Sandy Hook Shooting Prompts Call for Video Game Ceasefire
The Tragedy
On December 14, 2012, a horrific tragedy unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Adam Lanza, a 20-year-old gunman, opened fire, killing 27 people, including 20 children. The nation was shocked and heartbroken.
A Call for Peace in the Virtual Realm
In the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting, Antwand Pearman, head of GamerFitNation, issued a call for a “day of cease fire for online shooters.” He urged video game players to lay down their virtual guns on December 21st, a week after the tragedy, in honor of the victims.
Pearman’s Message
Pearman’s message was simple: “I’m asking for one day to put your controller down and show some love. We play fake wars while real wars continue. War is a very consistent thing. War is constant and daily. How about peace?”
The Impact of Video Games on Violence
Pearman’s call for a video game ceasefire was not an admission that shooter video games cause violence. In fact, research has shown that increasing consumption of video games does not correlate with increasing gun violence.
However, Pearman argued that for people who spend a lot of time in virtual worlds where violence is commonplace, a day of peace could be a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and respect for life.
The United Nations International Day of Peace
Pearman’s call for a video game ceasefire came three months after the official United Nations International Day of Peace, which is observed on September 21st. The Culture of Peace Initiative has dubbed this day the “day of Global Ceasefire.”
The Power of Virtual Vigils
In addition to the video game ceasefire, Pearman also organized virtual vigils to mourn the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. These vigils were held in online gaming communities, allowing people from all over the world to come together and express their grief and support.
The Response from the Gaming Community
Pearman’s call for a video game ceasefire was met with a mixed response from the gaming community. Some gamers embraced the idea, seeing it as an opportunity to show their support for the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting and to promote peace. Others were skeptical, arguing that video games are not responsible for violence and that a ceasefire would not make a difference.
The Legacy of the Sandy Hook Shooting
The Sandy Hook shooting was a horrific tragedy that had a profound impact on the nation and the world. Pearman’s call for a video game ceasefire was a unique and powerful response to this tragedy. It served as a reminder of the importance of peace and compassion, both in the virtual and real worlds.