(UNION) – As the country continues to mourn the lives tragically lost in Newtown, CT, Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D-Union) on Friday asked video game enthusiasts to join the national Day Of Cease Fire For Online Shooters and put their controllers down in honor of the victims.
“Whether or not you believe that violent video games influence violent behavior, I think we can all agree that cutting down on violent imagery in light of this terrible tragedy is not only appropriate; it is necessary,” said Cryan. “There are no words to describe what transpired in Newtown. As we try to cope with the losses and understand the motives, let’s show the families affected that we stand with them against the senseless violence that took their loved ones. I encourage all video gamers to take a break from the video games today and pay respect to the victims by participating in the cease fire.”
According to a Huffington Post report, gamers are being urged to put down their weapons today as a mark of respect to the victims of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Day Of Cease Fire For Online Shooters, as the campaign is being called, has been launched by gamers amid a fierce debate about the cultural influence of violent video games. The man leading the group said he wanted to show gamers are “mindful” of violence and its real life consequences.
Earlier this week, Cryan suggested parents reconsider purchasing violent video games as holiday gifts this year in the wake of the tragedies in Newtown. For parents who may be unsure about the contents of certain video games, Cryan said the Entertainment Software Rating Board offers detailed reviews of nearly every game so parents can decide if it’s appropriate for their child.