Video Games – Good or Evil?

The recent release of Grand Theft Auto 4 has once again sparked debate over the merits of video games. Some people have spoken strongly against games like Grand Theft Auto. They feel that video games such as this promote racism, violence against women, glorify drugs, and promote gun violence. It has been debated that the increase in youth crime, violence, and disrespect for authority is directly linked to video games such as Grand Theft Auto. The other side of the debate defends video games saying that the games are purely entertainment and it is the parents who are not doing their job in creating a set of values and respect for society in the children. It can’t be argued that games such as Grand Theft Auto are extremely violent games but are these games responsible for the problems of youth in our society? Or is it a breakdown in the family unit with parents not doing their job to properly raise their children to become positive contributors within society? Are video game designers pushing the limits by creating games such as Grand Theft Auto? Are the warning labels on these games sufficient to alert consumers about the contents of these games? Should they even be on the market? I would like to hear your thoughts about this topic. Let’s start blogging.