The Conscience of a Parent

By: Flashtek

       Once again, video games have come under fire by law enforcement, religious groups and the government. Why I ask you, why? Why should video games dictate social standards? Why should video games take the blame of bad parenting? Yes, I said it, bad parenting. The last time I looked, it was not a video game in that delivery room giving birth to my sons and video games certainly was not in the one in the bedroom conceiving them either. Therefore, I ask again, why video games are being blamed.

     It is a simple question, what right does our government or any groups of people have to blame video games for the rotten way parents have raised their children. It is no ones fault but Mr. and Mrs. American who bought their 13-year-old son an M rated game, and then ignores their child while he plays the game. Let me ask you parents something do you know what that big black “M” means on the box? Well let me enlighten you its stands for MATURE. Clear, do we all understand the rating system? Here is another question for you parents do you review the game before you buy it for little Johnny? Did you ask the sales consultant if this game is appropriate for your child’s age? Must of the time you lazy, muckraking slackers never even look at the box you buy for you kid. You ignore them, you let the entertainment industry raise them, and then you attack them.

     For decade’s religious groups to parent organizations have been bombarding the public with slanderous remarks about everything from music, television, movies, the internet and games. It is time to stop. Take some responsibility for your own actions and the actions of your children. I have taken the time to teach my children right from wrong why haven't you? The world is changing and information is coming at light speed from all corners of the globe. If we as parents do not protect our children then who will? We cannot expect anyone else to take on that responsibility.

     For the sake of your children and the sake of an entire generation, start teaching your children, befriend them, spend time with them and that will make all the difference in the world. I am a parent gamer, and this is my manifesto. You may stop me, but you cannot stop us all... after all, we gamers are all alike.