Violence in Video Games Part II

Violent video games have become a ritual for many people in today's culture. I have noticed that I have come accustomed to playing 1st person shooters immediately after coming home from work, almost every night.  I have also noticed that other people have taken on this ritual too.  There are also many stereotypes that come with avid video game players, and the effects that they have on the players.  The stereotype of a video game player can be perceived as an introverted, semi-intelligent, less-popular individual. Or, a person that has a violent past and future.  Individuals that play violent video games can be feared by others due to the power of the negative stereotype.  

The stereotype of violent video games/players has given the video games/players a negative look.  This stereotype has grown to be so powerful, that parents have taken away the video games from their kids. The use of violent video games has also been blamed for murders/violent acts.  But, the fact that these games has become a ritual is counteracting the negative stereotypes.  While these video games/players are getting perceived in a negative way, it is also becoming more acceptable due to the amount of people that are playing them.  I feel that even parents are playing these games. This could sway their opinion of  the games in regard to their children using them.  Even though the violent stereotype has been given to avid users, almost every middle aged male is playing them. People may not believe they are so harmful if it is such a popular ritual.

I have learned that not only are these violent video games a popular artifact,  they have become a popular household ritual as well.  I feel that because they are a ritual, they are only going to grow in popularity.  People are going to feel more comfortable and accepted for playing these games for longer periods of time.  The more people that adopt violent video games as a ritual, the less negative stereotypes there will be.  Even though the stereotype is so intense and negative, it will diminish over time.