prove. And for good reason, considering that almost every study that has sought to prove or disprove a correlation between violence and aggression and media has most likely had a bias one way or the other. But even scientifically speaking there is currently no solid evidence that violence in video games or movies or other entertainment "trains killers", as the (very ill informed) former lawyer Jack Thompson so eloquently put it.

That's not really the point though, the point is that people have been blaming popular media for violent and aggressive behavior for decades, if not centuries. Fact of the matter is though that if we try and pin the blame on one source, whether it's movies, comics, video games, or even books, what we're really doing is taking away the responsibility of the actions of a few, and in a way transferring that responsibility, and our anger, to a different party. Something that I think is not only inappropriate, but also insensitive and ignorant to where the real problems may lie.

I do however think that God of War is a great analogy, for pretty much anything.

So what do we do about this? How do we, as gamers, respond to allegations and claims that those who participate in violent media will become nothing but thugs and killers? How do we show that we are more than cretins reveling in revenge fantasies and bloodbaths? Well the real answer is continue to be the upstanding community we are. Gamers and game enthusiasts have yet to show themselves as a group of people who are capable of extraordinary acts violence or social ills above and beyond that of the general populace. And as long as that stays true, then for the most part we're all good examples of what gamers are. Crying foul and staging pro-game rallies isn't going to be what changes the public opinion of gamers; continuing to act like decent human beings and showing that games, movies, etc., don't skew our perception of reality will though.

Techno Kitten Adventure! Possibly the only game
known to man that will actually spawn violence someday.

I'm not saying that we should lie down and roll over every time there is an outcry against video games or other media. In fact I think doing so would be morally reprehensible, as the destruction of any informative or social medium, electronic or not, is a terrible loss. But getting up in arms, cursing those who attack our particularly beloved medium, or even making games that depict violence against key figures among those who decry video games, and video game violence, is the opposite of helpful.

Next time somebody brings up the correlation of video game or movie violence and violent behavior, simply ask them for the material they're referencing, ask for specifics, and ask them if have read multiple studies, or done any original research themselves. If they can provide materials or have done the research, then read it, consider it, and then provide a valuable educated counterpoint or opinion on the matter. Don't just make a snap judgement and prove to them that they are "right", even if only in their own minds. Better yet be informed about what is going on in the video game world, be proactive in local politics and social groups in your local area, so that when discussions about violence in the media does arise both sides of the argument are presented with knowledge and reason.

There is one exception to the "media doesn't create violence" rule I'd make though: Leonard Maltin. I would completely understand if this guy lost his mind due to all the crappy movies he has to watch on a regular basis. 

The fact is that video games and movies don't create violence, or help train budding psychopaths; instead they represent a break from the doldrums of society, and sometimes even reality. There is even evidence that games and movies may even help reduce stress and prevent violence. However it's also a fact that video games, movies, music, books, comics, art, dancing, and almost every other medium or entertainment form will always be targeted as the harbingers of destruction of society. When something new comes out there will always be those who decry its influence on society and culture. Yet we're all still here, and millions of gamers, movie goers, art lovers and dancers alike aren't out roaming the streets armed to the teeth, ready to hurt, maim or kill anything that moves, or simply bent on destroying civilization itself. That alone should speak volumes about how much influence media has on society. It's simple really: video games aren't the problem, social responsibility is. And if we all spent as much time helping out our fellow man as we did trying to tear down other peoples creations and hard work, we'd all be much better off.

Until next time, Keep on Gaming.

PS. The mystery review will be delayed, as I felt it inappropriate to post a review of a silly game after such a serious topic.