The issue I’d like
to discuss is the negative stigma given to video games versus the experience of
how they have impacted my life as someone who has played video games since
their childhood. I think this issue should be analyzed from my personal
experience, because I think it can be most easily addressed subjectively. I’ve
gained a feeling of embarrassment for the skill I’ve nurtured the most: my
passion for video games. It’s easy to see how one might criticize gamers,
because it goes off of the assumption that gamers lack social skills and
engagement with the outside world. I disagree with this statement, because it
actually provides people with an output for creativity and respite. I think the
negative stigma gamers receive is unproductive and degrading, because it
represents a thorough lack of understanding for the genre and its fan base. Video
games are the embodiment of adult make-believe and role playing—you get to be
someone you’ll never be in real life. Furthermore, people who are unhappy with
their lives often turn to video games, because it allows them to forget about
the burdens of the daily lives and engage in something imaginary where they can
fulfill the role of anything/anyone they want.
If I could think of a Sociological term applicable to my passion for games, it would be Pierre Bourdieu’s Habitus. Habitus means “the physical embodiment of cultural capital, to the deeply ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions that we possess due to our life experiences” (Routledge, 2011). Habitus also means to have a feel, or taste for the game as well as behavior and knowledge. My game knowledge of League of Legends, although unimpressive, is one of my most prized traits. I’ve actually gotten to the point where I can analyze games, recite item stats, character stats, abilities and use the game as a medium for improvement in my everyday life. Immediately I can think of how my game knowledge affects my life. I no longer doubt the skills of other people, because they could be a large benefactor in my own experiences. Group projects are a breeze, because teamwork is a cornerstone of a successful gamer and student. Problem assessment is another skill I think I’ve learned from games, such as the ability to look at an issue, assess the problem, look at the resources at my disposal and then clear a path to solve it. In addition, American Psychological Association claims that video games may actually enhance a “range of cognitive skills such as spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception” (APA, 2014). Ultimately, I think what video games have taught me is the constant and unwavering need to improve no matter the gold deficit, limit in ammunition or number of friendly players still alive.
Bowen, Lisa. "UPFRONT Video Game
Play May Provide Learning, Health, Social Benefits, Review Finds."
American Psychological Association. 2 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
Social Theory Re-wired.
"Habitus." Social Theory Rewired. Routledge, 2011. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.
"Majority of Americans See
Connection Between Video Games and Violent Behavior in Teens." Harris
Poll. Harris Poll, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.
This is really interesting to me because I am on the other side of this issue. My whole life, people I know have been really into gaming while I never could be. I always found it to be dividing and isolating. I see the benefits of gaming and how they can improve certain aspects on one's life and functioning, but I must say that the negative connotation associated with video games is somewhat appropriate in my mind. I do believe that violent games can be fine when reserved for mature audiences, but it remains true that time spent gaming is time spent away from actual, real life people. This forces distance between gamers and non-gamers, dividing relationships that could potentially help someone's quality of life. This is especially important because, as it was stated, games are used as an escape mechanism for unhappy people. Games can be fine in moderation, but I find that they are highly addictive to many people and can be destructive that way.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting article. As a fellow video gamer I agree with the negative stigma from video gaming although mainly it's from my mom. I was really interested in the disconnect from the people who criticize video games. They don't know about the rating system or even about the console itself yet they criticize gamers. Overall, I think you did a great job in your argument for gamers.
ReplyDeleteI actually cut a section about how I grew up with games, and how they are kind of a timeline of my life through my social anxiety and my parents divorce. I kind of wish I had put it back in now.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really cool article. I always found it interesting that violent video games were criticized a lot more than violent movies. Like take the recent Deadpool movie for an example. It's an extremely violent and gory movie, one of many out there, yet you don't hear too many people jumping on the "this violence will rot your brain" train. I wonder if this is because with video games there is a sense of agency with the avatar being able to be controlled.Yet at the same time there has been more recent reports of people trying to imitate what they've seen in a film (50 shades of grey for an example) than someone trying to do the same with a video game. So I wonder where exactly is this stigma is coming from. Is it just another fear and gripe about the advancing media technology or an actual concern?
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