Heroism in Video Games

The majority of video games all have one thing in common;  They all have heroes and villains.  The individual playing the video game is usually controlling the hero, while having to overcome obstacles and fight villains.  Players admire the hero, and enjoy being able to actually control the hero in the video game.  The hero is usually fighting for a good cause, and the whole world does not know that the situation is taking place.  The hero is not a celebrity, (doing good for fame or fortune) he simply has the drive, motivation, and compassion to display such acts.  A hero named Munch has to fight for survival in the video game titled Oddworld:  Munch's Oddysee, released on Xbox in 2001.  The game centers around a hero named Munch.  Munch finds himself trapped on a different planet, and he has to run and fight for freedom.  Munch is very capable of escaping his captives in the game, but he decides to free all of his fellow prisoners before his departure.  Munch displays acts of heroism the entire game by freeing his species, and defeating an evil enemy.  He could of freed himself but his selflessness and compassion inspired him to become a hero ("Oddworld", 2001).



Our culture loves its heroes, and I believe everybody has some desire to become one.  With virtually all games centering around heroism, I believe that says a lot about our culture.  Our culture is obsessed with heroism, both the aspect of admiration and the willingness to do good.  I believe that even violent 1st person shooting games contain the essential theme of being a hero. Our culture thrives on over coming obstacles, being courageous, and having some type of skill.  Even the most evil of people receive some sort of fulfillment from helping out others.  Helping others, conducting selfless service, and doing good triggers some type of sensation/emotion in everybody  These video games are artifacts that help define today's culture.

Munch's Oddysee. (2001).  Oddworld's Inhabitants.  Retrieved from http://www.oddworld.com/games-new-parent/munchs-oddysee/ on January 28, 2012.

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.      

Violence in Video Games

It is a popular belief that violent video games have negative effects on young adults.  With the majority of the population having little knowledge of the studies that have been conducted, we automatically assume or even blame these games for real life violence.  We hear from other people or even news reporters that people involved in violent activity were actively engaged in violent video games prior to their acts of violence.  We assume that the games could promote such activity, and this popular belief has spread through out our culture.

Studies have in fact been conducted to evaluate the effects of violent video games on the users.  Grace Shin, author in popular culture, reports that a study was conducted on 227 students at a university.  The analysis concluded that the majority of students with police records concerning violent behavior, grew up devoting their time to violent video games.  The study also concluded that prolonged usage of these types of games raises the user' heart rate, and lowered the student's GPA.  In April of 2009, the famous Columbine shooting took place.  The two students conducted the murders and acts of violence were extremely devoted to a violent video game entitled Doom.  It was reported that those students spent such a great deal of time playing that game, that they found a way to alter the game play.  They changed the game so that the enemies could not defend themselves, and had unlimited ammunition.  Such studies may indicate that this popular belief is valid.

It is important to understand that popular belief may not always be true.  There are many other examples of popular belief that are not necessarily true.  Many different types of diets and techniques to lose weight have been adopted as a popular belief.  These diets have been proven false by many nutritionists.  Nutritionists have even proven that the diets are a risk to people's health.  Due to popular belief these diets will remain a part of our culture.  Popular belief is inevitable, so it is up to our culture to determine their validity.

References
Shin, Grace. (2003).  Video Games:  A Cause of Violence and Aggression. Serendip. Retrieved from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1723 on January 15, 2012. 

Icons

Michael Jordan, Marilyn Monroe, and the peace sign are three examples of contemporary icons.  According to Michaeljordansworld.com, Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA.  He won 6 championships, 5 League MVPs, and 10 scoring titles.  Michael Jordan was awarded to be one of the top 50 players of all time, and has his own line of shoes and clothing apparel ("Michael Jordan Career Facts, 2012).  According to US History.com, Marilyn Monroe lived from 1926-1962.  She starred in 30 movies, started her own motion picture company, had ties with the presidents of her time, and won the Golden Globe Awards' "World Film Favorite" award ("Performing Arts, 2012). The peace sign is a circle that has a vertical line down the middle with downward sloping lines coming out each side. According to Teachpeace.com, the symbol was created in 1958 to symbolize a person with their hands down.  The symbolic meaning of a person with their hands down, is a person calling a seize fire (Teach Peace Moment:  Peace Symbol History, 2012).

Michael Jordan is a popular culture icon because he represents athletics;  More specifically, basketball.  Michael Jordan is considered one of the best basketball players to ever play the sport of basketball.  His popularity grew to such an extent, that his shoe and clothing line remains popular today.  People that are not familiar or interested in basketball know who Michael Jordan is, and he symbolizes the sport of basketball.  I chose Michael Jordan as an icon because when I think of athletics, Michael Jordan is the first athlete I think of.

 

Marilyn Monroe will remain as a popular culture icon mainly due to her beauty.  She symbolizes femininity, beauty, and high-class fashion.  Pictures of Marilyn Monroe can be found in many stores, and when thinking about beautiful woman, she comes to mind.  Her talent and looks made her an icon, and she will always be remembered.  I chose Marilyn Monroe as an icon because of her beauty.  When I think of a beautiful woman, I think of her.



The peace sign grew to be a popular culture icon.  The peace sign was used to promote peace during times of war, and conscientious objection. The peace sign developed into a hand gesture that was commonly used in protests and gestures against the war.  This is an icon that symbolizes a powerful stance, and the majority of the population is aware of its meaning and significance. I chose the peace sign as an icon because when I think of a symbol, the peace sign is the most significant.

  

References

Michael Jordan Career Facts. (2012).  Retrieved from  http://www.michaeljordansworld.com/the_facts.htm on January 12, 2012.

Performing Arts. (2012).  Retrieved from http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3712.html on January 12, 2012.

Teach Peace Moment:  Peace Symbol History. (2012).  Retrieved from http://www.teachpeace.com/peacesymbolhistory.htm on January 12, 2012.

What is popular culture?

People are exposed to popular culture with little to no effort at all.  People do not need to seek out popular culture, or spend large amounts of money or time to experience it. People will experience it through their every day routines. In order to experience popular culture, people do not need to have a high level of education; People do not need to be educated on the type of popular culture either. Popular culture will touch people by triggering emotions, and providing entertainment of some nature.  Popular culture does not require individuals to understand the artifact or why they are attracted to it, it simply pertains to people's emotions.

The study of popular culture can benefit me in my future career.  I am currently seeking a a degree in marketing.  Having an educated understanding of popular culture will enable me to develop useful marketing strategies.  I will be able to identify current trends, celebrities, fashion, and all other types of popular culture.  Attaining this knowledge will enable me to develop products, and strategies that will adhere to people wants and needs.  Not being educated in popular culture would keep me from understanding the fundamentals of successful marketing.



Battlefield 3 is an example of a popular culture artifact. Battlefield 3 is a video game that can be played on many different types of consoles. The game enables individuals to control a soldier and utilize different vehicles and war tactics.  People are exposed to Battlefield 3 though television commercials, advertisements, word of mouth, and in-store advertisements.  Even though the game features include intricate weapon systems, and intelligent fighting techniques; It does not require the person to be educated on the war tactics or weapons at all.  The person can have little knowledge of military or weapons and still enjoy the artifact.  The game is not priced beyond the average person's purchasing capabilities, and surrounds us without people having to search and retrieve.