Just a Game?

Author: Kim Imdieke
Published on: Nov 5, 1999

Violence among young people has become an increasing concern in the United States. As schools respond with anti-violence curriculum and gun control advocates lobby for stricter laws, many parents, politicians, and others criticize the media for glorifying violence. Video games in particular have come under close scrutiny. In the following article, Oklahoma student Kendall Mathewson reflects on connections between video games, violent behavior, and politics. Kendall composed this article as part of a media literacy class sponsored by the Duke Talent Identification Program.

Video Games, Violence, and Politics: Are There Connections? by Kendall Mathewson

Earlier this year, Bill and Hillary Clinton delivered speeches about violence in some popular media for kids and teens. The Clintons cited such media as movies, TV programs and particularly video games that depicted violent scenes. Bill Clinton cited a video game ad that called the game, "More fun than killing your neighbor's cat." The Clintons are saying that video games make killers. Many people disagree; many experts do not think video games make killers.

Critics claim that video games are for children and should be censored accordingly, but the truth is that 54% of console gameplayers are over 18, a quarter are over 36, and PC players are even older. For kids who do play bloody games, many say they play as a release and are not violent people. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold of the Littleton, CO shooting did play violent games such as Doom and Quake but these games cannot be blamed for the shootings.

The TV news often says that vioent games especially first-person shooeter video games, make killers by teaching the skills of shooting. First person shooting games may teach the skills of shooting but do not make bloodthirsty killers. These games many times are just used to vent steam and are played for entertainment. Millions of peple play these games and do not become killers. For those who do play and kill they were probably messed up already or there were other factors involved.

The investigation the president prompted may very well be politically motivated. The national TV news has not reported on this factor but many magazines and newspapers have. Hillary Clinton, minutes from announcing her run for the Senate, was the lead speaker at the ceremony asking the Federal Trade Commission to inspect the media. It is also interesting to point out that the investigation will last 18 months overlapping Al Gore's run for the Presidency. The investigation would be a great thing to boast about during the campaign.

Most people agree that violence among teenagers is a big problem. No one is sure who is at fault. The newly initiated investigations could be a whole-hearted investigation particulrly into video game violence. The FTC should consider that the genre may be intended for an audience older than 18; They must not expect easy answers to the problems but should dig deep to find the true culprit.