This is, of course, pure bullshit, as evidenced by the fact that I do nothing harder than caffeine, am actively involved in my (Christian) church, and haven't shot anything more mobile than a stationary target.
So naturally, when public opinion rolls around to blaming TV and movies and video games, I'm one of the first to say "Bullshit! Why not try actually parenting your children, instead of letting the TV or the computer be your babysitter?"
I have yet to meet a gamer -- be it pen and paper, console, or PC -- who wants to ban guns or demonize gun owners. They understand far too well the BS prejudice being leveled against us just because our culture needs a scapegoat. Besides, I've always felt that the gamers of today are the gunnies of tomorrow, because anyone who grows up playing Call of Duty or similar games is going to eventually wonder what it's like to shoot a real one.
And now, in the wake of the Newtown shooting, Wayne LaPierre of the NRA has done exactly the same thing that has been done to NRA members: point fingers at another part of our culture in order to deflect blame from himself.
I'd make a "shooting himself in the foot" joke, but it would seem forced.
So in conclusion:
- We, the gun community, appreciate the gamer community.
- We think that Wayne LaPierre is wrong, wrong, WRONG to blame video games.
- We stand by you, just as you've stood by us.
Carry on and keep gaming.
On behalf of the gaming community, you have my greatest appreciation, Erin.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of both communities, my sentiments exactly.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the anti-video game crowd realize there are currently adults with children and grand children that are video game players and have been so for decades and know blaming "violent videogames" is hogwash.
ReplyDeleteI first played a video game over 30 years ago, I have yet to shoot an actual person.
Quite so. This also shows a generational disconnect that is really harmful. Especially as being a gamer, like being a gunnie is now a multi-generational thing.
ReplyDeleteFor any gunnies in the NRA you can give them a piece of your mind.
https://nraila.org/secure/contact-us.aspx
Standard be polite, be forceful, be civil. But be clear.
Very well put.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Although my feelings on gun control are ambivalent, talk of banning anything "for the good of the children" really pegs the needle on my bullshit meter.
ReplyDeleteI've been planning on writing the NRA about this. I may just point them at this post.
ReplyDeleteI'm right with you, Erin. Waa tweeting about this kind if bs this morning.
ReplyDeleteIf anything, I think games may have an opposite effect. I think there are people who are able to blow off steam by gaming, and it cuts down on losing their temper when dealing with things in the real world.
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion.
Yup. Ignorant scapegoating that isn't backed up by any science.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I'd add is that sometimes brain chemistry goes sideways. Blaming the parents is another form of "teh ebil D&D did it!" Our understanding of mental health is better than it was 40 years ago but we still see darkly through that glass.
Black ops 1+2; Modern warfare (all);COD(almost all)HALO(all) D+D(basic and advanced)and quite a few Avalon Hill's as well. Gun Owner 32 years. My first weapon at 13 was an M-1 carbine(read evil assault rifle in many places) Have never killed a single person. Have never even entertained any thoughts of killing people. Everyone involved here needs to get a life, and get on with it. Go blame the right people, and get involved to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteSomething like ten million World of Warcraft subscribers didn't kill anyone today.
ReplyDeleteDon't remember where I saw it, but "If it is not the gun, but the gunman why is it the game and not the gamer?"
ReplyDeleteI have a different take on the LaPierre speech. Any real gun control legislation -- like almost every other law -- is going to come from the House. And just as the Presidential election was determined by a few swing states, a "gun" vote in the House depends on a few swing districts. The gun rights supporters have intensity that the anti gun rights people do not have. They tend to make a vote based on a candidate's stance on guns. The elections in those swing districts are often based on those gun rights voters, who are often a bit older and more rural. LaPierre was speaking to them. He wasn't speaking to Chicago, or even my district in TX where the representative is solidly pro-gun. Those types of voters probably don't play many video games, so attacking the games is pretty low risk. So, I wouldn't take what LaPierre says too personally. Sure, it makes no sense to the gamers out there or anyone that watches modern media or who has children. But it might make sense to a small number people who could determine a Congressional election, and a House vote on guns. That's my take, anyway.
ReplyDeleteIs it wrong that I want to bring my 1st Edition D&D books with me, if I'm able to get to the next NRA Annual Meeting? Maybe put together a really old-school pick-up game? Tomb of Horrors, anyone?
ReplyDelete"It is a very odd sort of patriot..."
ReplyDeleteQuestioning LaPierre's patriotism because he gave a speech that gored Peny Arcade's sacred cow is way beyond the pale and not something I'll be associated with- no matter what I thought of the speech itself.
I completely agree. We know what it is like better than most to be vilified for our beliefs. We WILL NOT do it to other groups.
ReplyDeleteWell, I suck at the games yet still run them. I'm a gunnie, not so much a gamer, but have run everything from a Atari 2600 to a PS3. I have never pointed a firearm, much less pulled the trigger at a person.
ReplyDeleteWell said!