Ok so it is a slow day here at work so I'm doing another post.

There is something to be said for personal responsibility. Everywhere you look, someone is passing the buck for their own mistakes. Blame the media. Blame the movies. Blame the music. Blame the games. Some make careers out of this. As gamers, we take up the flag and defend our games. By extension, we defend other entertainment outlets, because if we concede one form of entertainment is capable of providing a negative influence, we could be next. But have you ever stopped and really thought about it?

Take music for example. Most, if not all, of us would declare that music has no influence on our actions. Marilyn Manson didn't cause Columbine, those kids were just fucked up. Music can't evoke in someone feelings that weren't already there. Now, who hasn't been in a shitty mood and been cheered up by a song? Many athletes include aggressive music as part of their preparation ritual to get themselves psyched up. Eye of the Tiger anyone? Those of you who have read Mick Foley's books know of his penchant for using somber, subdued music to mentally prepare for his more brutal performances. Love songs are written purposely as sappy and trite, because that is what gets the best reaction from swooning women.

Movies have their powers as well. There is an entire genre dedicated to the sports-underdog-triumphs-over-seemingly-insurmountable-odds cliche. Ever heard the term "Feel good movie of the summer"? Who saw of 300 and didn't want to get in a fight? Who walked out of "Who's Your Caddy?" and didn't want to kick someone's ass? Wait, no one saw that movie, but my points stands.

Now, I'm not saying I believe the Jack Thompsons of this world, I'm just putting it out there for discussion. Have you ever really thought about the reactions and emotions entertainment media evokes?

I love the hypocrisy here. The Manhunt 2 articles wail about how we are adults and can make up our own minds. We don't need federal babysitters making sure we don't see anything that might hurt our little heads. Then I get to the America's Army Protest article, and suddenly I need to be protected from being tricked into enlisting by a video game.

Either video games influence us or they don't. You can't play that card only when it suits your agenda. I've been playing games for about 20 years now. Mario never made me think that was what life was like for a plumber. Final Fantasy never gave me the urge to get a bad haircut and act like a pussy. Now let me say that I hold no beef with the military. If you sign up on your own accord to do what you feel is right, then more power to you. My rant here has nothing to do with my personal feelings on the war. However, if you are stupid enough to sign up for the military due to a fucking video game, then say hello to Darwin for me.