A time to be serious

Like everyone else right now, I am wondering: What kind of person guns down little kids? While the horrific mass murder committed yesterday will prompt much discussion once again about our ridiculous lack of gun regulation in this country, I believe we must give equal attention to the fact that we live in a culture where "first person shooter" is a term of art in one of our most popular forms of entertainment. I know that most people who play violent video games do not commit violent acts, but we have raised an entire generation that has become desensitized to violence. A civilized society is supposed to rein in any natural tendencies we may have toward antisocial behavior that will harm the common good -- not promote, cultivate, nurture and glorify these tendencies. Those who are in the process of purchasing as gifts this season the latest installments of games that as realistically as possible maim and murder others should take a long time to think not just about guns and what they do, but also about the games we play and the legacy this will leave.