Anne Smart-Pierce (March 22) and many other people would like to believe that the cause of school violence can can be attributed primarily to violent video games.
I have been playing video games of all sorts since I was old enough to hold a controller. I am quite fond of many of the video games in which graphic violence is portrayed, such as one-on-one fighting games (Mortal Kombat) and first-person shooters (Doom, Quake), though not necessarily because of the violence. Many of these violent games have sold multiple millions of copies. If these games are the cause, shouldn't there be more of these shootings?
Contrary to popular belief, the average video game player is between the ages of 18 and 25. We are adults who grew up with video games, and violent games are primarily marketed toward us. These games are officially rated by the ESRB. The ratings are clearly visible on the front of the packaging. Attentive parents have the option to disallow these games from their households.
Many things contribute to school violence, from inadequate parenting to a school social structure that inherently favors certain students, primarily those in athletic programs. I am sickened by the irresponsible view of our youths as "monkey see, monkey do" automatons. Subjugation to involuntary pep and dance royalty assemblies and the generally impersonal herding methods of school administration were the primary reasons I was frustrated in school. Luckily, I had terrific parents and friends who were constant reminders of the good in the world that many kids just don't see.
Tyler Pendleton
Salt Lake City