We don't always agree with ABC journalist John Stossel of 20/20 fame.
But a section of Stossel's new book Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity addresses the oft-repeated argument that violent games produce violent kids. In particular, Stossel takes game critic Dave Grossman down a peg or three.
Stossel writes, in part:
"Self-appointed experts are sometimes so successful in propagating their arguments that the original source gets lost in the confusion..."
"Even the Surgeon General's Office told us, 'The Marines use the game Doom to desensitize recruits.' Where did they learn that? From Grossman. We called the Marines, They said (Doom) is not used to desensitize Marines, They say they used a version of the software to teach eye/hand coordination and teamwork. Period."
Stossel continues: "Do we, individual parents, get to decide for ourselves and our children, or will the government appoint some expert, maybe David Grossman to decide for us? After all, he's the source of the 'conventional wisdom' on the subject. Get out the shovel."
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