It's Just a Game, Right?

Over the course of this weekend, I saw two very violent movies: Mel Gibson's Apocalypto and Edward Zwick's Blood Diamond. Each movie, while very different, told important and meaningful stories about life and death. They both challenged the audience to stretch its understanding of humanity but left horrible imprinting of violence as a way of life.

It is the notion that we cannot tell a story, solve a family dispute, or resolve a global conflict without violence that greatly disturbs me. It suggests that civilization has not progressed beyond an "eye for an eye" and a deeply held view that vengeance is a basic human need to be expressed by any means necessary.

I worry that our children see vivid images of violence as models for solving disagreements, managing conflicts, and navigating timeless tribal tensions. I worry that they study video games to lean how to mane, bully, and kill. I worry they learn that self-control and constraint are signs of weakness and fear.

We have no clearer example than Rick Warrens 'Left Behind External Forces' violent video game targeted at the Christian youth market and aimed at converting or killing Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, gays, or moderate mainline Christians. Warren, who promotes a dominionist Christian theology, leaves no room for tolerance, understanding, and reconciliation.

Violence as a way of problem-solving seems to be ingrained in our culture. As an example, President Bush ordering the death of Saddam Hussein's family to Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen calling for the assassination of Fidel Castro to Pat Robertson, the founder of CBN and controversial religious leader, calling for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. These highly visible leaders support and promote violent actions as a way to deal with conflict or opposition.

It is highly likely, that while watching FOX, CNN,or CBS, one of the talking heads will unashamedly, call for the death of some enemy of the US. They do so without any thoughts or hesitation that such a call will be answered with more violence. Unfortunately, in our society violence is sanctioned and glorified.

What influence will games like Left Behind External Forces have on our children? Where do we draw the line and how can we reduce the glorification of violence in our society? Where are all the "real" states persons who are willing to denounce unnecessaryy violence in the media ?