Grand Theft Childhood

[Xanthippe]

Finally, somebody gets it right. 

But will this get any media attention?

[NiX]

But will this get any media attention?

No.

[Paelos]

Shockingly, the results came somewhere in the middle of "OMG GAMES KILL REAL PEOPLE", and "Killing virtual hookers has no effect on you."

Amazing how reality is actually very moderate while the media exists on the poles. Too bad the poles have $100 bills growing on them.

[Riggswolfe]

I thought this thread was about George Lucas.

Interesting book. I may pick it up.

[stray]

I'm going to break the mold here and say that media does have an effect. Not that I really care about that -- It's just that I think it may be true. For better or worse.

Not video games so much though... Not yet. I think films do a much better job at that. They're more sophisticated, realistic, and better at romanticizing things. Sooner or later, games may get to that level, and then we'll see. Right now, it's just button mashing.

[Sky]

Eh, media has an effect on people already predisposed to a behaviour. Otherwise I'd be killing some motherfuckers all over the place. Instead, I'm a well-adjusted upstanding member of the community.

Let's really focus on parenting rather than media. If it ain't GTA, it'll be Ozzy. Or D&D. Or whatever.

The rational people shouldn't ever suffer a second of censorship because of a few loonies. Of course, I am all for ratings systems, even if in practice they are a joke. Again, parenting.

[stray]

I'll give you that not everybody is predisposed to not let media effect them. I don't think it's necessarily bad parenting though. My parents were OK... Yet, I still looked outside the home for influences (whether consciously or not).

In my case, even though my parents were fine, I didn't really grow up with much "culture" or specific values to anchor myself. Wandering military brat, not a big family, no religious or ethnic traditions, etc.. I mean, I had enough values instilled in me to not completely go apeshit, but otherwise, I was a prime candidate to have mass media inspire me in some ways. That doesn't mean that I went out and shot teachers or some shit... Just saying that it played a role in how I formed my identity. I imagine that the same scenario could play out for someone with even less to depend upon, except in a more extreme way. Some of them, unfortunately, get influenced by the more dark shit out there.

[Nebu]

Parenting means leadership by example.  Far too many parents watch violent films, play violent games, smoke cigarettes, and drink beer while telling their children that all of these behaviors are bad.  If you don't want your kids to do something, the best start is to not do it yourself.   

Unfortunately, the people that NEED to read a book like this aren't likely to buy this book... or any book for that matter. 

[stray]

To add to my post above: I also think that media can effect people in a good way. The above was about that as well. You can't have one without the other. People seem to ignore that.

Also, are parents still doing something wrong in that case (when a kid imitates something good instead)?

[Xanthippe]

To add to my post above: I also think that media can effect people in a good way. The above was about that as well. You can't have one without the other. People seem to ignore that.

Also, are parents still doing something wrong in that case (when a kid imitates something good instead)?

I've been very conscious about what media my kids watch, and always have been.  When they were 3, they could watch Franklin on Nick Jr (a moralistic tale each episode), but not the Cartoon Channel - that was allowed at age 6, but not every show was allowed.  Barney wasn't allowed because I despise that purple fucker - there's something wrong with Barney but I can't quite put my finger on what - he's creepy. 

Disney Channel, while not banned outright, is heavily discouraged and restricted even now that my kids are 9 and almost-12  - not because any of the shows are horrid, but because they're so vapid and empty of any redeeming quality whatsoever.  (Plus, I think Miley Cyrus is the next Britney).

So yes, that's a long way of saying that some parents do look at the good effects media can bring, not just the bad.

I also think Bambi and Disney's nature shorts from the 60's had a huge impact on the birth of the environmental movement in the 70's.

Aside:  I have been thinking about letting my almost-12 year old play Bully (which I own and have played a few hours of) - my thinking on that is that it might help him with negotiating middle school, particularly since he's been experiencing some bullying.  Or at least give him some vicarious enjoyment out of beating virtual bullies.  Thoughts?

[stray]

I vote no. 

He'd be better off coping with bullies by being witty (so if anything, encourage his sense of humor), not fantasizing about the same things that bullies do. His media hero should be Robert Downey Jr. or something. Heh.

Bully isn't terrible or anything, but it's better for an older crowd.

[Samwise]

media can effect people

 

look at the good affects media can bring

 

[Sky]

Thoughts?

Weights. Martial Arts.

[Xanthippe]

media can effect people

 

look at the good affects media can bring

 

I blame Stray!

[fixing now]

[stray]

I can never get those right.

[stray]

Thoughts?

Weights. Martial Arts.

I'd say the same, but in my old age (hah) I think it'd be cool for a kid to not ever having to resort to that.

Also, good luck finding something decent. American Martial Arts schools are full of bullies. Or lame ass point fighting. Or both.

Cue mass media reference:

[Lantyssa]

I can never get those right.

You affect something by acting on it.  Doing so has an effect upon the object.

[Samwise]

You can also effect something by doing something that causes it to come about, e.g. "effecting change".  The phrase "media can effect people" conjures some disturbing mental images.

[stray]

I can never get those right.

You affect something by acting on it.  Doing so has an effect upon the object.

The thing that always confuses me is that affect also describes mood and emotion...So I tend to just apply it to that. And then use "effect" for everything else.  

Thanks though. I will pound this lesson into my head.

[Lantyssa]

Ignore Samwise confusing the issue by staring at his avatar.

[Xanthippe]

I vote no. 

He'd be better off coping with bullies by being witty (so if anything, encourage his sense of humor), not fantasizing about the same things that bullies do. His media hero should be Robert Downey Jr. or something. Heh.

Bully isn't terrible or anything, but it's better for an older crowd.

You've actually played it, right?

The few hours I played, I didn't see the protagonist doing the same things bullies did but rather protecting others, and stymying (stymieing?) the bullies.  It seemed to me to be aimed at 12 and ups.  But I only played about 3 hours.

[stray]

Yeah, I've played it. It's not GTA, but not a kid's game either.

12 though... I assumed your boy was younger. I started smoking pot at 12, so what the hell can I say? 

[Xanthippe]

12 though... I assumed your boy was younger.

He was younger.  But he grew.