Turn the Other Cheek

March break begins and many of the kids whose families won't escape southward will spend some of their "down time" enjoying video games. Although our three children are in their earlier twenties and grew up in the video age the games were only occasional part of our household, through rentals. Many of their peers are still avid players into adulthood.

There is controversy at the moment about a game developed here in Canada called Bully. As the title suggests, there is no subtlety about this game and the level of aggression and the premise has led educators to call for a ban. After the development of excellent anti-bullying programs this game is going in the opposite direction. It's odd that our society seems content to have influential video games reinforcing stereotypes and values that we work to eliminate in our homes and schools and even television. The argument often used is that "it's only a game," as though this makes the message less offensive or morally dangerous.

In faith communities we teach the importance of non-violent relationships and actually walking away from confrontation. We all know how difficult this is, but it has been the source of inspiration for great leaders of the 20th century, as well as movements that brought about profound social change.
It's weird, but here I go again with the Sermon on the Mount for the third time this week: "But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also." Maybe we need a Mohandes Gandhi, M. L. King, Desmond Tutu video game. Okay, sales might be weak but there are too many Bully's out there.