The pregnant implication is that if (a) we're entertaining ourselves with violent themes, then (b) we ourselves become more violent. As to (a), engaging in mar

The pregnant implication is that if (a) we're entertaining ourselves with violent themes, then (b) we ourselves become more violent. As to (a), engaging in martial play or entertainment is hardly a disturbing new trend. It's not just videogames or plastic army men, even most sports are an allegory for battlefield conflicts. Some of humanity's most classic and enduring literature, including pieces from various continents, are meditations on exactly this topic. As to (b), if anything, the supposed renaissance of violent entertainment has actually accompanied one of the least violent centuries on record. Let people play however they want. Teach kids values that benefit humanity. These two ideals are not inconsistent.