Linking violence to video games

Sir, – Simplistic connections between violent video games and real violence should be avoided

Sir, – Simplistic connections between violent video games and real violence should be avoided. But perhaps Donald Clarke (Opinion, April 21st) doth protest too much. Do such fantasies and fantasy games tell us nothing about our culture? Why is such violence considered entertaining?

Where does this come from and does it help underpin support for violence and war even if gamers are not about to rush out to kill or injure someone themselves? I am asking some serious questions.

This is not something which is restricted to video games since the same question can be applied to television, film, and print. It is also certainly not a new phenomenon but why is our culture (well, particularly for the male of the species) hooked on violence?

However, there is one proven real life connection today, as some armies are keen to recruit experienced violent gamers to control lethal drones. – Yours, etc,

ROB FAIRMICHAEL,

Co-ordinator,

Innate – an Irish Network for

Nonviolent Action Training and

Education,

Ravensdene Park,

Belfast.