SAO Season II Episode 20

[Trevor Bright 872]

This episode really really makes me angry. Sure Asuna's mother plays the cliche parent in it, but the reason it ticks me off so much is I've heard every word she says in real life. "What you do in there (online/in video games) is completely inconsequential to your real life." Or when Asuna explains that she wants to tell all her friends good bye before logging out, her mother get's up set and says it doesn't matter. Something along the lines of "The people in that game aren't really your friends because they're not real." And when she gets on to study homework with all of them through the medium of the video game, her mother says "You aren't going to learn anything at all unless you physically study it." When we (the viewers) can clearly see she is working very hard to study her homework. There are a few other things that come up, but I just needed to vent and thought I'd do it here. Is there anyone else here that's a gamer and has heard the same thing from an authority figure? Don't get me wrong, I love and respect my parents, and I always do what I'm told (usually...actually I've moved out of the house now so I have to worry about it a lot less), but this episode just reminded me of what it was like when I was at home. Older adults these days have no idea about the types of bonds that can form over the internet...or even the society that can form around video games. I'm sorry if this sounds really immature or stupid or whiny, I just kinda had a flash back to when something similar happened to me and I thought that I needed to get this out. *sighs* Anyways, yeah. If you did read that all the way through, thanks. Now I guess it's up to y'all to chat 'n stuff...if this post ever gets off the ground that is. Lol. 

[Overdrive 5,366]

From a parent's perspective, as shown in this example, they only see the negative aspects from video games and such things like it. In truth, it's a double-edge sword. Yes, there are certainly negatives that come from it, but at the same time, there are many positives. Those positives can include:

• Improved hand-eye coordination, fine motor and spatial skills.
• Improved planning, resource management and logistics techniques.
• A greater ability to multitask
• And many other mental applications.

I know this article is geared towards children more, but it makes sense:

http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/34-the-good-and-bad-effects-of-video-games

 

Now, extrapolating from that, the best way to really get a sense of what Asuna is trying to explain to her mother, is for the parent to try it, and see it from her perspective. This sort of thing can apply to just about anything. In reality, the only way to truly understand something is to immerse yourself in it, and try it.

 

I'm going to play devil's advocate here for a second. There is two sides to every story, and while Asuna is right, her mother is to, to a degree. It's no secret the key to success these days is a proper education. Almost every job these days requires some sort of formal education, whether it be training courses, a college education, apprenticeships... or any sort of post-high school education.

 

From the parental perspective, I can understand that Asuna's mother only wants the best for her daughter, and that is entirely understandable. Going about it the way she is/has is definitely not the way to do it. We're taught very young that we are all individuals, and get to live life the way we see fit. Yes, our parents are there to guide us, but ultimately, we lead the way from day 1. Ultimately, this should have been a situation in which there should have been compromise between Asuna and her mother.

 

 

(For the record, yes, I actually saw the episode.)

 

It's a like-it or hate-it scenario. I'm not a fan of it because of how harsh it was, but this sort of conflict is needed to keep a storyline going. It also adds another dimension outside of what goes on in the game itself.

[Trevor Bright 872]

@, 

You're right about that. I am kinda happy they put it in there to add some character development to her. I was simply frustrated with what I was hearing. XD Sorry for the long rant and thank you for the well thought out and and careful reply. I appreciate it. I'll give that site a look over as well. Thanks. 

[mars 4,863]

The subject of this topic has little potential to spark discussion between many members and, as such, would be better suited to a status update or a blog. When creating a thread, please remember that the goal is to start a conversation with room for many people to chime in and give their own viewpoints on, and that sharing events of an anecdotal nature would be better done elsewhere.