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Philip Barone
Mr. Barrera
English 101
September 20, 2015
Critique of “
Why We Need Violent
Video Games”
With the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School the American Government,
and media, blame violent video games for gun violence. Politicians believe that youth interaction
with violent games is directly responsible for our nation’s lust for blood. And are now trying to
promote programs to police the videogame industry. However american writer, teacher, and
journalist Ethan Gilsdorf opposes this argument by stating that “Videogames are an important
outlet for aggression.” Ethan Explains how these games are not culprits of gun crime, and he
insists that they contribute to keep violence virtual, rather than physical carnage. But I can also
point out some illogical statements and insufficient evidence that Ethan uses to support his
arguments.
Ethan Writes about the executive proposals designed to restrict gun violence, and
programs limiting violent video game exposure to minors. Ethan believes that those actions will
not only be ineffective, but will create unnecessary demonization for these games. According to
Ethan, humans are naturally violent, and demand action, but in our evolutionized society those
actions are not tolerated like they were 150 years ago when men solved their problems with
shootouts. Ethan suggests that video games help control these impulses. It creates a virtually
protected environment so no one gets hurt. This is why the gaming industry is so successful. That
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being the case, potentially dangerous young men and women may need these games to
experience the adrenaline that they desire.
Ethan brings up how Adam Lanza did in fact play videogames, but he selected games
without violence and carnage. Instead he prefered dance games, which doesn’t fit the profile that ...