Welcome to the Front Porch Gaming Guild, an informal role-playing game club that was founded on the Suttons' front porch in Horseheads, New York, in the summer of 1988. Today, the Front Porch players live all across America.
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
60 Minutes and D&D?
Apparently just about the time many of us became interested in D&D, 60 Minutes did an expose on how terrible it was for our young, impressionable minds.
I do remember encountering some resistance from parents who were highly suspicious of roleplaying games.
For more completely ridiculous anti-D&D hysteria, check out the 1981 novel Mazes & Monsters or, better yet, the 1982 made-for-TV movie starring a young Tom Hanks. He plays D&D and goes crazy!
There were several valid points of that special. I think it needs to be done properly for an educational experience.
Materials of that time was a little to graphic so that was a valid point. Because the game by design is focused on advancement through violence is also an important point that should be kept out of kids hands. Especially now in a post 9-11 world.
In HS, we had a world simulation class. Some created political groups (like OPEC) that killed the global economy & could not be directly targeted. It taught us a lot about diplomacy, internal strife (terrorism, civil war), economy growth (like now not to weak, but not to fast), and war (especially nuclear weapons).
Even teen issues such as bullying and online social media could be addressed through role play. If a historical or education focus was on advancement or learning instead of violence, it could be a great & necessary tool.
I do remember encountering some resistance from parents who were highly suspicious of roleplaying games.
ReplyDeleteFor more completely ridiculous anti-D&D hysteria, check out the 1981 novel Mazes & Monsters or, better yet, the 1982 made-for-TV movie starring a young Tom Hanks. He plays D&D and goes crazy!
There were several valid points of that special. I think it needs to be done properly for an educational experience.
ReplyDeleteMaterials of that time was a little to graphic so that was a valid point. Because the game by design is focused on advancement through violence is also an important point that should be kept out of kids hands. Especially now in a post 9-11 world.
In HS, we had a world simulation class. Some created political groups (like OPEC) that killed the global economy & could not be directly targeted. It taught us a lot about diplomacy, internal strife (terrorism, civil war), economy growth (like now not to weak, but not to fast), and war (especially nuclear weapons).
Even teen issues such as bullying and online social media could be addressed through role play. If a historical or education focus was on advancement or learning instead of violence, it could be a great & necessary tool.