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>The idea is that the government can regulate what you are enjoying and modify your desires and actions. It is the ultimate expression of paternalistic governan
by scythe 6y ago
>The idea is that the government can regulate what you are enjoying and modify your desires and actions. It is the ultimate expression of paternalistic governance theory.
As usual, Turley's hyperbole can be seen from the moon. Laws against the sale of heroin primarily prevent people from enjoying heroin so they will not desire heroin. Laws against child pornography prevent people from enjoying pedophilia so they will not harm children. Laws against street racing prevent the enjoyment of speeding so people will drive more safely. Laws against hate crimes control certain self-reinforcing criminal dynamics. The last three do refer to a real harm-to-others, but the motivational intent of the law is obvious.
Wikipedia states: "Criminology is an interdisciplinary field in both the behavioural and social sciences". Indeed the legal concept of punishment still maps well onto the behavioral psych definition of punishment, and the latter is routinely used as a model to critique and inform the former.
That's not to say I support this video game ban, nor even am I saying I don't think it's stupid (it is). But all of this "the government is trying to control your thoughts!" chicanery is just that. Everything is trying to control your thoughts.