My views on violent video games and Jack Thompson

[Toonami Tom]

I have done some thinking today. Jack Thompson thinks he's doing something good, but he takes his 'goals' too far. He thinks that children should not be allowed to play graphic violence video games, and I agree with this. Jack has also stated that violent video games effect the minds of children, and he's probably right.

He also states that violent video games contribute to real world violence. Now, here's where I disagree, at least somewhat. I believe that a normal person can play violent video games for as long as they want, and they won't commit real world violence because of a game.

However, if you have someone that is crazy and they play a shooter game and/or a violent game, I believe this could push them over the line so to speak. Notice that I say a crazy person. A normal person can handle a violent video game, but a crazy person may not be able to.

In conclusion, I think that the ESRB system should be used always, and if an adult wants a violent video game that's fine. But it should be illegal, IMO, to sell an "M" rated game to a child.

Add Edit: I wanted to add that I own "M" rated video games. I consider myself a normal person and I am over 17 years old, so that's fine.

There are certain "M" rated games that I think push the envelope and are very messed up, and I do not want to play those games. Although, I think other people should have the right to play such games, even if I don't want to.

[愛]

Nice essay. "In conclusion?"

But I agree. Thompson has his mind in the right place, but he's doing this all the wrong ways. He's also making statements with no real scientific and psychological evidence. At this point, it just seems that his constant failures in the court room trying to get games like GTA and Bully banned from shelves, he's taking it out on the wrong people.

[Toonami Tom]

lol, it kind of felt like an essay when I was writing it.

Right, Jack needs to change his ways and then he can do some good. He needs to focus only on keeping "M" rated games away from children, not banning a game.

[Jamboree]

I don't even know what to say about Thomson anymore. I don't even think I can agree that he's trying for the right thing b/c if you do some digging, you'll find some of his malicious statements toward gamers, beyond what you see on the news. Also he's a lawyer, so he'll do anything to 'win' if he can.

[Toonami Tom]

That's a good point you made about him being a lawyer and having the "I must win no matter what" attitude. Not that I have anything against lawyers, as long as they don't lie and such.

Now, here's a topic within this topic: Why do people enjoy violent video games, including myself?

I think the culture of this country and other countries have made fake violence, even the most realistic and graphic kind acceptable. I don't know why, but our culture has done this. Some of this culture has obviously convinced me that certain violent games=fun. I enjoy Gears of War, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Halo 1 and 2, and I plan on buying Halo 3. If you really think about it though it seems perverse that people enjoy violent video games. *Mind boggled.*

So when does the Halo 3 betta come out?

[Mecha Cow]

Mind in the right place my ass. Whatever his original intentions were, they were thrown out the window long ago and his despicable statements and actions negatate whatever good he is trying to do. He's just a piece of sh*t who's desperate to be relevant and has no problem stomping all over everything in order to get there. He doesn't even know what he's talking about anymore. The guy has no respect for anyone or anything, and that is why I will never have the slightest bit of respect for him. F*ck Jack Thompson.

As for video games causing violence - It's bullsh*t, end of discussion. Yeah, some messed up individuals might pick up an idea or two, but the keyword here is 'messed up'. They do not represent the norm. They could just as easily find their inspiration in a news article. Blaming video games, or rock music, or comic books is just shifting the focus from the real problem. What is the real problem? I don't even know anymore. But it's not video games.

[bullet]

like that famous quote...what was it?

something like "some of the most evil things in this world were born from the greatest of intentions." maybe i'm hallucinating.

[Tinuvielsdreams]

Or the quote "The road to hell is paved with 'Good intentions' " Karl Marx
says google anyway...

The video game thing I don't think its the game I think its the person who plays it. Weapons are only as dangerous as the hand that wields it right?

[Mecha Cow]

Well, video games aren't weapons and shouldn't be viewed as such to begin with.

[Tinuvielsdreams]

Just a metaphor...and only directed at the fact there are some people out there that no matter what are capable of bad things...video games or not.
I definitely don't see video games as anything negative

[Jamboree]

Originally Posted by Leonardo07

That's a good point you made about him being a lawyer and having the "I must win no matter what" attitude. Not that I have anything against lawyers, as long as they don't lie and such.

Now, here's a topic within this topic: Why do people enjoy violent video games, including myself?

I think the culture of this country and other countries have made fake violence, even the most realistic and graphic kind acceptable. I don't know why, but our culture has done this. Some of this culture has obviously convinced me that certain violent games=fun. I enjoy Gears of War, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Halo 1 and 2, and I plan on buying Halo 3. If you really think about it though it seems perverse that people enjoy violent video games. *Mind boggled.*

So when does the Halo 3 betta come out?

It's all fantasy. There are people who never dream of doing someone like in video games like taking a magnum and shooting them point blank (of course w/o fear of being in trouble) I'm sure we've all been like "boy I'd like to this M -F'er but we'd never do that. This is why we have games, and movies so we see or play out these things w/o having to harm actual people. I love violent games as they come, but I'd never kill anyone. I'd be hesitant to do it even if my life was in danger. This is why we like TMNT, b/c there are no real walking talking, Turtles who know Ninjutsu and like Pizza, so we instead read the literature, watch the toons/movies and play the games to make up for it.

So yeah, some people (the wrong people) may watch this stuff and become warped by the images they see, and want to emulate it. But this is where parents can come in and try to prevent small kids from thinking it's cool slice someone's nuts off or run someone over with a garbage truck and then back up on them and then dump the garbage on them... and yeah.
This is one perspective. But yeah eh hm, Halo 3? ya can't wait.

I hear it will come with the other Generation systems gamebreakers - i.e - MGS4 and SSB:Brawl.

[Mecha Cow]

Just a metaphor...and only directed at the fact there are some people out there that no matter what are capable of bad things...video games or not.
I definitely don't see video games as anything negative

I know, I'm not disagreeing with you or nothing. Just adding something.

[Sunshine]

I think video games even violent ones in some situations at least can decrease the chances of doing something violent. I know a lot of people who play violent games as a way to release tension and stress. For example say you get really angry you've had a bad day and you'd kind of like to just punch the next person who ticks you off. Rather then hitting a real person you can go play a game and beat the hell out of some fake monsters or people and by the time you're done you feel better. I know I've done this many times to calm down and unwind *shrug* but that's just my opnion...

[Tinuvielsdreams]

Originally Posted by Mecha Cow

I know, I'm not disagreeing with you or nothing. Just adding something.

Thanks!
I get nervous when I type in a forum on a serious matter because no one can hear my tone. I always feel like I have to clarify just in case

[Jamboree]

Originally Posted by Sunshine

I think video games even violent ones in some situations at least can decrease the chances of doing something violent. I know a lot of people who play violent games as a way to release tension and stress. For example say you get really angry you've had a bad day and you'd kind of like to just punch the next person who ticks you off. Rather then hitting a real person you can go play a game and beat the hell out of some fake monsters or people and by the time you're done you feel better. I know I've done this many times to calm down and unwind *shrug* but that's just my opnion...

I think this is an excellent example of how games are meant to be played.