The Problem With Video Games and Violence

Hello everyone and welcome to The Love of Gaming blog! There has been a lot of talk about violent video games, the degree of violence in games and whether that content has effect on the minds of people, especially young adults. Just this week we've heard the horrific story of the teenage boy that shot his little sister in the head, all because of an argument over a video game controller.
Recently Donald Trump held a meeting with various groups, including members from the video game industry and were shown a montage of violent game content. There was lots of disapproving pointing, shaking of heads and looks of disgust. 

Why are violent video games singled out so much more harshly than violent movies, TV shows and artwork. There are portraits in galleries all over the world from varying eras and contain some of the most horrific imagery you've ever seen. Sexually violent imagery even, yet these are often referred to as "works of art". Experts studied such imagery over a course of many months and years, writing essays into the hidden meaning and message within the splashes of blood and gore.
Yet, these people are not referred to as "weirdos" or any other type of derogatory statement. They're called aficionados, art critics and professors of art. Yet, these people are often subjected to the most ghastly of imagery, created by "artists". There is some criticism of such artwork, but overall it's accepted. As long as there is deeper meaning, the violence and gore is acceptable. 
Don't take this to mean I dislike art, or believe those people to be strange and perverse. Art is art, it is meaning and metaphor. I'm simply drawing a comparison of acceptable violence.

I think the problem people have with video game violence, is because you the player, can commit the violent acts. In a film or painting, you are a third party, observing violent people doing violent things. In a game, you are the violent person. 
Indeed, the interactive nature of video games is no doubt an attraction to someone who wants to live out their darkest and cruel fantasies vicariously. Ultimately, some people will be unfulfilled and will choose to enact their fantasies on real people. 
Most people will watch something and then want to do it. I watched motorbike racing and eventually decided to learn to ride and got one! It's normal to want to live out your fantasies, it's not normal to fantasise about killing people.
It feels stupid to explain that, but sometimes people seem to forget this. Too often excuses are made for people that are just born bad. "It was video games, it was TV, it was rap music, it was guns it was..." and so on and so forth. 

But back to violent video games, I do personally believe that people are shocked because you are the one acting out the violence. That Nazi in Call of Duty didn't get his head blown off by Johnny USA. It was 15 yearold Jamie, tapping away at his xbox controller. 
That hooker wasn't run over by a drunk, drug dealing hitman. That was 29 yearold Daniel playing GTA alone in his room.
That Goomba wasn't curb stomped by a plumber with blue overralls, that was 4 yearold Rebecca playing Mario Odyssey. 

Anyone, who is in full use of the squishy part between their ears, knows one thing. This is just a game. This isn't real. This isn't us. This is just entertainment. 
Oh, violence is entertaining is it!? Well, yes it is. A slew of violent videogames, books and paintings tell me one thing; we as Humans find death interesting on a sub conscious level. But then again, mortality is interesting and putting fictional characters in life and death situations excites us and is the foundation for most of the stories you will engage in.
In recent times, games like Grand Theft Auto have allowed us to play villains, there is no harm in that. Actors have been playing nasty people for years and don't go on killing sprees. I also love that games are now aimed at adults, as fun as Mario can be, playing games meant for adults is just better, it targets my interests. If every game out was still some colorful platformer with a jubilant mascot, I may not be playing games as much as I do now. 

A montage of violent video game footage is out of context, do the same with movies or paintings and you may find yourself disgusted. Context gives understanding to situations and themes. 
Video game violence isn't exceptional, it is abused by maladjusted individuals, who would have found some other fixation if video games were not available. The vast majority of everybody else, just wants to be entertained. Wants to escape a little bit and play the role of a hard boiled cop in Max Payne, become a demon slaying badass like Dante or save the princess like Mario. 

Let's stop making excuses for bad people and stop the witch hunt. Mature games for mature players. 

I hope you enjoyed this blog entry and hope that my opinions haven't upset or offended anyone. Feel free to leave a comment, I'm always interested in other people's opinions and open discussions.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!