On monday, two Florida teens were charged with severely beating three homeless men with baseball bats, killing
one and hospitalizing the other two. The incident is tragic and horrific - what could cause kids to commit such crimes?
The catalyst, if you ask certain people, could have been violent games.Game Politics has the researched chronology of the incident, from the court appearance all the way to the Sun-Sentinel article connecting video games to the violence. While developmental psychologist Ron Slaby stated that "video games 'trained' them to kill without emotion," it is likely Jack Thompson's contribution that you are most interested in: "I don't think video games turn angels into demons, but we often see where video games are a component [of an attack]."
That's a fairly sensical quote, in all fairness - if a person is already mentally unstable and prone to violent means (which, if you are a fan of William Golding, you might believe that all men are inherently evil), then Grand Theft Auto may not be an appropriate afternoon adventure.
Whether or not all men (and women) are inherently evil is a debate for philosophy courses, Jack Thompson likely is of that mindset. His latest press release (linked via the adjacent image), published as a comment on the GamePolitics page under the title "Foam at the Mouth about This, Pixelante Children," is a direct letter to Take-Two's Paul Eibeler. Referencing the Florida beatings, Jack Thompson urges - nay, demands - that Mr. Eibeler recall 3 of his company's most violent games: The Warriors, Manhunt, and all the Grand Theft Auto titles. Mr. Thompson notes that the recall must be announced by 5:00 p.m. yesterday "or [he] and others shall proceed to secure appropriate remedies against your company in these regards...please govern yourself accordingly - for a change."
No announcement was made, but we would like to know what exactly the "appropriate remedies" entail. As we see it, Thompson likely feels that humanity has once and for all proven itself incapable of self-regulation, and the latest Florida incident is further evidence that citizens cannot decide for themselves what is appropriate and healthy for their psyche. What are your thoughts? And yes, we know this is a hot-button issue sure to send thousands of Joystiq readers into a frenzy, but please take some time to contemplate your comments and opine appropriately - don't bash Jack, but feel free to critique his words and actions in a constructive manner.
[Thanks, elliothtz]
