Blog # 3

As I viewed the JFK assassination simulation, I pondered the question of whether this simulation was just that, a historic simulation allowing people to gain a better appreciation for the assassination of JFK or if it was an exploitative video game. One of the things I like most about YouTube is the user comments under each video that is available. After viewing the JFK simulation, I scrolled down to see what the general audience thought of the game. Some were extremely offended by its content and protested the distribution and use of it as a video game, siting that it is disrespectful to the former presidents memory. However, as I continued to read the comments, I realized that most people seemed to understand the historic content of the game and were less bothered with the assassination of JFK and more impressed with the angle options and high quality graphics. Though I am not a parent, I have a younger brother who loves video and computer games and as his older sister I wouldn't have a problem with him playing the JFK game if it peaked his interest in history or the life and death of JFK. I also know that though he is young, he is, like most kids his age, intelligent enough to decipher whether something is real or imaginary.

I think with the growth of technology, historians and video game production companies could utilize one an other's skills. With the introduction of things like the JFK simulation I believe that other visual simulations of historic moments could be utilized in the classroom as learning tools for students. Though I would never want something as violent as the JFK simulation to be introduced into the public school system I believe that programs like this could be revolutionary in giving an interactive and detailed view of historic moments in time. I also believe that the moment we start censoring things because they make us, " squeamish" or uncomfortable, we limit our ability to learn and grow from all forms of education. When I think of censorship I always think of the debate among educators in the public school system as to whether The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is appropriate for students in high school or not. I think that it is a literary masterpiece, written by one of the most influential writers of American literature and to ban it from the English curriculum would be a great disservice to students.

Overall, though I understand the concern by some when it comes to the JFK simulation game, I believe that its intention was not malicious or meant to degrade the memory of John F. Kennedy. However, I think that it is a use and interesting visual aid for those curious about the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination or for historians that may want to further explore the events of that historic moment. I also believe that the JFK simulation is the first in a long line of historically based games and visual aids.