keithl@sri-unix (10/25/82)
Regarding recent comments in SF Digest about escapism and violence-
Recreation is mostly exercise, and escape has little to do with it. When
I read an SF novel, view a movie, or play a video game, I'm exercising parts
of my brain that don't normally get used, seeing things in new ways, etc.
Besides being "fun" (whatever that means!) this has high survival value.
Even dramatic violence can be educational, by exploring what might happen to
you if you are subjected to it. It may be the lack of violence in our
everyday lives that drives us to experience it vicariously. Removing violence
from the page or screen doesn't necessarily reduce it in reality.
If you believe the world is violent, ponder the Tylenol killer, then
consider the food, water, air, etc. you consume. There are more opportunities
for murderous maniacs than ever before, yet you will probably live longer than
your ancestors did. Due to the preoccupation of the media with crime and
death, the world seems more violent than it really is. People as individuals
are basically peaceful, and getting more so all the time.
~ afraid -> sin ( Keith Lofstrom )
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