OH, god. (Inhales)
The reason people really fuss about this, I think, can be described by a study of semiotics (essentially, signs and thier meanings).
As early as the thirties, researchers began looking for effects of media (mainly then, radio), and the "line" between reality and fiction is one of those main topics. One of the biggest questions that falls within it is "does media have to portray real life exactly how it is?"
Essentially, no. Media is only a representation of real life when the authors choose to do so. It would take forever to portray life exactly how it is, and would be easier to step outside and see for yourself. To complicate things, because it is a representation, it may be horribly skewed (which it most often is). I mean, who gets to decide what parts of life are worth mentioning and which are forgotten? Thank the gods (if I believed in them) that internet is making representation a whole lot more varied. The way that Rock band represents a... rock band... depends on the creators. It will not be exact; by definition, it cannot be exact. But, judging its popularity, the creators did a good job. (Same for Guitar Hero)
Strictly speaking, music games aren't meant to be real. They are meant to be fun.
(Read: shut the fuck up and play. Or not- either way, shut up.)
Unfortunately, our generation (specifically speaking, though, white upper and middle class people) are not as apt to question the validity of media content that exists in our lives. Note: this is comment by studies and experiments done as of early 2000s, and not indicative of everyone, or the current thought processes. So, there is that concern that we will, eventually, cease to make a distinction between media and real life in all aspects. That can go SO much further, but I am chosing not to delve anymore.
So, there are some that may not see the distinction. It is up to the person to make that distinction. Blame the parents/officials/teachers/ etc. for not teaching thier "children" how to make distinctions, not the source material.
That, in my opinion, is a sign that there are too many of us. The social collective mind is to stretched out (read: too many people= more chances for social retards.)
(ouch). |