Halo teaches killology
by Bonnie Heppner, Salem, Ore.
I would like to help Travis Duerksen “weigh the morals” as he promises to do in the column he wrote called “Why Mennonites Play Halo” (Speaking Out, Oct. 7). Travis may be interested to know about a science of learning to kill, called “killology.” According to David Grossman, who originated the word “killology,” every time a child plays an interactive video game he is learning the exact same conditioned reflex skills as a soldier or police officer in training. Grossman’s claims may seem extreme to teens who like to play video games. But they should know that Lt. Col. David Grossman is an expert on the psychology of killing; one of the many books he wrote was nominated for a Pulitzer. He wrote an article in 1998 called "Trained to Kill," adapted from a lecture he gave at Bethel College, North Newton, Kan.
In making decisions about whether to play or not to play video games, kids Travis’ age should tap into just a little of the information available among educators, sociologists, child-development specialists and psychologists—along with their religious and peer discussions.
Outcomes in all cases are likely to be better if decisions are based on information from knowledgeable experts rather than being supplied by the manufacturer of a product.
Associated Issue: Expand CPT - Oct. 7, 2008
Associated Article: Why Mennonites play Halo
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