Last week many people were sadly reminded about the increased rate of gun violence in our country. With the Navy Yard shooting that took place last Monday and the Chicago park shooting that took place several nights later, the issues surrounding the rising violence in our country seems to be on the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Time and time again after a tragedy involving gun violence, we hear everyone from pundits to parents expressing their concern that video games are connected to the increasing numbers of gun violence.

Most recently, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, host of ‘Fox and Friends’, suggested that game purchases be tracked (similar to gun purchases?) She also suggested the gaming should be monitored so people know how long gamers are playing.

For gamers and non-gamers alike, Hasselbeck’s statement was considered incredibly outrageous, and video game enthusiasts are beginning to take action. The Video Game Voters Network is starting a campaign against Fox News to cease asserting that there is a link between video games and real-world violence. The company created the following graphic and are encouraging people to share it on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites.

The Video Game Voters Network states:

“It’s the same song and dance over and over again. Fox News exploits a tragedy to pedal baseless rumors about a made-up link between video games and violence, while ignoring the many studies that disprove their false allegations. We’re sick of it, but it’s not going to stop unless we do something about it.”

Is this campaign worthwhile? Will make a difference on Fox News?

It’s difficult to make a fair and balanced assertion that video games are linked to gun violence. Frankly, it’s difficult to make any assertion fair and balanced. Plus, Fox News is notoriously known for pandering outrageous viewpoints on a variety of topics from Harry Potter to pants sizes solely for high ratings (in this author’s humble opinion, of course.)

Is it our job to change the way media expresses the opinions of others? Or is it our job to turn it off? Is Fox News even taken seriously enough for gamers and others to want to take action against their style of news-reporting?

Discuss below.

Source: Game Zone