Walmart Takes Down Displays of Violent Video Games for Some Reason

I like to play video games. Partially because I’m an emotionally stunted man-child, and partially because after I was hit by a car nine years ago and messed up my knee, video games are the only place I can still run anywhere. It’s nice to have that freedom, even if it’s not real. Plus, in video games you get to kill people and blow things up without actually killing anybody or blowing anything up. It’s a good way to take out your natural aggressions without hurting anyone.

Unless, of course, you subscribe to the idea that violent video games make people commit violent acts in real life. That they’re some sort of “gateway drug.” If so, you’ll be glad to know that Walmart is doing something about it.

Kelly Tyko, USA Today:

Following two shootings inside its stores, Walmart is removing violent video game displays and signs from stores, the retailer confirmed Thursday.

Stores were sent a memo that called for “immediate action” to remove signing and displays that “contain violent themes or aggressive behavior.” The memo circulated on Twitter and Reddit, and Walmart officials confirmed its authenticity to USA TODAY.

Apparently Walmart is telling its employees to take down displays that show violent video games, specifically shooters, as well as movies and hunting videos. pic.twitter.com/2N3t4B86tf

— Kenneth Shepard (@shepardcdr) August 7, 2019

Well, that’ll get the activists off their backs for now. At least it’ll accomplish that much.

I’ve always believed in the dictum “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” And video games don’t kill people either. Folks have been killing each other since the beginning of time, and we’ve only had GTA and Call of Duty for, what, 20 years?

Video games have been scapegoated ever since Pac-Man gobbled his first ghost. Before that, society’s ills were blamed on comic books and rock ‘n’ roll music and dungaree trousers. Before that, it was, I dunno, witchcraft? It’s always some excuse.

People are responsible for their own actions. You’re not going to stop them from doing bad things by taking away everybody else’s fun. But at least you’ll feel good about yourself.

‘Cause ya did somethin’. Good for you.