French President Macron attributes video games as a reason for recent rioting and protests. Learn more about the protests' cause, President Macron's argument, his appeal to parents, and the online community's response to these things.
French President Macron Blames Social Media And Video Games for Riots
Riots Persist After Death of a 17-year-old Arab Teenager
The recent riots in France following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old teenager during a traffic check have sparked a heated debate. French President Emmanuel Macron's assertion that social media and video games were to blame for the unrest has drawn further criticism and disappointment. Macron claims that younger protesters are "living the video games that have intoxicated them.”
According to CNN, a routine traffic check in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, resulted in the fatal shooting of Nahel M., an Arab adolescent, on Tuesday, June 27. The unfortunate incident sparked tensions between the French police and citizens around France, including those from Nanterre. This laid the groundwork for the riots and protests in Paris.
President Macron Theorizes that Young People Emulate Violent Video Games
President Macron's call for parents to keep child rioters off the streets and his suggestion that young people emulate violent video games have drawn attention. It is not uncommon for politicians to use video games and social media as convenient scapegoats for societal issues. However, the idea that violent video games directly lead to real-world violence lacks substantial evidence.
Numerous studies have failed to establish a causal relationship between video games and violence. Despite numerous accusations that video games, such as Mortal Kombat, PUBG, Call of Duty, GTA, and Fortnite, encourage violence, extensive research has repeatedly failed to show a convincing link. The factors causing societal instability are too complex to be reduced to video games alone.
Netizens Disagrees With President Macron's Theory
Netizens worldwide have expressed disappointment with President Macron's remarks, suggesting that he overlooked the French Revolution's spirit, which fights for democracy and equality. They argue that the protests are primarily centered around police brutality, highlighting France's reputation for employing aggressive crowd control methods compared to other European countries. One netizen gave credit where credit was due, and praised Pres. Macron for condemning the policeman that killed Nahel. However, they believe Macron is out of touch with reality, as his condemnation only addressed this one situation and not the police force as a whole for police brutality.
Addressing social unrest requires a nuanced understanding of its complex causes. While social media and video games may be a factor in the expressing grievances or mobilizing individuals, they are certainly not the sole causes driving protests.
Source:
CNN Reports Nanterre Protest
Video Games Are Convenient Scapegoats For Societal Issues
Connection Between Video Games And Violence
