[IcyMourdor]

Its all that society can really do together. Put together a scapegoat and point fingers. Unless you have NEVER made any sort of mistake in your life (meaning you are perfect in every way (if you think you are perfect, you are conceited, which means you aren't perfect)), then you don't have the right to be placing the blame on anyone.

I've written school papers, articles, and participated in numerous debates on the effects of video games on people. There are really three type of people that play games:

1. Gamer: I assume that a good 99% of the members here fit into this category. These are people who know that video games are just that, games. We have a lot of fun playing them, but we realize that life is more important than sitting in front of a TV/PC for hours on end. We play the games, the games aren't playing us.

2. Absent Gamer: Those who slip into the game a little too much. They have a hard time realizing the difference between their life and the life of some of their favorite characters. Many gamers who first start playing find themselves here. They "dream" of being in the game that they are playing. Granted, it would be fun if I could somehow fall in a Final Fantasy realm, I know that it isn't going to happen.

3. Immature gamer: This is where the most problems arise. They immitate the actions they see in the gaming worlds. They play the same way their heroes do. Some are harmless, like Sonic running. Some, like the afore mentioned Manhunt, can lead to problems.

Simply put. Those kids were having fun. Although they shouldn't have been playing around with real items such as those, that only increased the risk. Accidents happen, its part of what makes us human. Everyone can place blame on something.

"Its the video games for giving kids these ideas."
"Its the parent's fault for not watching out for them."
"Its the school's fault for not teaching those kids better."

The list goes on. There is no answer to the problem here at hand. Its basically putting parents against gamers. One word over the other.

It is sad that he lost his life to something so, as my roommate puts it, stupid. However, using video games as a scapegoat only shows how shallow and insecure you (the person who is placing blame) really are. Mature and realize that accidents do happen. Don't try and limit the fun of us gamers because some children weren't able-minded to realize the line of reality and fantasy yet. Don't blame us or anyone for that matter. Its a tragedy, but tragedies are everywhere. Get over it and move on with your lives.