When people are asked to think of modern technology's--especially the internet's--positive impacts, one of the most typical responses is that it makes the world smaller by allowing individuals from different places and backgrounds to interact and develop relationships. The idea to combine this aspect of the web with gaming as a way to encourage peace between Israeli and Palestinian children is brilliant. Using media they are already familiar with and enjoy to serve a mutual goal helps foster positive relationships. When groups oppose one another, it is easy to imagine them as a faceless enemy and forget that not all of them are consumed by hatred and aggression. Games for Peace not only challenges this, but provides a safe environment for children to interact with each other. There is no immediate threat as they are all seperated by computer screens, and they are able to work together while realizing that religion and location are not the sole factors that compose a person's character. Preconcieved stereotypes are deconstructed as they get to know one another and the games serve as a starting point for making tolerance and peace a reality.
When people are asked to think of modern technology's--especially the internet's--positive impacts, one of the most typical responses is that it makes the world smaller by allowing individuals from different places and backgrounds to interact and develop relationships. The idea to combine this aspect of the web with gaming as a way to encourage peace between Israeli and Palestinian children is brilliant. Using media they are already familiar with and enjoy to serve a mutual goal helps foster positive relationships. When groups oppose one another, it is easy to imagine them as a faceless enemy and forget that not all of them are consumed by hatred and aggression. Games for Peace not only challenges this, but provides a safe environment for children to interact with each other. There is no immediate threat as they are all seperated by computer screens, and they are able to work together while realizing that religion and location are not the sole factors that compose a person's character. Preconcieved stereotypes are deconstructed as they get to know one another and the games serve as a starting point for making tolerance and peace a reality.
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