To Grand Theft Auto or NOT-o?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24066068
I recently read an interesting article relating to the release of the newest Grand Theft Auto V game. These games usually get the media stormed up about violence and how a virtual world is training our youth to kill innocent hard-working people. However, this article from the BBC was different. It speaks about how the game is one of Britain's finest cultural exports.
The game as a whole is a satirical piece on the decaying American society. Everything is blown to extreme proportions including some of the darker parts of society. I think the worst message that it has to tell is about the the decadence and the hopelessness of our modern culture. I think in some cases the best medicine is a cold hard look into the mirror that reflects back at us. I think that is what GTAV has to offer to society. And considering that it broke sales records, let's hope that it does at least get a few people thinking.
Wouldn't it be better to focus on the dark side of American culture in a different way?
ReplyDeleteWould it? Do you propose a different way that we could effectively view the horrible parts of society and get people to think about it?
DeleteFor instance, have you seen the anti-smoking TRUTH advertisements? They use this same approach. The very publicly and openly show the most horrible, negative, and disgusting things about smoking. They do this to make the public aware of the problem of smoking.
I'd argue Grand Theft Auto does the same. But remember that this isn't a replica of society. Real-life consequences are not in place. It is blown entirely out of proportion. It is a satire on society and culture as a whole. I feel it makes me a bit more aware of the problems with society. Maybe you like the game or not. But it exists, and probably a billion people are playing it right now.
That's the British for ya. Even their sitcoms tend to portray people in much bleaker situations than shows like Modern Family and Seinfeld would. I see it as more realistic at times. Honestly, a half-million dollar suburban home is not a good example of the average "modern family".
ReplyDeleteI haven't played GTA V (I will), but people always seem to cry out that these games exist only to desensitize people to violence. I think it exists to expose how bad violence can be in rough cities. Using a mass-produced source that people will actually listen to, I think games are a great way to teach people.
I think it depends how you approach the game. It can be a teaching tool if you treat it that way, but making eye opening experiences into entertainment can also make the message get lost. After all, look at how the hunger game movies have been received. Most people seem to focus on the great quality of the movie, rather than think about the fact that they're acting similar to the capital in enjoying movies where kids kill each other.
ReplyDelete