Well Said, Julia

As an avid videogamer, essential viewing for me is Gameface and Ginx Files on Bravo on Saturday mornings. On this morning's show, presenter Julia Hardy responded to the latest round of do-gooders jumping on the "video games are evil and corruptive" bandwagon. The latest round is basically a re-hash of everything that has been said before, criticising the content of video games as being inappropriate for younger players. I think Julia responded admirably to this, pointing out that movies and other mainstream media also contain material inappropriate for younger people, and it's their parents' responsibility to monitor them and ensure that age classifications are adhered to.
The criticism of video games is simply scapegoating, using this medium as something to blame for society's ills. It's an easy target, and in an era of passing the buck it's an ideal way to shift attention from the real problems in society - irresponsible parenting, social deprivation, political indifference - the list goes on.
Perhaps these critics should take a look at the positive aspects of videogaming. These kids who are sitting there, playing those games, are not on the streets being exposed to the growing cultures of drugs, gangs and knife crime.
What would they be doing if they weren't playing these games? There are very few youth clubs or social clubs these days, more and more playing fields are having houses built on them, so what are they going to do in their spare time? Just wander the streets, getting bored and ending up getting into trouble? Display themselves as easy targets to get sucked into the world of gangs and drugs?
The do-gooders may suggest they read a book, which is a good idea. I read a lot of books myself, and it's a great pursuit. However, they can't just sit there reading books all the time. If they did, these same do-gooders would be saying that kids are not socialising with each other and losing social skills - another criticism they are aiming at the computer generation. They don't realise that the growing world of online multiplayer gaming is actually offering them a new platform for interacting with each other.
It's time these mis-informed grannies stopped blaming everything on the content of video games. Life itself is full of content inappropriate for younger people. Every time you turn on the television or pick up a newspaper there are stories about rape and murder and other horrific crimes. Note - hardly any of the people committing these crimes are videogamers. Were video games responsible for Baby P's death? Did video games turn Gary Glitter into a paedophile? How many video games did the Yorkshire Ripper play?
Video games are an important entertainment medium with a valid and positive contribution to make to society. So, on behalf of gamers, I say to these critics, please leave them alone and start trying to tackle the real causes of society's problems.