| This is an old problem. More than 20 years ago, people were claiming that D&D caused permanent mental stability problems in teens. Isolated instances of indivduals who "lost it" playing D&D were dramatized in the sensationalist press, and at one point even made into a movie. Nobody bothered to ask whether the kids who go too far playing had backgrounds illustrating obsessive behavior. And nobody thought to ask what kind of parents allowed children like that free reign, and never bothered to investigate medical therapy to deal with the issue.
FWIW, I think television offers far greater reason for concern as a behavioral modifier. A survey a few years ago showed that various European nations watched anything from 1 to 2 1/2 hours per day per person (the UK was highest), while in the US that number was over 4 hours per person. If parents don't want to become their kids' friends and advisors during a critical part of their lives, they have no business searching around for other sources to blame whatever Johnny or Jane turn to, instead.
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To the Righteous belong the fruits of violent victory. The rest of us will have to settle for warm friends, warm lovers, and a wink from a quietly supportive universe.
Last edited by fable; 04-13-2002 at 07:11 PM..
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