LM_NET: Library Media Networking
I have never played the card game myself, but have friends who do. They =
are the same people who I used to play Dungeons & Dragons with. The game =
emerged from role-playing companies and was originally targeted at that =
audience. Instead of requiring all of the time, books, and paperwork of a =
complete role-playing game, this is a simpler, more portable game that =
focuses more on strategy than role-playing while retaining some of the =
flavor and elements of D&D.
I'm sure the groups you mention in your post are concerned, just as they =
have always been concerned about D&D, Harry Potter, and anything else from =
the fantasy genre. While I'm sure there are satanists who enjoy playing =
the game as much as anyone else, there is nothing inherently satanic or =
anti-God about any of these interests. They are games and hobbies for =
fun, and 99.9% of those who are into them have absolutely no problem =
differentiating between fantasy and reality. This doesn't stop conservativ=
e and/or religious groups from raising a fuss, though.
I've found that these types of games require critical thinking, imagination=
, and an ability to see situations from multiple perspectives (the =
role-playing aspect). In my opinion, they are very positive and promote =
growth. As with any interest or hobby, though, some people take them too =
far until they are an unhealthy obsession. I've known a few people like =
that myself and I'm sure you can find articles where these obsessed types =
are used as examples to villify the entire genre. The only study I've =
come across, though (sorry, but it was a while back and I don't have a =
citation), showed that statistically gamers are less likely to be unstable =
than the average person.
The more legitimate concern I have is the never-ending marketing. The =
companies are constantly coming up with new materials, revised versions, =
or something that customers just have to get to keep up with the game. It =
is an ongoing money drain. I suppose that's how they stay in business, =
but more often than not it seems the additional stuff was put together =
only to make money and not to improve the game.
My advice would be to allow them to have their club because it is an =
interest and game that goes far beyond simple card playing. I think the =
chess analogy is a good one, as it is primarily a strategy game. Be =
prepared for possible obections on the satanic grounds, though, as it is =
always a possibility.
Chris Koppenhaver, Librarian
Wyandotte H. S., Kansas City, KS
(913) 627-7655
chkoppe@gw.kckps.k12.ks.us
>>> "Hulten, Julie" <jhulten@WALLINGFORD.K12.CT.US> 01/05 7:09 AM >>>
Good morning - true to a promise I have made a group of students, I am
investigating a feeling I have that there is considerable controversy
surrounding the playing of the "Magic: The Gathering" card game.
I searched EbscoHost and found several articles extolling the development =
of
this game from a "young entrepreneurial" stand point.
One article I found focused on the efforts of groups ("Association Against
the Seduction of Children", "Christian Coalition" and "Concerned Women =
for
America") efforts to ban these cards in schools ascribing Satanic =
influences
to the game.
From what I've seen of my guys, so far, it appears a strategy game similar
(to my non-chess experience) to chess. (And I'd allow chess - probably
because I think of it as intellectual.) These boys have been quiet and
polite and do not abuse the circumstance.
However, we do have a no card playing rule in the handbook. Does this
constitute card playing?
If you'd care to respond, I'm looking for some insight. The boys feel =
that
they'd like to form a club (like the chess club) and want to do their
homework. (Or maybe, as sometimes happens, they're getting me to do it =
for
them? - she say's ruefully...) - or their using my efforts to be fair and
open-minded...
TIA
Julie Hulten
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Julie Hulten, Library Media Specialist
Mark T. Sheehan High School
142 Hope Hill Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-294-5940
203-294-5983 (fax)
jhulten@wallingford.k12.ct.us=20
http://www.wallingford.k12.ct.us/WlfdlWeb/Mts_lmc=20
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Julie Hulten, Library Media Specialist
Mark T. Sheehan High School
142 Hope Hill Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-294-5940
203-294-5983 (fax)
jhulten@wallingford.k12.ct.us=20
http://www.wallingford.k12.ct.us/WlfdlWeb/Mts_lmc=20
=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D=
-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D=3D-=3D
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/=20
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.html=20
See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors:
http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/=20
=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D=
-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D-=3D--=3D-=3D-=3D
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.html
See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors:
http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=
LM_NET
Mailing List Home