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e had to double check this to make surewe weren't reading it wrong. Newspaper The Guardian has published apiece defending video games, stating that children denied access togames are "deprived" of a "rich and magical experience". It's all gonea bit hippy-ish over here.
The opinion piece, penned by writer Naomi Alderman, calls the recent government report by Tanya Byron "eminently sensible", and even defends Rockstar and Grand Theft Auto.
Quote:
"Dr Tanya Byron's eminently sensible report last month on children andnew technology emphasized the many opportunities for fun and learningthat games provide," says Alderman. "But the media coverage focused onthe usual fears and worries.
"Byron said that we need to moveaway from talking about computer games 'causing harm'; in response, TVand newspapers showed stills from games with titles like Manhunt andGod of War. Byron said children need to be 'empowered to keepthemselves safe'; newspapers said computers and televisions should bekept in communal spaces in the home."
"The world of GrandTheft Auto does contain violence and misogyny; but then, so does TheGodfather, or Goodfellas," the article continues. "GTA3 is set in atough, dangerous world. Johnson is trying to clean up hisneighbourhood. But as a dispossessed, orphaned young black man, he hasno option but to re-form his neighbourhood gang to do so. The makers ofthis game, like the makers of any movie about gangland, can standsquarely behind the art they have created and say: this representsreality. If it offends you, don't criticise the art, but take action toimprove the world around you."
The Guardian piece also putssome blame on parents themselves, calling on them - like the Byronreport - to try and understand what their kids are playing.
"Clearly, these themes [in GTA] are not suitable for young children.But just as a responsible parent wouldn't hand their child a copy ofAmerican Psycho or sit them down in front of Marathon Man without anyfurther discussion or comment, games can and should be part of theongoing conversation between parents and children about the world."
"The gaming world isn't filled only with violence and depravity. Infact, it's mostly enchanting," the article continues. "Computer gamescan be works of art and literature - they're still developing. Thestories they can tell, and the experiences they provide, areincreasingly sophisticated and glorious. And that, of course, is thepoint."
<!--[bigpic]--> "The world that today's 10-year-oldsgrow into will offer so many rich experiences via video games: the realneglect would be to deny our children the opportunity to understand andenjoy them."
We're going back to re-read this now. Did she definitely not say Bully should be banned?
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