Comment by Anechoic | Hacker News Reader

Comment by Anechoic | Hacker News Reader

(I'm not trying to troll the thread, I'm not trying to stir up any trouble, I am asking a sincere question, so please be gentle)

Why is it that whenever someone makes a link between violent video games and violent real life behavior the studies are widely considered to be unfounded, yet folks seem to believe that many of the ills that affect black communities can be directly attributable to aspects of "black culture" (gangsta rap and minstrel media in particular)? There are certainly studies that make the case for the link in both instances, but the conventional wisdom for the two seem to be stark opposites. I've seen these differing beliefs expressed in discussions at Reddit, Ars Technica, and to a lesser extent here.

Why is it that video games can't possibly be a problem, but gangsta rap is most certainly the problem?

(Again, not trying to be a troll, I'm just wondering if there is some fundamental difference that perhaps I've missed. This is your chance to enlighten me.)

I'm interested in a similar question: how come no one asks about the psychosocial influence in glorifying the military, whether in the context of movies, games, or history classes? I understand that there are circumstances where military action is a necessary evil, but it's always seemed to me that there are some people who get a little too excited by socially sanctioned violence.

The answer to this, IMO, is pretty simple. The people you're talking to probably like video games, to some extent, and don't like rap.

There's research on how people will discard scientific evidence that goes against their belief and embrace those that support their beliefs.

Now it's possible that the body of evidence is actually much stronger for one than the other, but my ability to predict how people will react to such studies based on their beliefs prior to the study causes me to believe that the evidence has no real bearing on their opinions.

With that said, I do like rap and video games, and think they both contribute. I knew some MMA competitors who used to play some really violent game killing zombies before matches -- they said it got them in the mood for what they were about to do. Now they were playing a completely legal sport, but it did seem to actually get them pumped up. A minor effect maybe, and maybe doesn't map to crime or real violence, but it does do something.

Interesting thought... Personally, I think we're affected by all media to a greater or lesser degree. A colleague disagreed with me so we discussed his movie viewing habits. He likes horror movies. When he started watching them, they really freaked him out and scared him. Now he just laughs -- ie has become somewhat numb to the display. To me, that is a real change that has taken place. Sure, we all know it's fake. But in those early days, something primal and empathetic was reacting to grotesque scenes. Somehow that has now been supressed.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com