Menewsha Avatar Community - Video Games :: Are they really that much of an issue?

Menewsha Avatar Community (https://www.menewsha.com/forum/index.php)

- Extended Discussion (https://www.menewsha.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=111)

- - Video Games :: Are they really that much of an issue? (https://www.menewsha.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49220)

Well I love video games.
But they have controversy about its censorship of its violence.
here:

Quote:

Like related forms of media, computer and video games have been the subject of frequent controversy and censorship, due to the depiction of graphic violence, sexual themes, advergaming (a form of advertising in games), consumption of drugs, consumption of alcohol or tobacco, propaganda, or profanity in some games. Among others, critics of video games sometimes include parents' groups, politicians, organized religion groups, and other special interest groups, even though all of these can be found in all forms of entertainment and media. Various games have been accused of causing addiction and even violent behavior. "Video game censorship" is defined as the use of state or group power to control the playing, distribution, purchase, or sale of video games or computer games. Video game controversy comes in many forms, and censorship is a controversial subject. Proponents and opponents of censorship are often very passionate about their individual views.

Historically, this type of controversy and criticism is not unique to video games. The same situation has been applied to comic books, motion pictures, dancing and to some extent music and books. As long ago as the nineteenth century the same accusations were made about "penny dreadfuls". Moreover, it appears to be a question of age. Since these art forms have been around longer, the backlash against them occurred further in the past, beyond the remembrance of today's youth. In both cases, the attempts at censorship in the United States were struck down as a violation of First Amendment rights, and they have gone on to become fully integrated facets of society.

An organization known as the Entertainment Software Ratings Board or ESRB rates software for certain age groups, however publishers are not required to submit games for ratings, and parents are not always aware of the existence of these ratings. In some cases, children are able to obtain software that is not deemed appropriate by the ESRB for their age. Games that have sparked notable national controversy in the United States include Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Night Trap, Doom, the Grand Theft Auto series and, most notably, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' infamous Hot Coffee mod fiasco which boosted the game's ESRB rating from M (Mature) to AO (Adults Only).

I don't think video games are the issue, but the person playing the game. I'm only concerned about people who have a weak mind that's easily swayed by the actions portrayed in video games, not those who are just into the game. If you have a mentally unstable person play a violent game like Grand Theft Auto or Resident Evil or Condemned even, they might go out and commit the same heinous crimes or actions in the game? (This is not totally likely, but still possible.)

Then there's the issue that because games are so addicting no one wants to go outside anymore and get fresh air, and in turn, aren't as healthy. This is very true. However, with the development of the Wii, all you need to get fresh air and excersise is a Wiimote, a game that involves using your body to play, and crack open a window. Even before the Wii was Dance Dance Revolution, which a lot of people like. That said, exercise can't be an issue unless one is seriously inactive. Besides, when I play video games, I never want to eat. I can't gain weight when I don't eat. I'm not going to eat out of boredom either, because obviously I'm not bored.

I'm surprised that there's a lot of controversy about video games rather than things that I think should be observed, such as the TV. I can't tell you how often I see food commercials and am instantly hungry afterwards...why is no one rallying about that? I can't be the only one who gets this way after watching a commercial about McDonalds' new grilled chicken sandwich or salad or whatever. (Or maybe I am...)

...idk. o uo;; That's just my opinion on the matter. Hee hee...

I'm a gamer, less of it now then my whole life. As for parents blaming kids to be violent because of games; it is not the game industry's fault they are trying to make money for their families. It is the parents fault for not supervising the child and the violence could possibly be by another family member instead of the game, UNLESS the child is known to mimic what is seen. In that case the child should not watch anything violent or get a serious lesson on what is real and fake and what is right and what is wrong.
Games are not the issue here, its the individuals who buy it.
I know a couple years back when I got resident evil four; a game so mature with gore and blood its rating was changed to adult. Did my little 4 year old cousin go around repeating violent acts? No. Every child is different; some can handle playing mature games and some can't. The ones who can't shouldn't be playing. The ones who can should do as they please.