The videogame warfare - in our hearts and minds |
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I was reading Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" early this morning. Then in some weird twist of logic, I suddenly was able to connect it with gaming and lifestyle. Not really connect in the old sense of the word but more of, it got me thinking about it. After all, a gamer is a gamer. Anytime. Anywhere.
The book on the surface is about the war between the old gods and the new ones. But in a deeper level, it's more about the beliefs we hold so dear in our hearts. The war, as Gaiman put it, will take place in the hearts and the minds of the people. Now back here, in our little gaming world, there's a battle being fought as well: Gaming inflicts dangers to players and the society in general. There are factions that take that view as a grain of truth. And there are those who believe otherwise. Likewise, the battle will take place in our hearts and our minds.
2006, as good as it was, is a year that can not be categorically described as peaceful. If anything, it was turbulent and unsettling at best. Let us begin with the usual bloodshed. I so hate to use the word "usual" but unfortunately, that is the truth. Many times, we've reported on various killings and attacks that other people are trying to connect with gaming. The GTA series is one of the usual suspects.
It's true, the suspects played games, probably violent ones. But why the need to highlight that detail? Our mind is vast and complex and so let us not be simplistic about this matter. Could it be that the guy came from a broken family and is full of hatred? Could it be that he is just troubled in his head? We don't know and we don't have facts. But to single out playing videogames as a reason for the violence is utterly reckless.
We are not actually looking at blank, nameless faces here. The other side of the fence has its soldiers, so to speak. The name Jack Thompson couldn't be said without raising some eyebrows. Recently, a group of politicians banded together to "educate" the parents regarding videogames. I'm sorry but how can they teach something they themselves do not fully understand. Have they sat with their kids in front of the TV sets, even for just an hour, and ask them why they so love FPS shooters or RPGs?
Better yet, they can go to our country' institutions and ask around. Visit the most prestigious of universities and ask psychologists about the implications of playing videogames. I am betting my little life that they will encounter more than one who will say that it actually has its good effects. Go to our justice halls and ask the man in robes themselves. The last time we look, playing and making videogames are still a form of expression and as such, a basic right.
Don't get the impression that we're trying to make this an us against them thing. We are not. But the gaming industry has been pushed almost to the edge. We here are still lucky but in some place else, banning of videogames is being considered. Not to mention, jailing the makers and more gravely, the players themselves.
When you really think about it, nothing here was made up. We merely stated the facts and reminded you what has happened and what is happening now. There have been losses but the war, at this point, is not something that can be won yet. But it has started and we are proud to be on your side.
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Comments [refresh]
A well thought out article is a rarity on this site. I liked how you considered distinct sources for videogame problems.
Recently, I find myself thinking of these issues more often. You mention several interesting points that I have started to question aswell. I'm glad to see that the phsycology of gaming is being discussed, both on this site and in the general media. I believe that with this kind of rational exchange, the bad rep that gaming has developed will be eliminated, and allong with it the uneducated generalizations .
i will also bet mine on what you bet yours.
this society lives on scapegoats even before the Lord redeemed salvation yet we thrive to live in such way we have been saved before. as i said somewhere before , crime and other such bad acts where present before video games were ever invented so why put blame.