Well this was fun (not) writing a blog about the glamorization of sexuality and violence has opened my eyes and (hopefully) opened the eyes of my readers about these problems. Throughout the blog there is a recurring warning, RESPECT THE RATINGS!!!! In video games, the box of the CD usually has at the back some information to sell you the game, the requirements (if the game is for PC) and the rating of the game. Too many a time I have heard "No one reads those" "Their not important" and worse of all "What ratings?" (yes I have actually heard that before). Well this is to tell you that YES they ARE important, there is a rating for a reason. There have been studies that violent video games do in fact affect people, no matter what their age. Those ratings are the result of those studies, so buying Skyrim of CoD for a five year old is a bad idea, and in my opinion bad parenting. This isn't to change everyone's way of thinking, it's so that next time you're about to buy a game 14+ for you eight year old nephew, just stop and think "Is this right?"
In movies, the ratings are also just as important, for a movie like The Hangover, which is 18+, it's not the best idea to bring a 10 year old because all that's going to make is "DUDE drinking + roofies = AWESOME!" (by the way the first one is perfect the second is a copy, not worth watching). This brings up the second point, the warnings. When it says vulgar language, sexual content, extreme violence, etc; not the best idea to ignore that. Again, those are there for a reason, to make you think if it is appropriate for younglings.
Over all, watch out for the media, sure it's great, but look out for the subliminal messages of violence and sexuality. Also, make sure things are age appropriate for the young ones. When you start thinking "I wish I could nuke him/sword him/or quick scope (or her)" It's best to take a break from those games for a bit, loose that influence.
I think this is the first blog of yours that I am 100% with you on. The ratings do matter because the material in the game has things that children should not learn until they are older. The problem with children knowing this information is they are too immature and do not know when it is right to use it!
ReplyDeleteIt's true, allot of people just let their kids play whatever, which is why there's so many violent little hooligans running around destroying things and being...well, not so nice. Young people are influenced so easily, its a shame they are allowed to watch these movies and play these games. I mean these things are hilarious and fun, but not for 5 year olds.
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