A motion was made to dispense with the normal order of business and move directly into new business. Mr. Rivner took the floor and explained that graphic video games, media reporting, and movies are not the causes of youth violence. Respectfully, Asher Rivner Mr. Wells rose to disagree with the resolution, stating that adolescence is and has been a violent age, where people are cought between generations. Ms. Johnson described her personal experience as a latch-key kid and refuted the resolution becasue society has always been violent and there are several cuases for the recent incidents. Mr. Smiley pointed out that there is a myriad of factors in the actions of these individuals.
Violence is in human nature, and our culture can push otherwise normal people over the edge.
Mr. Pyrdum acknowledged a myriad of factors but agreed with the resolution naming the big cause. The period of life labeled adolescence is undefined and uncertain, and uncertainty leads to chaos. Ms. Zimchenko , guest, said that individualism and accessibility to guns are two aspects of American culture that help to explain why this sort of violence is a recent phenomenon of the United States. Mr. Butler , guest, spoke against the resolutuion, pointing to the media as a key factor in fostering youth violence, and explained that this is the first generation growing up on the internet and video games. Mr. Peterson , guest, said that the US should look at the lessons of the Roman Empire, its wealth, complacency, and outlets of violence.