Bill O'Reilly - Anti Video Game Spin

By: chronic cramps on June 24, 2007 [<<][>>] [back to archive index]

I get so frustrated when psychologists, dysfunctional moms, & politicians blame computer and video games of driving kids towards violent behavior.

Worse yet is when Bill O'Reilly devotes a portion of the Radio Factor to Dr. Gail Gross, who in a phone interview this past Thursday was allowed to spin her anti-gamer propaganda completely unchecked in the “No Spin Zone”. Bill, I respect you and what you are trying to accomplish, but you have got to get with the times! Dr. Gross blames video games and the internet for allowing dysfunctional and anti-social children to escape reality and immerse themselves into a world where they are in control, where anti-social behavior and aggressive tendencies are nurtured.
And how could she pass on making the connection between the now infamous school-shootings and video games; “they were internet users and played these violent games…we use these games to train soldiers" she sais.
And then there’s the obesity factor. According to Ross, many kids today are obese because they play games.

She completely forgot to mention the underlying reason for why some kids become anti-social and violent game addicted misfits… LACK OF PARENTING!

Granted, Bill somewhat learned his lesson from last year after making anti video game comments that were met with staunch criticism. Instead of challenging the doctor’s propaganda, he correctly blamed the growing number of dysfunctional parents for using the internet & video games as a pacifier for their children.

Then, in a move that (in my opinion) displays O’Reilly's lack of knowledge in the subject of video game culture, he somehow transitions to talking about sexual predators finding sanctuaries on the net. What???

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So I ask you, do violent video games prepare you mentally to actually carry out the portrayed acts of violence?
Does repeatedly pushing a few buttons in the right sequence with precise timing while playing Mortal Kombat prepare you mentally for murder?
Does a military combat training simulator brainwash you into an emotionless killer?

How is playing Halo 2 any different from reading a book with graphic depictions of violence, or watching the movie Gladiator? Do not all three examples give you the mental stimulation of murder, mayhem, and destruction?

The point that I'm trying to make is, we all know what is right and wrong, every action we take, if we really were to stop and think about it can be categorized as either a
selfish act, or a selfless act. That's it! Forget the notion of good vs. evil!
And when you break down your thoughts & actions to such simplicity, is it not fair to say that we always know right from wrong?

The question is then; at what age do we become aware of this concept of right and wrong? When do we see murder and know that it’s the wrong thing to do?
A one year old baby certainly does not have that capacity, but then again, you could make that argument for some 14 year old kids today... I can't answer that question, but it is clear that the ultimate responsibility in this determination lies with parents.

With that said, do we now blame video games, movies, books, the internet, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, suggestive advertising, greedy corporations, etc, for our addictions? Or do we lay blame on parents inability to determine their children’s understanding of right and wrong.

Anon Ymus says: This is complete and utter crap only a handful of minors end up being emotionaly destroyed and they were probably mentaly damaged in the first place so I wouldn’t be to concerned about it video games have never “emotionaly harmed” anyone. Even if you don’t play video games It’s still fun to watch. Best two video games ever created were State Of Emergency and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and I don’t mean to be contrary to the consevatives' nature of hating video game violence but the best parts about them were shooting people and stealing cars.
Posted August 02, 2007

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