I Write: Me, Violence, Video Games, and Media

If you aren’t aware already, this is going to be perhaps the longest post I will ever write, and if that statement is false, then I will say this is the longest post I have written. Gaming is a subject that I enjoy talking about and as a gamer, I tend to take the point-of-view of a gamer. In this long entry, I will do my best to be fair to both sides. I believe I am capable of doing that and I will be straight forward about it. I will also be blatant about myself specifically because I am passionate about gaming and I will put myself out there to be tested, that’s for sure ^_^ So, be aware that this is a long and tedious writing and I won’t say this is perhaps all well thought out and written well, but I will put my heart into it and defend my fellow gamers. Also, I would like to state that I am not going with facts or statistics. I think we pick our statistics to coincide with our point-of-view. I will write this base solely on experience, discussions with other people, readings, and anything else I’ve learned.

Violent video games make gamers violent. This is not a proven fact (at least not in my book). Many gamers would know who Jack Thompson is, he’s an attorney (I believe) who says many active shooters in schools or anywhere else are influenced by violent video games and also the fact that violent games make someone violent. I will show videos from youtube, and to be blatant about this, it’s a point-at-something excuse for something that’s gone terribly wrong.

I grew up a gamer, I have played games all my life, starting with the original Game Boy and Atari to the now advanced Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, and DS Lite. I even remember when games were on computer and were text base, yes I played those games as well. Till this day, I find Tetris to be the most innovative addictive game for me, so don’t you dare say I don’t appreciate arcade games.

Living in America, I have come across many gamers such as myself, and a lot of us tend to defend one another, but what happens when a gamer’s gone loony. By the way, I will use sarcasm, silly words, and just words that people don’t usually write in a paper. I will say, this is an entry of an essay proportion. Maybe one day I’ll write a book about this and be famous for it? Or maybe I’ll just stay a blogger (and gamer) and only known for writing these kinds of entries. Back to the subject, more specifically speaking, what happens when an active shooter is said to be that way because of violent video games? Thus, back to my starting point, violent games makes gamers violent.

Remember I said I grew up playing games all my life. I’m a 80’s kid, mid-80’s to be precise and I have seen many violent games; in fact, I have played many violent games. I played Double-Dragon, Street Fighter, Mortal Combat, King of Fighters, Soul Calibur. My first violent game was Mario to be honest. Jumping on mushrooms (thus squishing them to death) and flying tortoises, getting a big spiky tortoise into the hot lava to get to the princess, I believe those are violent right? I mean, what happens when I throw someone down an active volcano? Doh, we all know what happens. It’s common sense. So, here’s where I’d like to lead into… common sense.

I believe playing games is the main reason I have great common sense. I learn how to navigate through different scenarios, I learn how to use controllers that aren’t simple. You need to know how to slide and when to press buttons to make Goku or Gohan shoot a Kame-hame-ha. You need to know when to block or parry in Soul Calibur to survive a beating (I fail to parry 99% of the time, you can tell I’m not good with this game). You’ve got to know the secrets to every character in Street Fighter so when you play them, you’re ready to counter any attacks they might come at you. I learned logic, I learned common sense, and I learned how to have fun. Here’s what games didn’t teach me or make me… a violent person or an active shooter. I play FPS (First Person Shooter for those not in the lingo) too such as Quake 2 (My first FPS game), Call of Duty 4, Team Fortress, Counter-Strike (Seem to be a very controversial game).

I’ll put myself out there. This is of course for those of you who knows me personally or have met me. I will put myself to the test and you can try to ask everyone that knows me and I will guarantee those that remember me will say it’s true. “I am perhaps one of the nicest, most caring, kind person there is. I smile a lot and laugh a lot and I like to have fun. I respect elders and I love food (the food thing, it really doesn’t have anything to do with niceness, but it’s always fun to have something extra that’s different right).” But before I go further, I will say this, I had a time in my life that I was angry, and even then, I was not outwardly angry at specific persons. It was when I was 15 or 16 years old, when I first came to America. I was still nice, but I had bursts of anger problem. Now, I will say, I had a rough time during that time of life (a personal family matter), I had the whole age thing coming to me, and it is the time when I did not have any computer games or video games. I have left every game in Malaysia and I came to a place with nothing to play. If anything, this proves that violent video games have the opposite effect on me. Video games get me to get my frustration out in a deeper level than just yell and scream and throw punches or kicks.

It might be just me, or maybe my family had some things to do with it. I mean, it could be my culture, my grandma, mom, and aunt taught me well. I knew the fake world from the real world (not the tv show on MTV mind you) and I know that hurting people is bad. So, let’s go to a video, I need a break at this moment.

Sweet, so you have seen the video right? Cause I will start talking about this video now. So, here goes…

Counter Strike… I played it back in 2004, maybe 2005. I stopped about two years ago. Here’s what I learned about Counter Strike. There are two sides. Let’s make it good and bad, so it’s easier to show. Each levels have a purpose, the good have 2 objectives, defend the bombing area or disarm the bomb when it’s been armed, and the other objective is to save as many people from a room as possible. The bad side is to arm a bomb and have it explode or not to let the good guys save people from a room. Just to summarize it. Also, I’d like to ask soldiers in particular, if you’re a soldier and you so happen to be reading this, can you tell me if Jack Thompson is telling the truth? Can you do something this well, “killing people with efficiently cool and calmly after being immerse with such a game”? I don’t think you can, not from playing games to train you. If that’s true, please do tell me, cause I’m curious, and if this is a private matter within the military and no one should know this information, then Jack Thompson shouldn’t have these information too right? I will agree with some things that Jack Thompson said… “Shooting is bad.” … wait, did he say that? I don’t know, but I think maybe if you see this interview with the suite mate, you might know Chris has the facts or Jack has them. Jack Thompson doesn’t know when Chris Matthews ask if he knows. Plus, why is Jack always saying “We…” I only see him talking, don’t be persuasive.

By the way, if every kid is immerse in such games, why doesn’t everyone end up being a shooter? That would be logical according to his logic. Common sense tells me Jack Thompson talks about his own facts and what he knows and how to persuade with what he knows, but cannot come up with original logic to persuade anyone. I’d love to see him and Ian Bogost (go google him if you’re curious) in a debate.

I’ll let you soak it in and then get back to writing. ^_^

15 minutes later… *Ah, a good drink takes the thirst of writing away.*

Could it be possible that there are selective few that when this happens, it’s just a case that the person went crazy? I cannot say that everyone just gone crazy, maybe some people had reasons like the Columbine situation (maybe not?), but whatever it is, if one guy in the college campus out of 80% of the guys turn out to be a serial killer, I guess it’s a small percentage then. I’m sure there can be a lot discussed about violent video games, but I’ll let you take your own point-of-view.

Now, I’d like to get to another video. Here’s the last one, I promise and I’ll talk a little about this and probably get done. It’s late and I don’t even know what I’m talking about… I feel I might have slip up some sentences, but I’ll continue with faith ^_^

Alright, you ready to talk about this? Let’s first start with the sales to “mature” only audience and Microsoft’s quote.

Sure some places sell games for profit only and not thinking about the audience, but when was the last time a parent ask their kids what they bought and was actually interested in their games? I know my mom wasn’t, but she was aware of the violent games I played. She knew I played Mortal Combat (at least I thought she knew) when I was 12 and performed fatality, brutality, and beastiality(?) perfectly without a blink of an eye (I don’t think she knew the fatality and brutality without a blink of an eye). I was the master of brutality on Sega Genesis Mortal combat. I loved the challenge of combos and … okay, I better not get carried away here.

Let’s get back… Microsoft is right, there is a rating system on the Xbox360 for games and videos. Even PS2 had it. Here’s the problem, parents could care less about setting it because they… (are you ready for it??)… because they don’t know how to do it. Oh snap, parents, when was the last time you read a manual guide? The way to do it is straight in the manual that came with the console. Oh, and did you know you set your own password so if your kids want to play or watch those games or movies, they’d need your permission first. Hah, I thought parents cared… what happened this generation’s parents? Well, I tell you what happened, nothing (I hope nothing changed of significant). I think it’s easier to blame it on something as an excuse than to make the extra effort to have a better child or family. Yes, this is coming from a 23 year old college student, but be aware, my family was the biggest part of my life, so I understand what a family is and I understand how to be involved in one. I have a younger sister that I communicate with often, and we’re 100+ miles apart, not just in the other room or upstairs/downstairs, actually 100+ miles apart, and we’re really close.

Next, statistics does not show that all the dad’s kids play video games. No sir’ree. I know I said I won’t get into statistics, but researching a bit to show your knowledge of statistics correctly might be better (I think the kids now a days know more than adults because we actually research it). It shows that average gamer’s age is 30’s. Yup, in the 30’s, I’m sure they know how to think by then, because they should be out from college or high school and working by then (maybe some having their own kids).

Sure, violence and sexuality do have desensitizing effects; so does being hurt, like for boxers. I was always taught that I should know both sides of the story before doing a persuasive argument or debate or essay. I don’t think this is the case. If I were to debate against games, I would say this… they waste a lot of a child’s time than doing something constructive. Yup, that would be my stand in against games. Media just loves to blow things up in proportion, it’s like politics, you can’t always listen to what they say, you have to listen to what they should say but cover up with what they say, specifically the bashing of another side’s speeches or scenarios. White lies are dangerous.

I’d like to talk about the video of the time 4:30 onward to the end and this will be my last thought. Gah, I can’t wait to sleep, lol. Did I mention I love to sleep?

“… We live in the day of age where our children aren’t always supervise…” – WHAT?!? WHAT?!? I think it’s the day of age where parents let their children be baby sit by the video games. ‘My kid’s out of my way so I can do my own stuff.’ Isn’t that a little selfish? I always thought being a parent means showing them care and love and taking care of them no matter what? What happen to being the best parent there is? Is that ideology gone? Am I the only one who wants to cheer my kids on, get him or her to the soccer field and cheer them when they get to steal the ball from the opposing player? Teach them skills? Read them stories or have family talk time? I don’t care how busy a parent is in his or her career, children should always come first. That’s my in take on this. When was the last time you ask your kid a question such as “How was homework?” or “Who was that on the phone?” or “When is your friend coming over?” or “What game did you buy? Can I play with you?” or “Let’s go shopping for a new game for you.” or “Let’s go watch a movie together.” or “How was school?” or “Have you kiss that girl/boy yet?” or “Come here, I miss you *HUG*.” or “Here’s a PB&J, come and get it. (Then give them a noogie).” or “

Seriously, has any parent really talk about those stuff to their kids? Sure they’re embarrassing, but what happened to the “I won’t be a parent like my parents” phrase gone to? I think the cool-parent quote is out of the bag and it’s now career-parent to get money so the family can have things, not LOVE O_O *cry*. Pshhh, I would rather have time with my kids than all the money in the world. I can say this because I wish I have time with my mom than all the things I own. Seriously, I would and that is straight from my heart. Take that you moms and dads out there; you wish you had a son like me now didn’t you? hahah, well, too bad, I’m my mom’s son and that’s final.

“… What happened to Atari and pinball and Pacman?” – They’re still around. When was the last time you open a Windows PC and downloaded Pinball? If you still have the original XP, you should have Pinball in there, yea, try to beat my high score, I believe it was about 23,000,000. Yes, million. I’m not too sure though, I don’t have proof, but when I hit that high again, I’ll save it ^_^ Oh, and I’d like to add, Tetris is still available in so many places, in fact, you can play them online or download them onto the computer for free, and did you know you could play Tetris 2 Player on the same computer? Good game plus good time to spend kicking your kid’s butt in a game… or are you going to let your kid kick your butt? … OR are you just going to let your kid play alone instead of interacting with them? I’m giving you parents so many choices to interact with your kids, you taking notes or not?

“… There’s all kind of bad stuff coming through internet and through video games…” – All the violent movie that’s out now-a-days can be rented from blockbuster by a 17 year old and not get carded. Oh, did I ever tell you the story of me going to the movies with 2 of my friends. We went to see Matrix, the second one, and I was 18 while the other two were 16. Surely they didn’t pass the age of watching an M movie. Just because they’re taller, I got carded. Did I mention I was Asian too? I could definitely say something about being a racist, but yea, that’s a true story. Anyway, a kid can turn on a TBS or TNT or USA channel and have movies in their face off the wazoo and they don’t even need to pay money for violence. With satelite, wow, even HBO is available for kids. I never thought of that, but let me blame it on video games anyway. Movies are alright, they have rating too, so when a “TV-14″ or a “MA” comes up on tv and your child is watching, do you just sit there or do you let them watch it? What if you’re not home? Did you set the setting so it’s not watchable? If you could do that, then do that to the console too. Did you know that there are more cuss words going around in your kid’s school and on tv that they watch than you realize, even if it’s TV-14 or PG-13. Are you aware of that and doing something about that? I’m pointing to parents because when I become a parent and have become a lazy parent, I’d definitely like someone to point out my flaw or what I could do to better things. Yes, I’d honestly would, reminding me what being an awesome parent means (yet knowing the boundaries of when to be strict).

“… That makes me a parent, a much harder job… And also you can access thing on the internet and download them so you’re thinking if I don’t buy it, it’s okay…” – Yes, being a parent has always been a hard job, from the very start of your “watermelon pushing out from a hole the size of an orange” ’till the day you die, mom will always be mom and dad will always be dads. Let’s talk about video games on the internet and being able to download them. Games like these, violent or sexual, need credit card to buy and download and play. At least to my knowledge. If you don’t know what’s on the computer, you better go to school to get technology savvy. So, your kid needs credit card, are they using your credit card? How come you don’t even know what’s been used on YOUR credit card. If you’re talking about porn online, then that’s a separate matter in itself, becasue we’re only talking about video games =D

Sorry, we’re out of time, this brought to you by Matthew, the chitty-chatty blogger that talks a lot about video games and don’t know anything about it. Thank you for tuning in, I don’t expect you to read it all, but if you did, kudos to you.

Next, I’d like to talk about… How I and my mom came to an understanding (since I’ve been talking about parenthood). I like putting up a subject line before the next one comes up because that would make me think about that subject and then put it to heart.

Hot Debate… I Stand Unmoved

The hottest debates around America will definitely be the presidential nominees this time of the 4 years. So, the two hottest topic guys, Barack Obama and John McCain.

I’m not huge into politics, not because I don’t want to know what’s going on around me, but it’s the fact that I cannot vote. I’m only a permanent resident; a permanent resident who works, lives, eat, sleeps, and pay taxes like the citizens of America. I get almost everything Americans can have… everything except voting. I guess it’s okay, because I’m not a citizen of America, I shouldn’t have the rights to. I have all the other rights though (I’m pretty sure). I’m a proud to say I’m a Malaysian, don’t get me wrong, but I find that the fact I live in a place (which I thoroughly enjoy) with everything except a say in it doesn’t quite make sense… but I still accept it.

This year’s presidential election has definitely been the one I’ve heard of, know about, and talked about more than any other since 2000 (When I first came to America). It’s been 8 years, and I still know very little. Hey, if I don’t have to vote, I don’t need to know about it; that was my very first thought when it came to voting and politics. But I find that knowledge does have a power over those who are not knowledgeable, no matter how little, it’s still power. So, knowledge can definitely be power ^_^

I admit, I know very little about both sides, and I still stand unmoved. As a Christian, I hear a lot of Christian are biased in saying that we should vote Republican because they stand as the religious ones. The other day, my co-worker was discussing about this whole religion sides and I think they have a point. Before this ever became apparent, there wasn’t a religious side. It’s because there was a majority of Christian that wasn’t voting or maybe unanimous as a majority on one side, the Republican chose to say they’re of the Christian and stand with their morals. You know, convincing people that you have the same morals sure makes someone believe you a lot more. I’m not saying it’s bad or wrong, nor am I saying that the statement is untrue. I’m just saying that it’s a very good tactic. Well, that’s all for this, next up, Violent Video Games. Woo, go Jack Thompson, we gamers love him ^_^ you know it.

Today’s Encounter Made Me Wonder

Today was just an ordinary day… until I start to think a little too much. While I was walking to work from a parking lot, I came across a bumper sticker that said “Christians cannot be Pro-choice.” Then I started thinking about where the words come from. First off, I understand the fact that Pro-choice and Pro-life are both words regarding strictly to abortion. I started wondering why people didn’t make words up like abortionist and non-abortionist. Just like sexist and racist, we have words for those. Why didn’t people just pick choice as their main word and went with Pro-choice and Sans-choice or Con-choice, or picking life as their main word and went with Pro-life and Sans-life or Con-life. Then I started thinking that it’s all in the wording. See, Pro-life and Pro-choice make their stand in what they believe through words. Positive reinforcement is always better than negative reinforcement (at least that’s what I’ve been taught).

No matter what it comes down to, the Pro-choice people are not saying they’re against life, it’s just they stand to believe they have a different way of handling life, while the Pro-life people are not saying they’re against choice, they just believe that living being should have life. Not that there’s resources out there saying what’s fact and what’s lie, but I believe there are many Christians (yes, true Christians, not just the ones that say they are but don’t really act like one) that are Pro-choice. No, it’s not they agree with abortionists (yes, I’m going to start using that word), but it’s the fact that they’ve been in situation where they were once Pro-life but because of circumstances, they became Pro-choice. I don’t think there should be a special case for anyone. If people are going to have sex before marriage, that’s their choice to do so, and chances are, without protection, there will be a baby and when that time comes, Pro-life or Pro-choice extremist will call you out and put you on your spot. Trust me, they will.

I started talking to a friend about why this is, and here’s a little inside of what I got. A lot of it has to do with politics. I mean, it’s one way or another, there isn’t a party in politics that stand in middle ground. No one wants to see it a different way when it comes to politics. I remember people arguing that I should be a Republican because I’m a Christian and they’re Pro-life while the Democrat are people who’s Pro-choice. What an extreme way to see, I know plenty of Christians who are Democrat thank you very much, I just think they see some other issues as more important to the nation than abortion.

If a young couple got married, and did have sex, but wasn’t ready for a baby, and they so happen to have one, should they have a choice to have an abortion? If they’re Pro-life, then that contradicts everything right? I mean, I would want to raise my own kid, and I don’t want to see him/her raised by another family. It’s because they’re a part of me. But I’m not ready for a kid, what should I do. I would like to quote a very famous saying that has annoyed the living daylights out of me, but I do accept that it’s very true, “Talk is Cheap!” If everyone is doing what they say, I think this world wouldn’t have any liars.

So, now that I’ve written what’s been on my mind all day since this morning, I will leave it at that. I would like to think that the Pro-life people everyday still chooses to love the people who are Pro-choice and the Pro-choice people still chooses to live life to the fullest  ^_^

This Weekend in Tallahassee

This weekend I got to go to Tallahassee for my youth pastor’s birthday. It was a surprise party for him, though I’m sure he knew, or at least had a feeling that something was going on. His wife planned this party for over a month for him and he was very happy he had that party. It was an 80’s party. I didn’t really dress up, because my housemate and I were on duty of keeping him “distracted” while the party is being planned and food’s being cooked.

My housemate, his wife, my girlfriend, and I all went up Friday evening to surprise him. He did not expect us to be there Friday and when he got home, we got him good. He told us he was hoping that we would be there for his birthday, and there is no way we would miss it. It was good to see him again, it’s been a long time. Last year around Christmas time, my housemates (both husband and wife) was able to go up to visit him in Tallahassee, but I did not go because of various reason (which I have forgotten).

This weekend was fun, and to say the least, I’ve learned a little more about the 80’s. I was born in 1985 and grew up in the 80’s, but there were a lot I didn’t know. I guess even though I was born in the 80’s, I would have been considered a 90’s kid or millennium kid. Regardless, there’s a lot about a certain decade of the year that makes

There’s still over half a year before my birthday. I usually get myself something nice for my birthday. I can’t say I know for sure what I want next, because I’ve already got all 3 latest game system. Well, 5 if you consider the handheld too, but my PSP isn’t with me at the moment. I could go for a new computer, like a Mac Pro, but that’ll be A LOT of saving. I’m looking forward to Christmas first though.

I’m sure I’ve talked about this Christmas quite a lot and how excited I am and how much I’m looking forward to it. I would like to go into the content a little.

My sister, her boyfriend, my girlfriend (Cheeky), and I are going back to Malaysia for Christmas. The main reason isn’t for Christmas though. It’s my grandma’s 80th birthday. She is turning 80 this year, and she is still pretty active in her daily activities (at far as I know). It’s been a while since I last saw hear, about a year ago from this summer. My family will get to meet my girlfriend and vice versa. That would be a fun time, and honestly, I think I could get quite defensive. So, I hope I’ll be able to relax and be laid back about it and laugh while things happen. Usually that could happen, but some times I get a little too defensive for Cheeky, which I’m sure she doesn’t like me doing that all the time.

There are a few things I hope to see happen. Cheeky loving some traditional local food of Malaysia more than her own American food ^_^ That would be number one, to find the best food she’d ever eaten in Malaysia. Second, she’d like one kind of Malaysian dessert. Ice kacang would be ideal and hopefully that’s going to pull her in within the first bite. Who doesn’t like ice kacang during a hot summer? Next, I would like to see her eat something she doesn’t know before I tell her what it is. It doesn’t matter whether she ends up liking it or not, I think that would show her bravery in things unknown (especially in food); I am a big food fan after all. This would also show that she’s adventurous… and that is a really good thing. I already know Cheeky’s adventurous, so there’s nothing more to think about, but this would be adventurous to something unknown, which is so much more.

This weekend’s been a blast, and it’s been good to know that my closest friends, though far, are still very dear and close in my heart. The ones that will always be remembered no matter what.

I am saddened tonight that Cheeky didn’t get to come back home with my housemates and me. Her family went up for the party too and stayed over because they’re going to visit their family (Cheeky’s uncles). Though I am sad, I hope she does have a good time. She wasn’t looking forward to it too, but if she can have some fun there, it’ll make things a lot better. I hope things go well for her and her brother, have fun while visiting relatives. I like visiting my relatives, because they all have the “Ling blood.” That’s what we call it, it’s the family blood that makes us love each other but there’s a little more to that than just blood. It’s our humor. I find it really easy to laugh when it’s around my family and it’s amazing how everyone are LOUD! I hope Cheeky can keep up and like it, because that’s the environment I grew up in, and I’m used to it and I love it. Not that I’m not loud or weird or funny when I’m in America now, but there’s something about being with my own family and in Malaysia that just feels very natural. It’s my mother country, my mother’s mother country, and it’s where I will always have my heart as far as love for country goes. I do love America, but if you ask me for my first love country, it’s always going to be Malaysia. The food is what we talk mostly about and the memories are what connect my heart to it. Memories will never die, as long as I keep them alive, and I do so by visiting Malaysia.

Drive from Tallahassee to Orlando sure is long. I actually typed all of this up on my laptop on the way home. Well, I know my entry has been all over the world, but my thoughts are often like this. Scrambled and unorganized ^_^

I Blame Others

Comparing ourselves with others is a way of promotion. It’s a marketing strategy to make others worse than we are in order to sell. In morality, I believe it’s the “I blame others” structure of life it teaches everyone. Commercials are everywhere, and what way better to promote oneself than to bash someone so bad that it makes them look like a douche?

Politics, one of the biggest bashing-others parties held in the world. Commercial would be the next. I find that our society has evolved into demoting others to promote ourselves rather than really promote ourselves to do better than others.

I learned about techniques in commercials, I learn about how it’s done to attract people. I don’t believe it’s the right way, but it definitely is one of the best ways. I will say one last thing about it; it’s going to be tough for me to go into the industry I’m going in if I have such a believe and stand by it without falter. Until that time comes, I’ll just leave this as unresolved.

Current Song: Wonderful Days
Artist: Prince of Tennis Soundtrack
Album: Prince of Tennis Soundtrack