Video games are once again being used as a scapegoat. At least the NRA believes that games are to blame for the violence stemming from young people. Cortyn sees it differently.
Last weekend, the annual conference of the NRA, the American gun lobby, took place again. Dave Grossman, a former army member and author of several books on the “psychology of killing,” spoke about the growing problem of crimes committed by teenagers and children. According to him, the main reason for the increasing violent acts, which particularly in America often result in many deaths, is violent media, especially video games.
What was claimed? In essence, Grossman said: “Children around the world are committing more crimes than ever before in history. This is not about the rifles; there have always been rifles. It’s the sick films, the sick TV series, and especially the sick video games around the world. They create sick, sick children.”
What is the NRA? The “National Rifle Association of America” is one of the largest interest groups in America. It consists of representatives from gun manufacturers and retailers, as well as target shooters. It advocates that ideally every American should have a gun, based on the idea that: Only when everyone has a gun, no villain would dare to shoot. Fundamentally, it is of course about the sale of weapons.
Why are the claims nonsense? Most studies have found no correlation between increasing violence and the consumption of video games. Rather, it seems that the general availability of weapons is the problem, as the BBC explained.
As a small comparison, let’s take Japan: In America, there were almost 33,600 deaths from firearms in 2014, whereas in Japan there were only 6. This is because firearms in Japan are only issued if a lot of regulations are met:
- Special firearms training must be completed for one day.
- Only those who achieve a hit rate of at least 95% at the shooting range qualify. (Must be repeated every 3 years)
- Handguns are generally prohibited. Only air rifles and shotguns are allowed.
- Drug tests are conducted.
- Mental health is checked.
- Connections to extremist groups are checked, as well as family and coworkers.
- The police must know where the weapon and ammunition are kept, which must be stored separately.
- New ammunition can only be purchased if the old magazines are returned.
In America, all these restrictions do not exist. Almost everyone has the right to own a gun there – a personal check is omitted in almost all cases.
Why is it still claimed? Video games are being used as a reason for why violent acts in America are on the rise. For several months, there have been many protests in America, especially from young people, expressing opposition to gun ownership. By blaming “the media,” the NRA appears to hope to deflect the debate.
Cortyn says: The statement is not really surprising. The NRA is known for always representing guns in a positive light and not acknowledging guns themselves as a cause for violent acts – but rather everything else. This might seem silly, especially in Europe, but strictly speaking, it is the NRA’s job. Because they must claim: “Guns are great and protect lives, video games and ‘evil media’ are the reason why guns are misused.” That this is absolute nonsense and that America itself is the prime example of this, I probably do not need to elaborate further.
