White House Calls for Research on Links Between Video Games and Violence

Yesterday, the White House unveiled “Now is the Time: The President’s plan to protect our children and our communities by reducing gun violence.” Super good! I don’t intend to attack the the President, his plan, or even the fact that he calls for more research into any possible relationships between video games and violence. With the trauma of gun violence being so severe in American culture, encouraging research into what many citizens believe to have a causative relationship with violence, i.e. that violent video games lead to violent crime, is the right call. While it is politically unfortunate that the President seemed unable to find a place for video games in his plan than under the section to “End the Freeze on Gun Violence Research,” (page 8), I don’t think that we have much to worry about regarding any lasting effects on public opinion. We know that all good research into the topic, assuming fair distribution and reporting of research results and data, is going to show that video games and their place in society are nothing to be afraid of.

Here is my point; how do we already know that we have nothing to fear? Hasn’t research already shown that violence in video games has a lasting effect on gamers, causing them to be desensitized to violence and therefore less likely to check impulses toward violent behavior? Since video games are more immersive than other forms of media, doesn’t it stand to reason that they affect a greater ability to impact and change the human psyche? Let’s look into why not.

Top 10 Fictional Geek Presidents

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s the day after a long and arduous election year. We are all tired and maybe upset about who won or maybe not (depending on your preference), but we are least glad it’s over.

So my geeky friends, no matter who won or lost, did you ever look back at the candidates and think “God, these guys suck—I wish this character from my comic book was real and running for President!”?

Well, we decided to have our own election! These are Lady Geek Girl and Friends‘ Top 10 Fictional Geek Presidents!

Lady Geek Girl and Friends Urges You to Get Out and Vote!

We’re an American site, run by American folks, and most of our views come from American readers. (That doesn’t mean we don’t love you too, one reader from Djibouti that one time, but this post isn’t really relevant to the non-Americans among out readership.)

Basically, if you are an eighteen years or older American citizen who has not committed a felony (or has got their rights restored), you should be registered to vote, and you should be doing so today. It’s your duty as an American to exercise the right that so many brave men and women have died to protect.

I don’t care if you vote for Obama, or Romney, or a third party candidate, or goddamn Vermin Supreme. If you don’t know where to go to vote, go here to put in your address and find out. Not sure if you’re eligible? File a provisional ballot at your local polling place. Go. Out. And. Vote. All the complaining in the world won’t make a damn bit of difference if you don’t. Your vote does matter. This is your chance to take a stand.

President Captain America?

In the September issue of The Ultimates, Captain America, the lovable fighter for truth, justice, and the right to bear deadly throwing shields in public, was elected as President of the United States of America.

The concept is not a new one. The president of the United States has come up in comics before. Ronald Reagan was in a lot of DC comics during the 1980s, and Bill and Hillary Clinton were present at Superman’s funeral. Barack Obama also holds cameos in Marvel Comics, specifically noted for his appearance in several Spider-Man comics. Richard Nixon also plays a big role in Watchman.

However, what about the fictional characters in these comics that eventually become president? Lex Luthor famously got elected in several variations of the DC Universe, causing tense scenes between the U.S. Government and the Justice League. Number One, leader of The Secret Universe, fought a silent battle with Captain America while serving as the Commander-in-Chief. Even Kyle Richmond, the original Nighthawk from Marvel, served as president at one point.

But this is the first time Captain America has earned the Oval Office. Which is odd, when you think about it. I mean, it makes a lot of sense to have the man that symbolizes America serve as the nation’s leader. I’m surprised that it hasn’t happened sooner.

But maybe that’s because it should never have happened in the first place.

Let’s break this election down. On the surface, Captain America has been a great soldier and symbol for America. But this is the Ultimate Universe. Earth-1610. Several states have left the union, and everyone is inching closer and closer to nuclear war. Furthermore, Sentinels have been doing serious damage on top of all of this. It’s been a serious mess.

So who better to unite the nation that Captain America himself? There is a problem with this though. Steve Rogers is not a behind-the-desk leader, and neither are the Avengers. While serving as president, Captain America will probably still be fighting foes. How many presidents have served as a soldier on the battlefield while in office? None. Until now.

Some questions do pop up from a literary critique perspective though? Will this mean more female superheroes will be pushed back to the corner? What about new policies? Will President Cap just be a fighter, or will he have to look at how to correct policies? My big question is this: is he a President or a Shogun now?

We’ll have to wait and see, but as a stark DC guy, I’m excited to see how this progresses. I’m also pumped to see how Thor, Stark, and the rest of the Ultimate Avengers fit into this? Also, don’t forget S.H.I.E.L.D and Samuel L. Jackson Nick Fury’s role.