Grasping for the Wind: Assassin

May 03, 2007

Assassin

Over at mental_floss, Becky says, "Of course, after the real life terror of the horrible VTU shootings, school officials are urging students to put an end to “Assassin” and its target-based derivatives. What do you think? Did you ever participate in any of these live-action campus RPGs and do you think they’re appropriate?"

I wrote in response:

"Actually I and my "team" made it to the top and won. The monetary prize went to a poor friend who needed it, and we all patted ourselves on the back. It was great fun, especially taking out a our various nemesis.

Ultimately, the question you raise is the same old "does pretend violence beget real violence" argument. My short answer is no. Broken people, broken homes, a broken culture begets violence. Lust, greed, power beget violence. Sickness can do so as well.

The urging is a knee-jerk reaction. Its telling us that we cannot control ourselves or be trained to do so and that every person is a VTU killer waiting to go off. I'm not, I suspect you aren't and I don't need parenting now that I've reached my maturity."

I thought this a good thought, so I posted it here. What is your thought. Did you play Assassin at Covenant or elsewhere? Were you any good?

Posted by John on May 3, 2007 02:41 PM | Posted to Personal Journal
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Comments

I haven't played the game but I completely agree with your reply in principle. I was so shocked to hear about that poor high school student who was arrested and charged with "disorderly conduct" for writing a violent essay that targeted no specific person nor made reference to any particular location; it merely "disturbed" the English teacher. People are being arrested for "disturbing" people now? Making a false alert to emergency services is the same thing as creative writing piece with some violence? The teacher and the school should be both embarrassed and ashamed. Surely, with a student who had no bad record whatsoever, some other measure could have been taken before making such a drastic step. *They* should be charged with disorderly conduct.

I'm off the soapbox now. :D

Posted by: Imani on May 6, 2007 12:36 AM