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I have never bought into the theory that violence in the media is to blame for much of the crime committed in society. Each time I hear someone blaming a movie, song, or video game for some atrocious act they have committed, I want to shake my head. Those who blame media violence without taking responsibility for their own actions, only add to my current suspicion that many people have lost the ability to think for themselves and distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Having said that however, I do realize there's been an increase of media violence over the past couple of decades. Speaking for myself, I've never had a problem with it. I was reminded the other day by a loved one, though, that not everyone is like me and that each person handles things differently. I can respect that. Although, I'm starting to suspect that people are using the media as a cop out.

Over the past ten years or so, I've heard people blame pornography for rape, horror movies for murders, and stunt shows for multiple accidents involving people who want to emulate at home certain crazy maneuvers they see on television. Many individuals want to shift the blame, just as long as it does not fall solely on them. Our society has become lazy and self-discipline no longer seems to be a priority.

Have people become desensitized by violence in the media? Have we "seen it all"? Violence seems to be everywhere, from the news to movies to video games. We raise our children on it. What is that doing to them psychologically? Are we helping to create monsters?

Yes, as ashamed as I am to admit it, violence in entertainment has affected society. We have seen a steady rise in violent games, which allow you to rack up points as you shoot down your opponents. The problem with these particular games is that as technology advances, so does the realism of the games.

Game characters now resemble humans more instead of the computerized cartoons of my generation. Blood spurts from wounds, criminals are glorified, and violence is a normal component of today's games. Super Mario Bros. and Pac-Man have become a thing of the past.

Game ratings are not really doing any good. If people think that children and young teens cannot get a hold of adult-rated games, they are wrong. It is the same thing with R-rated films. Some people think it deters children from viewing them. It doesn't. Children and young teens are cleverer than many adults give them credit for and they find a way to get past the rules.

I wish I could say that

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