Madam, - By banning the Manhunt 2video game the censor has created an opportunity for us to consider Irish society's attitude to the routine use of violence and death as entertainment.
There is clear evidence that we become desensitised by repeated exposure to violence and we increasingly accept violence as normal behaviour. Even road safety advertisements have become more violent and harrowing each year in an attempt to break through the indifference of young drivers.
A culture of violence builds up over time. Is this happening in Ireland now? The daily news of stabbings and shootings would suggest so. Should we be surprised by this if we regard violence as entertainment?
Eoghan Nevin (July 4th) seems to assume that all is well because age limits are specified on video games and movies and because parents are responsible for what their children play or watch. Does he not recognise that there may be problems with under-age smoking, drinking and watching adult video material?
But this is to miss the main point. Will Mr Nevin accept that excessive exposure to violent media may be harmful to some people? Could RTÉ, our public service television station, give leadership in this area by agreeing not to show violent death as entertainment on just one day each year?
- Yours, etc,
TERRY GILLESPIE, Stradbally, Co Laois.