Carmen Tieu's 'Why Violent Video Games Are Good For Girls'

In Carmen Tieu’s “Why Violent Video Games Are Good for Girls” she argues that playing violent, first person-shooter (FPS) games, typically played only by boys, can be beneficial for girls. FPS games, in her view, allow girls to “beat guys at their own games” (83). They also allow girls the freedom to play privately (without an adult, visual audience) heckling them about girls playing boys’ games. They can give girls a unique way of bonding with males, feeling like any other player instead of singling them out as a “girl.” Tieu also claims that playing FPS games gives girls the inside scoop on how guys act and what they think and talk about. She usually stays home to play video games on Saturday nights, and just listens. What guys say about

Guys tend to get rough, say vile things, and act inhumane when playing violent, FPS games. Perhaps because most players are male, they feel more comfortable speaking freely. However, the lack of adult supervision (regardless of gender) opens up the game audio often to include discourse that is specifically complaining about and disrespectful to women. While girls may prefer to retain the dream that guys are cute, helpful to their parents, and loving to animals and other people. Not all girls are attracted to immaturity and the false bravado shooting a TV screen brings out in young men. Tieu claims, “Psychologically [but not physically], I can stand up to aggressive males” (83).” Tieu forgets to talk about girls that do not know how to psychologically or physically deal with real, aggressive behavior—in person or online. Guys may feel safe when blabbing into a mic, thinking that they are just simply talking to their ‘bros.’ Yet that is not always the case. Females, regardless of age, may be offended by this guy-talk, but not want to say anything to disrupt the game. He never knows he hurt her, and she walks away feeling less of him and boys in general. Scaring a girl away may not be the best idea for a guy to get through to a girl! To summarize, Tieu makes a valid argument about why violent, FPS video games are good for girls, but she failed to round out her evidence by presenting why they may not be a good idea for every girl. Girls beat guys at other things like sports, academics, and even positions at work. Girls can bond with guys over other things—not just violent video games. Lastly, some girls may not want to hear, first-hand the dark side of male behavior these games often