Sports In Our Life
Detrimental Effects of Sports Games
Brandon Wyss
December 6, 2005
English 304C
Professor Blackmon
Introduction
The American media often portrays video games as being detrimental to children. This is often intended to mean detrimental in a moral and ethical sense, and usually addresses games like the Grand Theft Auto series. However, the negative effects of video games on children are not solely limited to this type of game. When non-violent video games persuade children to participate in virtual sports instead of real team sports they can be detrimental to the physical, psychological, and social development of these children. These games can deter children from participating in organized team sports, one of the greatest learning experiences a child can have.
These ideas will be examined in the context of the sport of football and the video game NCAA Football 2005 by EA Sports. Football was chosen as the context for this paper because it is the ultimate team sport. In order to be successful in this sport, the team must have players with a wide range of characteristics. It not only needs players that are big and strong, but also players that are small and fast. The team needs a player with an ability to throw as well as a player with the ability to kick. This is much different than other team sports. Basketball players need to be tall and slim. Size plays a much smaller role in baseball, but every player must be able to hit and throw. The attribute that defines football as the ultimate team sport is its requirement of teamwork. One great pitcher can dominate a baseball game. One great shooter can control a basketball game. Unlike these other sports, football does not allow one player to win the game by himself. For a football team to be successful, all eleven players must be successful. If one player fails, the team fails. The team is made up of an offense comprised of passing and running and a defense comprised of run...
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