Youth violence

Nice study on youth violence in relationship to violent entertainment here:

I know it might seem hard to believe, but the incidence of violence among youths has been dropping steadily for the last 10 years or so. The chart above shows the rates in context to video games. You also might notice that it coincides with the Presidency of one of my favorite politicians.

Which has had more impact? Who knows. It may be some other completely unrelated factor.

The point here is that the media simply continues to frighten people with sensational headlines. Politicians overreact, parents go crazy.

It reminds me of Bowling for Columbine. Most people think that Moore's documentary was an indictment on gun ownership. That's not true. Moore was critical of the media that creates a climate of fear in which every front door is locked, and the motto is shoot first, ask questions later. He points to Canada as evidence. They have far more guns per capita than Americans do, yet have far less gun violence per capita.

The difference? The media coverage. Does it make you feel safer to know that violence amongst youths is the lowest it's ever been? I'll bet not. The media wants you afraid and glued to the tube.

From the Bureau of Justice Studies at the Department of Justice:

"Recently, the offending rates for 14-17 year-olds reached the lowest levels ever recorded."

Bet you didn't know that. I sure didn't... and sure as hell the BSC's don't want you to know it. After all, they sell fear.

So, buy the kid the play station 3. Get him GTA 3, or something fun like that. Let them blow shit up in the simulated world. It seems to be working.

In 2004, 54% of games were rated “E” for Everyone, 33% were rated “T” for Teen, and only 12% were rated “M” for Mature. The vast majority of the best-selling titles every year are not rated “M.” Compare that to the 55% of movies rated “R” and only 8% rated “G.” The ESRB might not get it right all the time, but who does?

The media in particular loves to bash video games, making sure to point out any time there’s an Xbox within 50 yards of a crime. This is because games are the new competition - every hour you spend interacting with a game is one hour less spent drooling in front of their fear-mongering programming.

The truth is that these are the most non-violent kids we have ever had, and they all own Playstations. The government is so desperate to find some youth crime to crack down on that they’re strip-searching kids for 10 bucks while locking up 11 year-old girls for throwing rocks and eating french fries. The most peaceful generation of Americans in recorded history is being shoved through metal detectors, having their civil rights violated on a daily basis, are the victims of unreasonable search and seizure, and are treated with constant suspicion.

All because of a media lie. If nothing else can incite them to violence, maybe that will.