haxxor

Well, I cut my hair again, just the bangs though. I got sick of my hair last night and took the scissors to it. I also finished my paper on Halo 3. The other day in english our teacher let us have a Halo 3 party and then he asked us to write an essay or something about what we saw there...
So I'm gonna put what I wrote here on the blog... don't be too critical of it, my writing and thinking is scattered and I know there might be some punctuation flaws but this is what I have...

Video Games


Halo in all its forms is definitely one of the most popular games of our generation and like any other fad it has exploded onto the scene. Ever since its first year flocks of adolescent boys have been organizing all night Halo parties full of blood shot eyes and littered with empty Rockstar cans. As the brave soldiers struggle to beat down, dominate, and own The Covenant they can relax on the couch in their undies. Amidst all the hemorrhaging alien bodies there is a charming sci-fi story to go along which is perhaps the game’s only redeeming grace, at least it gives some reason for the virtual carnage. In direct proportion to the height of your stack of carnage is your playing level, there is nothing as cool as playing a level 50 and nothing more honorable than using it as a status symbol.
As I observed some people playing Halo 3 I realized there are many different types of gamers. At one end of the spectrum we have the blank-faced catatonic droolers where the only movements are in the thumbs, at the other end we have the red-faced apoplectic bellowers where activity is everywhere but the brain. Most of the gamers I observed would be placed somewhere in the central area of the spectrum. While some were staring at the screen in a blood fueled stupor, others where shouting death threats at the enemy. The players feel no remorse as they pump lead into the inhuman suits of their opponents, besides it doesn’t really count since they respawn in seconds anyway.
While I could write all day and poke fun or point out all the flaws of this game I think I will just get to the point. Video games in general are slowly ruining our already faulty and declining culture. Video games are not the only cause, but they are a contributor that needs to be recognized. These games are very controversial, like all our other forms of media they display horrific violence, unrealistic sexual norms, and blatant disregard for social values. Even the most die-hard fan would have trouble explaining just how running over a prostitute with a golf cart in Grand Theft Auto is any real contribution to society.
Some claim that video games are an outlet for pent up aggression, but studies have shown that catharsis only breeds more hostility and aggression. In fact the one form of catharsis that caused more hostility than any other form- such as books and movies- was video games. Video games desensitize us and make us more prone to violence. I am not going to insinuate that all those who play video games are bound to go ape and shoot up the school, I am just saying that while they play the games they are more likely to have heightened hostility and more aggressive thoughts.
We as humans are prone to violence in general and we will always find a way to express that side of ourselves. So what am I complaining about? Video games do embody stupidity but don’t they also reflect humanity? Sadly, there will always be some haxxor out there looking to pwn some noob.