Expert Warns Video Games Might Turn Palestinians Violent

“I hope I do not live to see the day when Palestinian society has been so saturated and overcome with such invidious values that our youth – and many adults – default to violence when they encounter adversity.”

Ramallah, October 10 – A psychologist at Bir Zeit University has admonished Palestinian leaders that the proliferation of entertainment featuring shooting, sword fighting, and other forms of violence is likely to adversely affect the disposition of Palestinian youths, who might then view physical violence as a legitimate form of expression.

Ali Moot, a professor of psychology, warned the political and cultural leadership that violent video games, movies, television programs, and other forms of entertainment have been implicated in what appears to be a rising trend of violent behavior. Moot claimed the proliferation of such material makes it seem to the consumer that those modes of behavior are commonplace and therefore acceptable under most circumstances. Such a development, he cautioned, would increase the chances of large numbers of youths seeking violent confrontation instead of wiser, more sedate resolutions to conflict.

“It’s been documented extensively, especially in the United States,” argued the professor. “Violent crime has risen in tandem with the popularity of violent shows, films, and video games, and it would be smart of our leadership to do something to prevent such a trend from hitting our society. I, for one, would not want to see our youth deciding that the best way to react to an unpleasant situation is to go out and shoot, stab, or run somebody over. It can only get them in trouble.”

“I worry about the values behind those games,” he continued. “Fantasies of violence appeal to the simplistic desires people have, for power, or for redemption, but they’re illusory. I hope I do not live to see the day when Palestinian society has been so saturated and overcome with such invidious values that our youth – and many adults – default to violence when they encounter adversity. Why should they listen to reason when the visceral appeal of killing an enemy is so much more compelling, even if ultimately pointless? Those games are dangerous, I tell you, and the government should act immediately to block their sale and distribution in Palestinian jurisdiction.”

Moot cited series such as Skyrim, Grand Theft Auto, and various games in the sci-fi genre as examples of entertainment that glorifies and lends credibility to violence. “Blowing things up, cutting off people’s heads, impaling them, torture, shoot-’em-ups, and every kind of gore can be found in those games,” he warned. “How can we knowingly expose our children to the dangers those games represent and still consider ourselves responsible parents and educators? The time to act is now, and I call upon the Palestinian leadership to take the initiative on this issue as soon as the official mourning period for the Jerusalem shooter is over.”