Violent Video Game Proposal

Just imagine two brothers. The youngest one (16-years-old), spends his life playing “Halo 3,” and has now developed a sense that killing isn’t that bad. After a while, without him even knowing, the horrid murder stories on the news don’t bother him anymore. One day, after leaving his console, he finds that his older brother (18-years-old) had switched on his system without asking! Infuriated, he runs to the kitchen and grabs the nearest knife and stabs his own brother in the back, killing him within seconds. This is exactly what happened on April 4th of this year.

What many do not realize is that violent video games pose a great danger to both gamers and non-gamers. The disturbing thing is that not a lot of people know it. Many studies have shown that violent video games increase aggression levels within most gamers and generally, the longer the play time, the greater short-term and long-term effects it has on them. This issue alone does not pose much of a threat, but there a few more things to add to that. One of the most worrisome facts is that violent video game consumers become desensitized to violence and gore – even the military uses violent video games to train their people how to kill without emotional counter-effects. On top of these two problems, there are negative behavioral effects of long term playing. Put all three of these factors into a blender and out comes the situation described above – violent outbursts, both controlled and uncontrolled.

Obviously gaming is a right to be had by many, and rightfully so, but there needs to be limits if our right to life is in danger. This leads to the great question: How does America solve this problem? The solution may be easier than what is expected.

A perfect opportunity has presented itself to the American people. The Federal Supreme Court has just granted writ of certiorari to the Californian case, Schwarzenegger v. Video Software Dealers Association. The very essence of this case will determine whether or not states will have the ability to prohibit the sale of violent video games to minors. This is a very important case, but winning this case only solves half of violent video game problem. We also have to consider the question, “Well, can’t the parents buy the games for their children?” Yes they can, and that’s why I’ve composed a solution that solves both problems.

The solution is that we need to let others know the harms that can come from violent video games! There are three ways to go about this: 1. Telling parents of minors. In turn, parents will pay more attention to their children’s video game playing and keep it in realistic check (e.g., balancing it with other activities, or even telling him or her of the harms associated with violent video games). This will cause the parents to carefully purchase video games and children to play less. This solution is very feasible to anyone who can speak. Why? Because if parents love their children and want to ensure their mental well-being, they will at least let their children know of the dangerous effects violent video games pose. 2. Tell the voting public. By letting the voters know about the harms, they can vote into Congress those individuals who will construct violent video game regulation laws. 3. To make a big impact, you can write letters to the governing officials showing why these laws are Constitutional.

Here is why these laws are Constitutional: The Supreme Court has established that any type of expression that incites imminent lawlessness is not protected by the Constitution, and therefore states can make laws regulating such speech. Video games pose a danger to even the non-gamers in the real-world due to the issues discussed. That is why, and how the American people should and can stand up for our protection rights and guard our country’s future!