[OT] Interesting Book on Fantasy Violence

[gregweller]

I just finished reading this very interesting book on fantasy violence: 'Killiing Monsters: Why Children Need Fantasy, Super Heroes, and Make-Believe Violence' By Gerard Jones. The title pretty much says it all. It's an out and out attack on the idea that fantasy violence somehow is harmful to kids. Jones maintains that the opposite is true--that fantasy violence is a necessary part of the maturation process and helps children grow. He says that children instinctively understand the difference betwen fantasy and reality, and the real problem is with adult care-givers who have forgotten that. The book reminds me a lot of Bruno Bettelheim's 'The Uses of Enchantment'. He doesn't specifically talk about D&D, but I think it applies there, too. Definitely worth a read for anyone who has ever had to justily our 'violent' hobby.

 

[Dark Jezter]

That sounds like a very interesting read. I'm tired of big, long books about how if you let your kid play a violent game or watch a violent movie it will turn them into a serial killer. This book could provide an interesting alternate viewpoint on the whole violent media issue.