By Christy Cowan
Ah, winter the time of year when the local TV stations over-exaggerate the weather conditions, with names such as “The Storm of (fill in year),” or “The Blast of (fill in year),” or “Winter Storm (fill in year).” Whatever the name, the hype works. Schools are cancelled with one inch of snow on most roads, appointments are cancelled and workers call in sick for fear of commuting on slick roads. Three of the top 10 stories on HeraldNet concerned the local snowfall of last week. While I could go into greater analysis of these stories I am compelled to write about the top two stories from last week.
“Violent video games are training children to kill” was No. 1. This particular story topped the list probably due to is its red-flag waving headline. (Editor’s Note: Several video game Web sites linked to the story, bringing in a significant audience.) But are they really? As a firm proponent of free speech, I disagree with the premise of the writer’s argument. I would argue people of all ages are de-sensitized to violent acts seen in video games and on TV, however being de-sensitized to perceived acts of violence cannot be equated with real acts of violence. The Green River Killer was a real violent person. Since the Green River Killer was mythicized by the TV media, children may not see him as a real person, but as a character in some sort of real life video game.
There is a clear-cut distinction between the violence portrayed in video games and on television and real acts of violence. Video games are not where children learn to be violent. If one were to charge the people who produce, sell and market video games with a crime, the charge would be a downplayed perception of violence. The only way children are to learn there is a difference between what they see in video games and on TV is education. Parents must be responsible for teaching their children the difference between perceived acts of violence and real violence.
Ever sit at a stoplight, less than two feet from a panhandler and debate whether to roll down the window and give ‘em some change? While most of us want to help the panhandler we instinctively wonder whether the individual will use the money for drugs or alcohol. The No. 2 story on HeraldNet last week discusses the dangers of panhandling. Panhandling may be on the rise considering the current economical conditions of the county. Although there are organizations that provide food and shelter for homeless individuals and families, many of the local shelters are filled to capacity this season due to the early arrival of winter, thereby creating greater numbers of homeless panhandlers forced to beg in the cold.
It is cold out there, and in this chilly weather more children are forced to stay inside, seeking sedentary forms of entertainment such as playing video games and watching television. It is the your responsibility as parents to educate your children on the difference between perceived violence and real violence. And while you’re at it, drop off a few cans of food at the local food bank there’s plenty of people out there that could use it.
“Violent video games are training children to kill” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/18/17748407.cfm
“Perils of panhandling” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/22/17789916.cfm
“Speed and alcohol blamed in fatal crash” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/19/17774621.cfm
“Uproar over contract” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/18/17767438.cfm
“For better, for snowier” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/20/17781711.cfm
“Snow’s timing is right” http://www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/20/17778268.cfm
“Surprise snow brings power outages, flooding” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/19/17779014.cfm
“Arlington man arrested in assault investigation” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/23/17792812.cfm
“Woman dies in Everett accident” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/18/17767936.cfm
“Are you aiding criminals?” www.heraldnet.com/ Stories/03/11/18/17768733.cfm
In case you missed it, check out, “Wrap it Up,” a local guide to holiday shopping, www.heraldnet.com/sections/holidayguide/
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