Violence across the nation is on the rise and some people point to violent video games and movies as the reason for this. I contend two things on this subject: 1) if you don't agree with violent games, do not purchase them and 2) Take a proactive approach and find ways to promote healthy interaction in society.
As a proponent for individual liberty and a true believer in capitalism, I find a simple solution to the problem of too many video games containing graphic violence - don't buy them. There is no need for the government to get involved in whether games should contain violence or not. A recent Supreme Court decision upheld that limitations on violent games is censorship and take away people's freedom of speech.
The law in question was brought up in California. It's goal was to prhibit the sale of "ultra-violent" video games to anyone under 18, unless it contained artistic or ethical value. It included a $1000 fine to sellers who violated this law.
Let's just assume that this bill did pass. What would that mean? Sure, stores would be unable to sell violent games to minors (they already can't sell games rated "M" to anyone under 17), but what about online sales? How could the California governnment regulate that? What if children went to bordering states to get their games. This would, in effect, create a black market for ultra-violent games.
So if government is not the answer, what is?
Responsibility. I know, it is a word that is almost foreign today, but if parents were a little more responsible with how they raised their kids, we might actually see some change for good.
Here's an example:
A coworker came to me today complaining about "Family Guy," an animated show that is vulgar and crude. He said he saw his kid watching it and couldn't believe the things they did or said in the show. I asked him what he did, and he responded by sitting down and watching it, getting a couple of laughs at the jokes but generally finding it too mature for his kids.
What he didn't do - change the channel or, better yet, turn the TV off. Parents need to understand that passive aggression towards something is, in a child's mind, passive approval. My suggestion, as a humble 20 year old without children, is to be straight forward with your kids. Tell them not to watch shows or play video games you find innappropriate for them and tell them why.
Kids do not often take it for granted that their parents know what is best for them. If you explain to them your reasoning for the parameters, they will understand. However, don't get into a debate with your kid. At the end of the day, you are the adult, arguing lowers you to their level.
Since I'm handing out parenting advice, I might add that it would bea good idea to not only set parameters in the negative, but give options in the positive. Turn off the TV (negative) and then play ball with your kid (posistive). It's more effective if you show your children good activities as well as restrict bad ones as opposed to doing just the latter.
Back to my main point - violent video games.
We have already covered using your power of the purse to influence game developers, now I want to hit the subject of proactively supporting less violent games. The Wii and other Nintendo systems offer a lot of family-friendly games, often at a cheaper price than Xbox 360 or PS3 games. This is a way for game developers to know there is a market out there for less violent video games.
Long story short, violence in entertainment is part of our culture. It is found not only in games (even the early ones like Space Invaders) but classic movies, comics and books. We should not have a government censor what can be on the market but rather be responsible for ourselves and our dependents. Be active in your children's lives and monitor what you watch yourself and see if it is what you think is right.
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