Since the CT shooting in Newtown I’ve often ranted and raved against the media narrative mainly pushed by misinformed republicans that somehow video games are a huge problem in our world and they need to be regulated, toned down, etc since its causing regular people who play them to become psycho. It’s a sentiment I vehemently disagreed with. How can we seek to censor games which are a form of free speech and expression protected by the 1st amendment and at the same time scream the 2nd amendment should be holy writ? It’s a thought that web comic and charity creators Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins summed up nicely here.
I could rant and rave all day about how playing a video game does not make you a violent killer and how gamers are normal people but I’m up against a mutli-front supported media narrative, and if you’ve tried drunkenly putting out a bonfire with not but your own “rental beer” you’ll know its a exercise in futility. I can, however, always count on the Alt-Con to learn about how awesome something outside the narrative is so I want to tell you about the latest development in the gaming world that makes the sensationalized MSM narrative look silly, not that it needs help.
If any of you are as big a fan of the web comic known as Penny Arcade as I am you’ll also know they created a charity not long ago known as “Childs Play.” The idea behind it was that there are children in Hospitals that could use the help of the very large gaming community and we help them through the power of play. Whether it be video games, toys, or books, the gaming community would step up and deliver a reason to smile to these kids who are fighting sickness, and sometimes death. For a full grasp of what this charity does you should read these awesome testimonials. A free Misfit tee to anyone who doesn’t tear up when reading them. You won’t get one if you don’t cry because you’re most likely a robot and wouldn’t appreciate it anyway.
Last year gamers managed to raise $5,085,760 to help these children in hospitals. I could try to tell you how incredible that is but the website says it best…
The term “record-setting” doesn’t do our final total justice, nor does incredible, amazing, generous, or overwhelming.
As a lifelong gamer I cannot tell you how proud I am to see this. The community is putting innumerable smiles on little faces and that is something mighty.
Next time someone tries to tell you that games and gamers are dangerous, or a blight on our nation, you be sure to let them know what was done on behalf of the children across the planet by gamers who silently put down the controller and gave to those in need.
If you want to help or learn more you can hit up the Child’s Play website link. You can also follow them on the Twitterz at @CPCharity and hit up their Facebook here! If you spend a lot of your time with a controller in your hand then jump in and help out!
I told people we should not focus on video games and gamers for answers to what happen to those poor children but on the mental health system. My God I was treated as the reincarnation of Hitler “and mad cow no stupid retarded or cheesy jokes on Hitler”. I was called a mass murder supporter instead of a supporter of the Constitution. This is why this problem will never get fixed the left want to ban the second amendment and the right wants to take free speech from video game producers and gamers. None solve the route of the problem. What in the hell is wrong with people?
Gamers helped design better treatments for AIDS.
And cancer.
And Alzheimer’s disease.
And we did it in less than 1% of the time previously spent (fruitlessly, I might add) by world-class scientists working on the same problems.
You’re all welcome.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/video-game-cure-hiv.htm/printable
I have been reading a lot of articles here recently and have enjoyed it quite a bit. Anyway, I get your point on games not being an issue, I have played my fair share of games in my day. I just do not see how gaming as the rest of the culture cannot be looked at. Not saying a ban or a more regulated environment is in order but certainly parents can do a better job at looking out for warning signs before the “child” is in his 20s to do something about it. I don’t know, as a young adult I looked at it as you did but having new born has changed my perspective a bit.
Let me know if I missed anything.
Comics were said to lead to violence.
Cartoons were said to lead to violence.
Toy guns were said to lead to violence.
Dodgeball was said to lead to violence.
Legalizing Marijauna was said…oh wait they didn’t say that.
Rap music was…no they applaud that.
Books on assassinating a President…no they gave standing ovations for that.
Movies on assassinating a President…they give awards for that.
Occupy Wall Street…..nothing violent ever happened there.
Union protests….. no violence there, so shut your yap or we’ll shut it for you!
Nah, I’m missing something…….
WWBD? What Would Breitbart Do?
I think you are all missing the point. The First and Second Amendment should be protected. And most Repulblicans I know, just feel that it makes as much sense to take away guns from law abiding citizens (or levy such high taxes on them that it makes it impossible for the average citizen to afford them) as blaming gaming for all the masacres that have occured. Most people don’t mind bashing the 2nd Amendment, but touch the 1st and the liberals go nuts. CT had strict gun control laws already, did they help? No, because there is no way police every action of every person, and there never will be. But take our rights away with the 2nd Amendment, and watch the rest of the rights “you” cherish get attacked one by one. We should respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights…not pick and choose.