the dizzying heights of stupidity
Alright, it's long overdue; I've been way too nice to people lately, and I just can't let this one slide.
Apparantly, according to this report, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic stabbed a random woman (they had to throw grandmother in for the heart strings,) thinking he was Carl from GTA: San Andreas. The best part? They can link it all to not only drugs (shh!) but also to video games! Holy shit, this story practically tells itself. But, for the sake of practice, let's just throw some logic at this one.
First - stop with the "skunk cannabis" stupidity. It's just weed. Strong weed, but that's all "skunk" means. Yes, it also refers to a specific strain, but it's still just a strong depressant. If someone were to smoke the crap, I don't think they'd become so much "murderous" as "hungry." Really hungry.
Second - GTA: San Andreas. Oh man, they'll look for any reason to throw a violent video game into a "news story." I say that because a news network is looking for ratings. All the time, same as any TV station. Violent video games anger the older generations who don't have the knowledge of how they work or affect people. For a more in-depth look, check out one of my earlier posts. Basically, you can't blame the tool or source of inspiration for someone's (read: an aware, conscious person - they can make their own decisions!) actions.
Third - PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA. I don't think I can stress this enough. "I'm not sure Doc, I mean, you're the expert here, but I think it may have been the complete lack of reality rather than the weed." His diagnosis was a complete lack of fucking reality. Are you really surprised that he hurt someone? Hell, they even admit he's got a history of violence, including two convictions of mugging and assault.
Ok, so let's try an exercise. I'll Google "schizophrenic murder" and "cannabis murder." Let's see which one turns up more results.
Schizophrenia
Weed
"I think you may be a fucking moron, Doc."
Related:
In all fairness, you shouldn't consider someone dangerous just because they're mentally ill. I came across this link in the Google search and found it a nice counter-point to public opinion.
EDIT: Changed the Carl reference. I haven't played GTA since Vice City, and it shows. Thanks to Chris for the correction.
Apparantly, according to this report, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic stabbed a random woman (they had to throw grandmother in for the heart strings,) thinking he was Carl from GTA: San Andreas. The best part? They can link it all to not only drugs (shh!) but also to video games! Holy shit, this story practically tells itself. But, for the sake of practice, let's just throw some logic at this one.
First - stop with the "skunk cannabis" stupidity. It's just weed. Strong weed, but that's all "skunk" means. Yes, it also refers to a specific strain, but it's still just a strong depressant. If someone were to smoke the crap, I don't think they'd become so much "murderous" as "hungry." Really hungry.
Second - GTA: San Andreas. Oh man, they'll look for any reason to throw a violent video game into a "news story." I say that because a news network is looking for ratings. All the time, same as any TV station. Violent video games anger the older generations who don't have the knowledge of how they work or affect people. For a more in-depth look, check out one of my earlier posts. Basically, you can't blame the tool or source of inspiration for someone's (read: an aware, conscious person - they can make their own decisions!) actions.
Third - PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA. I don't think I can stress this enough. "I'm not sure Doc, I mean, you're the expert here, but I think it may have been the complete lack of reality rather than the weed." His diagnosis was a complete lack of fucking reality. Are you really surprised that he hurt someone? Hell, they even admit he's got a history of violence, including two convictions of mugging and assault.
Ok, so let's try an exercise. I'll Google "schizophrenic murder" and "cannabis murder." Let's see which one turns up more results.
Schizophrenia
Weed
"I think you may be a fucking moron, Doc."
Related:
In all fairness, you shouldn't consider someone dangerous just because they're mentally ill. I came across this link in the Google search and found it a nice counter-point to public opinion.
EDIT: Changed the Carl reference. I haven't played GTA since Vice City, and it shows. Thanks to Chris for the correction.
3 comments:
Carl is from GTA: San Andreas, not 3. GTA3 is tame by San Andreas standard, which brought us the wonderful Hot Coffee mod.
Other than that... I hate the news.
I honestly have a difficult time believing that anyone EVER has committed a crime because they saw it in a violent video game. Also, how is a violent video game any different than a violent movie? People like to play the Blame Game but only because they like to play the "Lets sue the people that we think are responsible" game as well. Asshats.
Actually, people love blaming any new media. Comics were once bad, same with rock music, even the mamba was once labeled as the devil's dance.
As a note, Jack Thompson has already spoken out against the Virginia Tech shootings and video games. Nice.
Post a Comment