It’s time to have a rational discussion on video game violence

Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza was a gamer, a discovery which has rekindled the very stale cycle of finger-pointing and denial between the media and gaming culture. Because video games are oft blamed for similar spates of violence, the discussion rarely moves beyond gamers shaking their heads at the media’s lack of understanding. However, Buzzfeed suggests that while the media may be wrong to accuse the video game industry for the actions of a handful of individuals, gamers are not excused from at least reflecting on their gaming choices and trying to participate in a level-headed discussion. Socrates said “strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people,” and now it’s time to discuss ideas.