the interpretation of videogames in the media
TRANSCRIPT
THE INTERPRETATION OF VIDEOGAMES
IN THE MEDIAA brief presentation on the totally
uneducated and blatantly misguided accusations on videogames as portrayed on
the big screen.By: William Mcgaw and Shelbie Corral
Media, as well as influential politicians both portray videogames as ultimately harmful sources of graphic and intensive violence that can serve not only to desensitize and demoralize children, but
down society as a whole.
Checking in With JackBy: Andy Chalk, Published: April 21, 2009, Source: EscapistMagazine.com
. A brief recap of Jack Thompson’s recent exploits in the world of anti-video game activism, as well as the legal world.
. As a previous attorney, he possesses a clear ethos in the world of law. This gives more impact to his view videogame retailers should be liable to lawsuit should they sell M rated games to minors
.Appeals to pathos , as well as logos with his constant claims involving the protection of children from such intensive gore and dismemberment. It is fact to many after all that violence is bad for children.
Obvious contempt for the game, as if saying: “Yeah, this game can bite me.”
Was Congress Misled by "Terrorist" Game
Video?Highly paid defense contractor claims that a fan made video for Battle Front 2 is recruiting people to join Al Qaeda
Pathos: Terrorism, Al Qaeda, children, need more be said?
Obama Sees Gamers as UnderachieversBy: Tori Floyd, Kotaku.com on February 20, 2008
. Obama has several political victories under his belt, though at the expense of the integrity of gamers
.Ethos is present simply in the form of his charisma, if he says something, a person is liable to believe it.
. The appeal to the wellbeing of the children in their underachievement due to videogames is an appeal to pathos
Very charismatic face, smile, and fro, as you can see.
Australia's Jack Thompson?
. Michael Atkinson expresses his distaste for the “nerds” who question his “for the children” escapades
. Pathos: He claims to disapprove of an R18+ rating for games on the basis of protecting the children
Fox News: “SeX-Box?”Fox news discusses the controversy revolving around the sex scene in critically acclaimed game “Mass Effect”
Pathos: Lots of talk about how said content is harmful to children
Ethos: The woman to the left is a psychologist speaking of the desensitizing effects of violence and sex on children
Logos: Mention of studies in Maryland are made
The Political Game: A brief history of video game legislation
A brief nuance into the history of American legislation as it pertains to videogames
Logos: Many proposed laws, and many deemed unconstitutional
Video Game Censorship in Germany: How it works, how it doesn’t
Some insight on how Germany rates and classified games
Logos: Laws and policies is really all there is to be found in this article
Side Note: No Nazi propaganda, ever, at all
Pathos: A child killing over videogames tugs at the heart strings pretty well Logos: States that videogames can present brutal environments, very true
The Other Side
Military Training Is Just a Game
Game’s aren’t just fun, but make excellent military special equipment simulators for fractions of the cost of real equipment
Pathos: Stirs some incredibly vivid scenery in the eyes of the reader within the first few paragraphs
Logos: Again, price cuts
Xbox 360 Modded to Detect Heart Attacks
A “Rare” (game developer) engineer has modded an Xbox 360 to detect heart attacks
Pathos: Helping hospitals, what more can be said?
Logos: Statistics, such as dramatically cut prices for hospital equipment
Soldiers and Demomen Face Off in TF2 "WAR" Update
Valve has encouraged some healthy competition with their new “WAR” update
Pathos: The secret weapon stirs feelings of excitement
Logos: 2 classes, 1 gets 4 weapons, 1 class gets 3. Facts, people! ^^
William hopes the Demo wins =)
Conclusion
The media more often than not takes many steps in pointing out the supposed “evils” of videogames, but doesn’t quite
take the initiative to gain a proper understanding of what they are labeling
as such.
Works Cited