Do violent video games breed mass murderers?

A quick google search reveals millions of articles linking violent video games to violent behavior. Most recently, it was discovered that Newtown shooter Adam Lanza owned dozens of violent games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Such video games are played from a first person shooter perspective. The victims are often less than human (i.e zombies, aliens, or war criminals). Players are awarded points for killing as many bad guys as possible. There is no guilt and no remorse.

When confronted with the pathetically lacking gun legislation, the NRA suggested that violent video games are to blame for recent shootings but is this really true?

I cannot deny that violent video games include many problematic themes. The most glaring seems to be the violence against women (Grand Theft Auto). Teaching young men, the primary purchasers of these video games, that violence n is something to be rewarded is absolutely deplorable. On the other hand, blaming video games removes accountability from the parents.

As a child and a teenager, I was often exposed to problematic concepts in the media. Fortunately, my parents took it upon themselves to explain these confusing themes to me. I can recall a time when my parents asked me what kind of music I was listening to and explained why songs that glorify promiscuity were not appropriate for my 10 year old ears.

Newtown was an unspeakable tragedy but I don't believe video games were the cause. There needs to be an honest conversation between parents and children about violence and the value of life.

Culture does not exist in a vacuum and yes video games can affect behavior. But even moreso good parenting can CORRECT behavior. After all, I played Guitar Hero for years and I never thought I was a real musician.

so what exactly is a "futurist"?

Raymond Kurzweil has become one of the most influential minds in the field of "futurism." When I first heard the term, I immediately felt that I had chosen the wrong major. Getting paid just to theorize about the future seemed like the ideal profession. However, as I did a little research, I realized that futurism is more than just spouting bullshit. Futurists such as Ray Kurzweil analyze current trends and predict how technology will continue to advance.

In 1990,  published his first book The Age of Intelligent Machines which theorized about advancements in the field of AI. Kurzweil has since written other books theorizing about the future of intelligent machines.

Forbes has called Kurzweil "the ultimate thinking machine." Kurzweil and others like him are able to pave the way for new technology.

Allen Turing

Allen Turing was a computer scientist that was crucial in the deciphering of the Nazi code language Enigma.  
Turing created an electromechanical machine that was that helped break codes more efficiently than the polish bomba kryptologiczna.. The bombe, as it was called, became one of the primary tools used to attack Engima-enciphered messages. 

In 1942, Turing devised a technique that could be used against the Lorenz cipher messages produced by the Germans new secret writer machine  This was a teleprinter rotor cipher attachment codenamed Tunny at Bletchley Park. Turingery was a method of wheel-breaking.

Unfortunately, due to the secretive nature of his work, Turing was not able to publicize his strides in computing techniques. 

Ten years after his discoveries in computer science, Turing was convicted for indecency because of a homosexual relationship that he had began with a 19 year old man. He was order to undergo hormonal treatments that were designed to decrease his libido. It is believed that these treatments caused Turing to become impotent and that his inhumane treatment resulted in his suicide on June 8, 1954.

The horrific treatment of Allen Turing is a powerful example of the destructive nature of homophobia. Maybe if Allen Turing hadn't been subjected to such humiliating tests he would have lived long enough to further revolutionize computing.

Source: Allen Touring

Technology and The Grammys

While watching Frank Ocean perform his hit song Forrest Gump, a video screen projected scenes from the motion picture  of the same name. The front of the keyboard also projected running legs to make it seem as though Frank Ocean was running while he played the piano. The use of technology adds interest to the otherwise somber ballad

Pes

On Wednesday February 6, I attended the 500-750 section because of a scheduling conflict with President's Leadership Fellows. During the class discussion, a student mentioned the works of Pes. I had never heard of him before and I was inspired to investigate. In this video, Fresh Guacamole Pes uses  non-food items, such as grenades and light bulbs to make guacamole

In Game Over, food and condiments are used to represent classic video games such as Space Invaders, Frogger and Pac Man. I enjoyed the lighthearted nature of these short films and the creative use of editing to create seamless transitions. 

Stop motion videos

Bottle by Kristin Lepore

This short film depicts two creature on separate sides of the world. The sand creature and the snowman send each other objects in bottles. As time progresses they grow more fond of each other. They decide that they want to meet up. In order to do this, they will have to travel through the ocean. Before they can reach each other they dissolve. I honestly wasn't expecting this video to bum me out as much as it did. Like Madama Butterfly, it proves that words are not needed to tell a powerful story.

Muto by BLUBLU

The first few minutes of this animation made my skin crawl. I did not like the insect like way that the figures moved. It reminded me of spiders crawling up a wall.  This animation is unique because it is a compilation of wall graffiti. I liked the way that music and sound were used to add to the story. There is no definite story line. When the insects spewed out of the mans mouth I had to cut the video off. I did not like this at all. 

Broken Fingaz

This is another graffiti based animation. The drawings are more intricate and realistic. Unlike Muto the artists are shown painting the wall. Three dimensional objects are also incorporated into the video. At one point a box catches fire and is then extinguished with water. I enjoyed this video the most. 

A trip to the moon

In this silent black and white film. A team of six astronomers go on a voyage to the moon.  The is portrayed with a strange face. I found it to be a little unsettling

The other planets and stars are also personified.

The astronomers settle in for the night but they are later woken up by precipitation (rain or snow??) Most of the sets are hand painted. I enjoyed the contrast between the 2-D background and the actors.  The astronomers seek shelter in an underground cavern that is full of giant mushrooms. 

They are they confronted by one of the native creatures. One of the astronomers strikes the creature and the creature dies in a puff of smoke. I find it interesting that the astronomers make no attempt to learn about the creatures  and instead react with violence. More and more creatures appear and the astronomers struggle to get away from them.

The astronomers retreat back to the space ship for safety. The ship makes the journey back to Earth and crashes into the ocean. It is then towed ashore.

The short film reflects the fascinations with science fiction that were prevalent in the 20th century.  

Technology in Opera

Wicked uses technology to transform Idina Menzel into a green, flying witch.

In the Addams family musical, the stage is transformed into a gothic manor.  Mechanical gates open as the show begins. Each actor dons powdery white makeup; spotlights are used to illuminate the otherwise dark stage. 

In this scene from a Christmas Carol, fog rises from the stage. The child actors are also holding artificial candles. 

The most obvious use of technology is when Mary Poppins floats up to the roof on the house but technology is also used in the scene where a large umbrella spins over the stage. 

The costumes in the clip immediately bring you into the time period. The camera expertly zooms to show close ups of the stage actors. 

In this scene from Annie the camera stays focused on Barbra Streisand as she sings. The spotlight shines solely on her and the rest of the stage is bathed in darkness.

In this video clip the entire backdrop, which is in the shape of a keyboard, lifts up to reveal more dancers. Later in the video the backdrop is lowered down. This provides an easy way to make the stage larger. 

Representation of Blacks in the Early 20th century

While watching the "Blacks and Vaudeville" documentary I got the feeling of being sick to my stomach.  One line in particular stuck out to me "As hundreds of blacks were being lynched, their lives were being portrayed on stage as happy and carefree" The offensive black face characterizations are yet another reminder of the tense racial relations during the 20th century.

On the contrary, Josephine Baker represented and elegance and sensuality that could not have existed in 20th century United States. She refused to partake in the absurdity of Minstrel shows and was sexual in a time of sexual repression.

Opera goes Hi-tech

The set design for Das Reingold is absolutely phenomenal. The rotating stage and projected background add a beautiful scenery to the dramatic piece.

Madama Butterfly

Prior to Madama Butterfly, my exposure to stop motion animation was limited to cheesy Christmas movies. I am amazed at how the creators managed to put so much thought and emotion into such a "primitive" video format

Although, the characters do not speak are able to express the anguish and despair of Madama Butterfly through visual cues.

As she waits for her sailor to return, the sun and moon continually rise, symbolizing how much time has passed. When her child is born and as she matures, she is still connected to ther mother by umbilical, symbolizing the bond that the have with each other.

When the sailor returns and takes her child away, the umbilical chord rips and her hair greys.

I believe the most powerful scene is when the main character begins to disassemble herself. If she cannot be with her daughter and her one and only love, then she feels that she is nothing.