Linus Arenius, a bit of a gamer
Foto: Emely Wallo Bergare
–
Few things are stigmatized as much as television and computer games today. Players are met with conservative looks that automatically assume that the players want to recreate what is happening on the screen. Is that argument really logical? Conservative views have plagued new trends throughout the ages so how do television and computer games differentiate themselves from previously taboo subjects?
When people from my generation, the baby boomers, think of games, positive connotations predominate. Good memories of late nights when you shouted quietly when you got angry so as not to risk waking the parents. Through online and offline games, we had the opportunity to make new and deepen friendships.
This is my point of view, games as an instrument for the new generation to get to know each other. Beyond that, games have huge potential. My parents didn’t let me play much, but when I got the chance to beat zombies in Minecraft or pound crocodiles in Crash Bandicoot, my eyes sparkled. So many fun experiences and crazy fighters that never leave my periphery completely.
That nagging hatred that many feel when the children sit down in front of the television or the computer is usually not justified. In situations like this, we have to give new technology a chance. The same pattern repeats itself over and over in history. When my grandmother and grandfather were young, chess and Donald Duck were stigmatized in certain circles. If my grandparents caved to the press, I wouldn’t have read my beloved Donald Duck paperbacks, nor would I have enjoyed Queen’s Gambit on Netflix.
The nightmare stories of teenagers who decide to hurt people after playing grand theft auto are overplayed and should not represent the nerds of the world. When violent comics like Batman and Lucky Luke were introduced, people were worried about similar problems, in retrospect it feels like a ridiculous fear instead.
Avoid being the parent who sees red when television and computer games are mentioned in the household. Instead, become part of the trend and invest in understanding what is happening on the screen. In many cases, I can promise that you will like it, you might even want to participate in the gibband going forward.
Games cause violence if there is already a violent foundation to build on, the games themselves are not a button that triggers violence. However, it should be mentioned that not all games are perfect, you have to use the same method as when judging movies. The kids can either watch The Emoji Movie or The Living Castle, in which case one movie is undoubtedly better than the other. The same goes for the gaming world, it’s always okay to be critical, but seeing red doesn’t help anyone.
Try to join the children’s game world, in most cases you will not regret it. Build some houses in Minecraft or jump around in Super Mario 3D world. After a few hours, you will want to turn the console back on when the children have gone to bed.
–
