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[NC] Newz Crew Featured Discussion – Columbine Computer Game ‘Trivializes’ School Shootings

In collaboration with the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Global Kids has launched Newz Crew, a site where teens from around the world engage in rich online dialogues related to current events, public policy issues and digital media.

Below is a featured discussion from current dialogues happening on the site. Check it out!

This feature is taken from Newz Crew, Group 71: Columbine Computer Game 'Trivialises' School Shootings!.

What do you think? Can a video game be used to promote discussion of a controversial subject?
XxfroggerxX 04:35pm May 19, 2006 EST
I can't blame the victims' families for being upset about this. I know I would be. Although I know that it wasn't the intention, it seems kind of sick to enjoy yourself while renacting actual people's deaths. It's not just a storyline, it actually happened, and real people died. To me it seems more like they're making such a disturbing event a little too lighthearted.
Henry 05:20pm May 19, 2006 EST
I agree Frogger. The company that made these must have a heart of steel.
zip799 07:17pm May 19, 2006 EST
what kind of person makes a video game based on a school shooting?! school shootings are completely horrible!!!! if you cant feel safe at school where can you?! and grrr... sometimes at school shootings, the murderer isnt old enough to get the death penalty! and shooting kids at school is a reason for someone, anyone, to receive the death penalty! how could they make a video game of something so horrible, and that effected so many people's lives?!!!
uninutshell 09:30pm May 19, 2006 EST
Since when does ethics have anything to do with making money? That is what this boils down to. MONEY MONEY MONEY. As sad as this may seem, the fact that we are debating on this is the reason it was developed, shipped, and sold to so many people.
leapoffaith 09:44pm May 19, 2006 EST
I agree, companies will do anything to make money, even if it hurts others. It's the nature of a consumer society.
Uninutshell 10:03pm May 19, 2006 EST
Yes, this is sad.
leapoffaith 10:17pm May 19, 2006 EST
yes, very. Amazing how much power something so simple as money can have.
Uninutshell 10:40pm May 19, 2006 EST
It runs our world
leapoffaith 11:12pm May 19, 2006 EST
Are you a beatles fan? what's the name of that song... it goes

Imagine there's no country
it's easy if you try
nothing to live or die for
under the bloodred sky

They say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
someday you will join us
when the world is one.

I like that song because it makes me think about what the world would be like if there was no controversy.

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