Some of the youth of America have submerged themselves into a different culture than that of their parents. With all of the video game consoles and video games offered for computers, and the decrease in the ages of the children using this medium; no wonder researchers have started to take a closer look at increasing violence and the role playing of violent videogames plays. The bigger question arises from these reports: who is to blame for the correlation between violent videogames and violence from children? Does the blame fall on the media, government (for lax regulations), or the parents/guardians? I believe that violence is inevitable as well as the increases in violence due to an increasing population, and also the parents should be the regulators of the child’s intake of their videogame medium, not the government nor the media.
Violence will remain whether videogames, sports or something else promotes it (Marche 2008). Violence is a part of human nature, and has been since prehistoric times. Just because we are civilized does not mean that humans will be able to rid themselves of inherent nature. However, this does not mean an affirmation for violence running wild all over the streets- just because it is a part of human nature. With laws already in place controlling violence, the adoption of humans is apparent. Additionally it is not the government’s job to further intervene with video game regulations because parents are not watching their children, or screening the videogames the children are playing. Videogames have not been proven to be a huge epidemic the government needs to put further restrictions on in order to be able to better protect the citizens of the United States. The videogame companies, essentially another source of media, do have an influence on the masses. However, I do not feel that because the companies are providing a broader spectrum of entertainment should be at fault either, especially when the videogames have rating for age ranges similar to movies and songs. After the age ratings have been placed on the games, the companies do not have an obligation to stand in stores or invade households to make sure the ratings are being followed.
Violence is increasing and so is the amounts of violent videogames impressionable young children are able to get their hands on. A lot of children wish to play videogames, some of which are violent ones. Some argue the government should do a better job of regulating the media companies in production of these violent videogames- because the violence rates are increasing. However, with higher regulations and new guidelines, people, children included, will still use violent videogames and the violence levels will still be on the rise.
If the American society is worried about the correlation between violence in America, and Parents and guardians should be held accountable for their own children’s consumption. Their “one-word summary is “relax,” because fears of harmful effects are no different from historic public uproars about dime novels, gangster films, and comic books” (Lieberman, 2006). This quote illustrates the overreaction American’s have had in blaming the increased violence on videogames. The government should not have to prioritize itself with interfering deeply into citizen’s personal lives. Also the videogame industry rates their games already, and the parents are the ones who need to see if the rating on the game matches their standards for their child’s consumption, that is not the government or media company’s job.
Jessi
Lieberman, James E. (2006).Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do..Library Journal. 133, All.
Marche, Stephen, (2008). Are Things Getting a Little Violent?.Esquire. 150, 38-39.
(2008).Video game’s release under fire. USA Today.
