The Effects of Video Games on Childhood Aggression

The Effects of Video Games on Childhood Aggression

Omar D*** J*.
Mrs. S*****
Anatomy of Writing 2* CP: Research Paper
April 3, 2014
The Effects of Video Games on Childhood Aggression
Some say videogames promote cognitive development and social skills. Others say they increase aggression levels in children and make them antisocial. Deciding the truth about videogames is a complicated ordeal. They are one of the most common entertainment mediums in the American home. Videogames affect everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. If videogames turn children into mass murderers then of course we should severely limit children’s access to them. But, if videogames have no effect on violence and they are just a harmless toy, then children should be allowed to enjoy them.
Jack Thompson is one of the most active opponents of videogames. He’s written hundreds of letters, sued dozens of people, sent people pictures of his I.D. with Batman’s face in place of his own. In a letter to Patricia Vance, president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), Thompson admonishes the ESRB for their role in violent video game distribution, particularly, the game Killer 7. While it is true that Killer 7 is an extremely violent game, it is nowhere near as terrible as Thompson claims it is. Thompson’s letter is based solely on one review written by Matt Casamassina, a writer for a videogame website. All this Casamassina did was stress the fact that this game has aspects that should solely be experienced by adults (sex, violence, gore, etc.). Thompson uses this as evidence that all copies of the game should be pulled from store shelves nationwide. Thompson goes on to insinuate that there are hardcore pornographic scenes in the game. Thompson makes it sound as if the game is a sex simulator. The closest thing to sex in that game involves two fully clothed adults. The game does nothing to warrant the dismantling of the ESRB that Thompson warns will be called for when he says, “If I were you, Ms. Vance, I would...

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