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If violence is seen as the norm it is more likely
that more people will regard it as not such a bad thing and become
involved in it. Crime education with the part-aim of convincing people
not to be violent will be more difficult if violence is regarded as
normal and acceptable.
Although some studies are probably underway,
surely more effort by sociologists, psychologists and criminologists
should be put into designing experiments to test the effect of violent
electronic games on people’s behaviour. For example, one could ask
those convicted of violent crimes what kinds of games they play and
for how many hours per week. One could also search the households of
those convicted to see what kinds of games they have. Similarly, one
could find a way to measure people’s sensitivity to violent acts and
then see if those who are less sensitive play more violent electronic
games.
While awaiting the results of reliable research
there is a more worrying threat to crime education from violent
computer games.
Crime education, violent games and the subconscious
Pick up any book on success and personal
development and there will be a chapter on using the subconscious
effectively. Indeed, there are whole books devoted to teaching people
how use the subconscious to achieve one’s goals – no matter how
challenging they are. In summary, the advice is that if you want
something badly enough and you make a crystal clear picture of success
in your mind and you visualise this many times a day, the image will
become reality.
Turning mind pictures into reality happens
because the subconscious cannot distinguish between reality and a
very clear emotionally charged image. Once given an instruction
(intentionally or unintentionally) with conviction, the subconscious
will strive to fulfil it – make it happen. And here’s the connection
to violent electronic games.
In violent games the goal is to kill, injure and
maim as many people (the enemy or aliens) as possible and often in the
most horrendous ways. The graphic images show people being shot,
decapitated, dismembered or burnt – with lots blood and agonised
sound effects.
The goal is to kill and one gets a great deal of
satisfaction from this virtual killing and hurting others – the images
of violence are emotionally charge with excitement and sense of
achievement. This means that the subconscious is being programmed to
seek out and enjoy violence and to know that it is wholly acceptable
in pursuit of the goal. As we know many youngsters play these games
many times a day – so the repetitive programming of the subconscious
is taking place.
Crime education employs rational less emotive
discussions that take place – if one is lucky once a month in a
school or youth club. What chance does crime education have against
the power of the continual subconscious programming to hurt others and
enjoy it? Shouldn’t we ban violent electronic games? I think so – at
least it wouldn’t do any harm.
There is considerable scope for research in the field of
crime
education and Dr Bill would be happy to assist postgraduate students
(with approval of their university or college) design and undertake a
study. Contact him on
bill.robb@valueseducation.co.uk
Copyright © 2008 Values Education Ltd
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