General Discussion

earthside

(6,960 posts)

81. And the NRA and Gun Owners of America will show you ...

Mon Dec 17, 2012, 11:13 AM

Dec 2012

... dozens of studies proving that guns in and of themselves do not have any influence on the behavior of bad people.

I find the mirror image with this video game debate quite amusing.

The gun idolators are insistent that their object of obsession is blameless.
The knee-jerk gamers are insistent that their object of obsession is blameless.

How about agreeing that there are many components that are part of the excessive culture of violence in this country?

We shouldn't be like the gun idolators and fetishists ... violent entertainment ought to be sociologically investigated to discover its impact on human behavior.

And while we don't support censorship, perhaps we can exercise the power of our pocketbooks to buy fewer violent games and patronize fewer gratuitously violent movies, etc.

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The violent videogames. Yes, they are a contributor. [View all] Safetykitten Dec 2012 OP

Except of course that there is zero evidence for causality or correlation. Warren Stupidity Dec 2012 #1

and we are off... Safetykitten Dec 2012 #2

Difference being theKed Dec 2012 #20

bzzt wrong. I posted links in another thread on this. cali Dec 2012 #39

Somebody else did, too, in another thread theKed Dec 2012 #47

Now THATS a debunking...oh wait, is it ownage? Safetykitten Dec 2012 #56

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #59

Finally! Thank you. I am a troll. You GOT ME! Safetykitten Dec 2012 #61

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #139

These numbers prove NOTHING. From your own link: chimpymustgo Dec 2012 #80

This should help you work through that. theKed Dec 2012 #82

And the NRA and Gun Owners of America will show you ... earthside Dec 2012 #81

Woah. theKed Dec 2012 #85

Woe... mizz pibb. Dec 2012 #192

Let's try again theKed Dec 2012 #91

Violent Video Games Alter Brain Function in Young Men (IU 2006 study) krawhitham Dec 2012 #86

Actually, yes theKed Dec 2012 #92

Damm Huns Kalidurga Dec 2012 #107

Why don't you provide some links to ACTUAL peer reviewed scientific studies then Matariki Dec 2012 #182

except there is. mixed studies for sure, but to say there is zero evidence is wrong. cali Dec 2012 #38

So why are school killings no more prevalent today than 40 years ago? Major Nikon Dec 2012 #83

Yes there's that Major Nikon Dec 2012 #78

I don't buy the video game argument either nachosgrande Dec 2012 #128

Guns don't kill people, games do. Cobalt Violet Dec 2012 #3

Actually, I've read a couple of articles that said he was a "gamer," but were they accurate? idk. reformist2 Dec 2012 #5

Oh, what nonsense! IF he did it was Hello Kitty...you know, that kind of game. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #6

links keroro gunsou Dec 2012 #8

Here's a link, from the Independent: reformist2 Dec 2012 #22

"He is said to have been a fan of computer games featuring warfare and killing." Cobalt Violet Dec 2012 #70

But soon this is going to be like saying he was a "cell phone user". Atypical Liberal Dec 2012 #84

A gamer in what sense? What games did he play? NickB79 Dec 2012 #110

For the past two generations, that's like saying 'he was a movie-goer'. Marr Dec 2012 #111

Hell hath no fury like a video gamer and beloved violent games being attacked. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #4

Yep. I love the personal anecdotes of peace-loving gamers... as if that proves anything. reformist2 Dec 2012 #7

The only thing lacking proof is your extraordinary claim that violent video games are dangerous. Kurska Dec 2012 #11

take your condesention keroro gunsou Dec 2012 #13

Correct all the "studies" they cite are correlational. Kurska Dec 2012 #17

Sounding a little hostile... reformist2 Dec 2012 #19

The climate change argument. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #34

Ease off on the condescension theKed Dec 2012 #40

Can you say that in gamer? Safetykitten Dec 2012 #46

Tell you what theKed Dec 2012 #49

B-b-but the data that says that violent people play violent video games. Kurska Dec 2012 #52

Sooo, lets give them more violence! Excellent idea! Safetykitten Dec 2012 #55

Shoo! theKed Dec 2012 #63

and speaking as a gamer keroro gunsou Dec 2012 #16

Used to be comic books. Whatever. I think I know who is really delusional in this argument. CBGLuthier Dec 2012 #9

It used to be mass printed books Nevernose Dec 2012 #53

I remember when it was D&D n/t RomneyLies Dec 2012 #142

Me too. There should loads of us from the 70s and 80s out rampaging now, except that GreenPartyVoter Dec 2012 #173

They are played worldwide jberryhill Dec 2012 #10

Oh yes, what could be the difference. What could it possibly be? Safetykitten Dec 2012 #27

...huh? nt theKed Dec 2012 #41

English, please? jberryhill Dec 2012 #57

I agree kwolf68 Dec 2012 #12

Where is the proof? theKed Dec 2012 #24

Dumbest post of the day, and it's only 8:42 AM EST. Dawgs Dec 2012 #14

It's gonna be theKed Dec 2012 #25

Nice try. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #30

At what? theKed Dec 2012 #33

The gamer for gun control. How odd an existence that would be. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #45

Then why theKed Dec 2012 #50

You say you are. 2ndAmForComputers Dec 2012 #162

It's the phenomenon of "I don't do or own<insert hobby or item here> therefore it should be banned" Puzzledtraveller Dec 2012 #98

6:50 PM AST and it's maintaining that position. (nt) Posteritatis Dec 2012 #169

Well, there's opinion and snark. Matariki Dec 2012 #183

Everyone's personal crusade is coming out... Lightbulb_on Dec 2012 #15

Dead bodies make great soap boxes for zealots of all shades. ag_dude Dec 2012 #29

Whatever you didn't like before it happened - that's the cause jberryhill Dec 2012 #77

Stop trying to derail the conversation... Comrade_McKenzie Dec 2012 #18

Oh yes, I am so NRA. Gamer fanatic much? Safetykitten Dec 2012 #32

You use the word "gamer" as if it was, intrinsically, an insult. 2ndAmForComputers Dec 2012 #154

+1 Warren Stupidity Dec 2012 #134

Yep, called it. Rex Dec 2012 #138

They don't, and it's frankly a stupid assertion. Spider Jerusalem Dec 2012 #21

It's not stupid at all. In fact, dismissing the idea out of hand reduces your credibility. reformist2 Dec 2012 #28

It's quite easy to dismiss the idea out of hand Spider Jerusalem Dec 2012 #62

Hey, stop making sense!!!!!! bayareamike Dec 2012 #151

There are a lot of psycho kids in other countries, they just don't have access to guns. reformist2 Dec 2012 #167

You do know though that Loughner did not nadinbrzezinski Dec 2012 #187

Don't forget movies and television shows. jackbenimble Dec 2012 #23

sigh. Starry Messenger Dec 2012 #26

Wow. That really proved us wrong. :/ reformist2 Dec 2012 #31

Try the top link. It's PBS. Starry Messenger Dec 2012 #37

The streches of logic are amazing when gamers are confronted. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #43

I've got it. Science is in on the conspiracy too. Starry Messenger Dec 2012 #48

Science is not, but the game companies are. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #60

PBS is part of the eldritch Big Gamer cabal too? Starry Messenger Dec 2012 #65

You forgot the federal crime statistics nadinbrzezinski Dec 2012 #190

Electronic Arts is the RJ Reynolds of our time. Codeine Dec 2012 #178

Did your girlfriend leave you for a gamer or something? 2ndAmForComputers Dec 2012 #157

So PBS and the Feds are part of the conspiracy? nadinbrzezinski Dec 2012 #188

It's that damn Rock and Roll. It's the Devil's music...nt SidDithers Dec 2012 #35

Exactly. Same argument, different decade. Initech Dec 2012 #119

This message was self-deleted by its author theKed Dec 2012 #36

You see, killing people on screen in uber violent specatacles has nothing to do with anything. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #42

Proof of any of this? AngryAmish Dec 2012 #75

Sane people know the difference between fantasy and reality. Odin2005 Dec 2012 #44

All this and more in a nation that watches Fox News. Safetykitten Dec 2012 #54

sigh. theKed Dec 2012 #58

This message was self-deleted by its author Shankapotomus Dec 2012 #69

What was the last video game you played, of any kind? Occulus Dec 2012 #104

I get the feeling the OP hasn't played a game in his/her entire life. white_wolf Dec 2012 #163

Yes, sane people WinniSkipper Dec 2012 #166

Even as someone who has played some of the various war video games Shankapotomus Dec 2012 #51

This. CrispyQ Dec 2012 #96

so... people who support, defend, etc violent video games Locrian Dec 2012 #64

It's not the same argument. theKed Dec 2012 #68

ok Locrian Dec 2012 #126

It is ignorant to think that there was just one simple answer. It can be a toxic stew of medication, Pisces Dec 2012 #66

Well said. JohnnyLib2 Dec 2012 #73

That sounds about right cpwm17 Dec 2012 #94

Don't Forget Dungeons and Dragons! NeedleCast Dec 2012 #67

Where's Jack Chick when we really need him? theKed Dec 2012 #71

Chick Tracts NeedleCast Dec 2012 #72

BLACK LEAF, NOOO! Codeine Dec 2012 #176

Heavy metal music, too. AngryAmish Dec 2012 #76

Mixed romana Dec 2012 #74

Agreed. proud2BlibKansan Dec 2012 #79

What was the last video game you played, of any kind, and when? Occulus Dec 2012 #106

When was the last time you spent any time with a violent kid? proud2BlibKansan Dec 2012 #108

When was the last time such kid nadinbrzezinski Dec 2012 #184

When was the last time you taught a kid who murdered someone? proud2BlibKansan Dec 2012 #112

So your answer is "never" Occulus Dec 2012 #113

Refusing to answer a stupid question doesn't mean I lost the argument proud2BlibKansan Dec 2012 #125

"I've played every violent video game as soon as it hits the market." Occulus Dec 2012 #131

I just played Glow Fish. It's a maze where you encircle aggressive fish and turn them into "friends" KittyWampus Dec 2012 #155

Right. Shadowflash Dec 2012 #87

Adam Lanza played video games? SoonerPride Dec 2012 #88

I've played very violent video games for years. I own no gun. I have no desire to hurt anyone. phleshdef Dec 2012 #89

That is you. Are you on medication for mental health issues, are you diagnosed ADHD, were you abused Pisces Dec 2012 #101

I'll ask you, too. Occulus Dec 2012 #105

You could replace "violent video games" with "violent books", "violent music", "violent whatever". phleshdef Dec 2012 #130

Right. bayareamike Dec 2012 #152

But you are contributing to the violent currents in our collective consciousness. KittyWampus Dec 2012 #156

Things like what you just said make me want to violently scoop my eyes out with a spoon. phleshdef Dec 2012 #165

This sort of post is why people don't take Democrats seriously. ny Codeine Dec 2012 #177

on what do you blame the violence that occured BEFORE there were violent video games? leftyohiolib Dec 2012 #90

Comic books, rock and roll music, those no-good Tudors. theKed Dec 2012 #93

Videogames are so powerful Codeine Dec 2012 #181

yes they create a spining vortex of pure evil, an opening of the very mouth of hell out of which leftyohiolib Dec 2012 #194

I watched the most violent game in America last night. raouldukelives Dec 2012 #95

I have played violent video games since I was a kid siouxsiecreamcheese Dec 2012 #97

Most med school students/surgeons game OhioChick Dec 2012 #99

My son is not allowed to play his shooter games for at least until after the new year... cynatnite Dec 2012 #100

That's fair. Occulus Dec 2012 #124

My son is 13 years old for one thing.... cynatnite Dec 2012 #127

I thought it was the Marilyn Manson with his devil music! Drunken Irishman Dec 2012 #102

Nothing like making up something to fit how you want things to be. Rex Dec 2012 #103

Ever read Don Quixote? Marr Dec 2012 #109

I agree, these games have become so bloodthirsty and the fact that flamingdem Dec 2012 #114

What was the last video game you played, of any kind, and when? Occulus Dec 2012 #115

Hello, I was making video games for a living flamingdem Dec 2012 #118

Titles, please Occulus Dec 2012 #121

Such as? jeff47 Dec 2012 #123

Such as? Rex Dec 2012 #137

Glow Fish. KittyWampus Dec 2012 #159

What constitutes a violent videogame? Wednesdays Dec 2012 #116

I play Borderlands, Call Of Duty, Skyrim, and Assassin's Creed. Initech Dec 2012 #117

Some great titles there RomneyLies Dec 2012 #144

I also play a lot of Civilization V. Love that game. Initech Dec 2012 #147

I play quite a bit of WoW RomneyLies Dec 2012 #148

You really should find out about video games before you decide to ban them jeff47 Dec 2012 #120

That took longer than I expected. And what do all of these 'causes' have in common? n/t Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #122

Find the statistics that show crime going up with video game usage, I'll eat my hat. Exultant Democracy Dec 2012 #129

I made a similar point in another thread. Puzzledtraveller Dec 2012 #133

Sorry, I was too busy reading The Catcher In The Rye while listening to Judas Priest backwards thelordofhell Dec 2012 #132

NO! It's those scandalous penny-dreadful novels! backscatter712 Dec 2012 #135

Ban Lady Chatterly's Lover! n/t backscatter712 Dec 2012 #136

I'm sorry to say but I think this is just a convenient excuse Xyzse Dec 2012 #140

I though about that angle as well but the kids weren't the only thing important to his mother Uncle Joe Dec 2012 #143

That is definitely possible too. Xyzse Dec 2012 #145

As to your question, jealousy or to feel? I have no answer. Uncle Joe Dec 2012 #146

Somehow, I also considered the December 21 idea Xyzse Dec 2012 #150

I suppose you denounce the United States Army, then RomneyLies Dec 2012 #141

and... LP2K12 Dec 2012 #149

You "bet" this kid played video games? SomethingFishy Dec 2012 #153

Definitely want to add the Bible to your list of violent things to throw out. Matariki Dec 2012 #185

Not buying this. MILLIONS play video games in countries that have no massacres like ours. ancianita Dec 2012 #158

That's because they don't have guns. It doesn't disprove the idea that video games are a problem. reformist2 Dec 2012 #168

They don't have guns? Got any proof of that? A number of them have legalized gun ownership. ancianita Dec 2012 #195

Yes, anything except the obvious, i.e. the fact that he used a gun designed to kill lots of people. Warren DeMontague Dec 2012 #160

Correlation does not equal causation davidn3600 Dec 2012 #161

I think it's more the movies and TV than the video games. woodsprite Dec 2012 #164

You better keep an eye on me then justiceischeap Dec 2012 #170

These two things just made my day better. Heywood J Dec 2012 #171

Japan has the same violent videogames, Chisox08 Dec 2012 #172

When you show correlation nadinbrzezinski Dec 2012 #174

I shot a gun once when I was a kid. Hated it. I don't even like games with guns. dogknob Dec 2012 #175

The glorification of violence is a big factor, but doens't fit the agenda, so Skip Intro Dec 2012 #179

You assume that gamers are as half witted Riftaxe Dec 2012 #180

I've been a gamer for 32 of my 36 years. TheBadWolf Dec 2012 #186

34 of 43... dogknob Dec 2012 #189

I used to play "US Navy Fighters" XRubicon Dec 2012 #191

I happened to see one once and was horrified. mizz pibb. Dec 2012 #193