Could THIS videogame cause violence? Options

[*mipadi*]

Links to a bloody new Flash videogame called Border Patrol, whose object is to kill as many illegal immigrants as possible, are making the rounds through e-mail forwards. The game, which comes at a time when U.S. leaders are working to revive a sweeping immigration bill in the Senate, encourages players to kill targets such as a "Mexican nationalist," "drug smuggler" and "breeder" (a pregnant woman with two small children) "at any cost." When a target is killed, blood splatters on the screen. "It's violent and unnecessarily hurtful," says Jack Thompson, a lobbyist against violence in videogames. "We should use public-nuisance laws to shut down this game because it poses a clear and present danger to an entire class of people. Illegal immigration is a real problem, but this game only coarsens that debate."

The game's origin is unknown, but it's been popping up recently on a number of Web sites. "I certainly defend the game," says self-described white supremacist Tom Metzger. "I told a Mexican activist that he better be happy that we're just playing a game on a computer, because the temper of thousands ... is reaching the boiling point." The U.S. Border Patrol has been quick to distance itself from the game. Todd Fraser, a Border Patrol spokesman, says: "The Border Patrol does not condone or encourage violence." Neither should anyone else.[1]

I agree with attempting to use public-nuisance laws to shut down this sort of game. Say what you want about violent videogames—I can easily see this game encouraging violence against immigrants, illegal or legal. What do you think? Could this game incite violence against immigrants?

[magicfann]

i hate people that say video games cause violence
anyone go ahead and pm smoogrish and ask her if i've done anything ridiculously violent in the 3 years shes known me and the 9 years i've been playing video games

hey guess what? im not violent

good game noobs, i play cs 1.6 which is a M-rated (mature) game and is meant for those who are 17 years of age and above

and im almost 14 years old and think getting a headshot from halfway across a map is "cool"

gg, im not violent all of u stafoo and go drink coffee and cry in corners u emo kids

[SarahxJoy]

i hate people that say video games cause violence
anyone go ahead and pm smoogrish and ask her if i've done anything ridiculously violent in the 3 years shes known me and the 9 years i've been playing video games

hey guess what? im not violent

good game noobs, i play cs 1.6 which is a M-rated (mature) game and is meant for those who are 17 years of age and above

and im almost 14 years old and think getting a headshot from halfway across a map is "cool"

gg, im not violent all of u stafoo and go drink coffee and cry in corners u emo kids

But unfortunately not everyone is like you.

Just because you're not a violent person who isn't as easily influenced by video games enough to go out and actually mimick the game, doesn't mean that there aren't other people out there who will.

And furthermore, that game bothers me because it does coincide with events and controversies that are taking place today. It's a real problem and I don't think it should be mocked by someone who created the game and those who enjoy playing it.

I don't like the message it sends.