On morning news briefly was some update on the not-so ‘virtual reality Street Fighter’ game of ‘Knockout’, where random (or maybe not) persons on the street are picked to be the victims of violent aggression expressive behavior, as a venting outlet, literally treated as a punching bag for those who think it’s a game.
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I’m not sure if there is a motive or not behind these type of actions. However, I’m sure the critically acclaimed film of ‘Fight Club’ and similar brutal fist fights with the latest release of ‘Out of the Furnace’ is that it’s not that far-fetched at all. From a psychological standpoint to prove to oneself that the ‘macho-man’, ‘alpha-male’ syndrome hidden inside being lashed out in ‘reality’ – to a possible underground pool of betting/gaming on these fights to feed the highly addictive traits of gambling. When the traditional casino types of games, wrestling, NFL/NBA (primarily) sports are not interesting anymore. It’s the new trend of online gaming and fist fights in our everyday life that gets the action…
Not to mention it’s probably a lucrative pool + reward for those who are willing to participate in the game. See, betting and gaming is a sport of ‘risk-taking’. It’s like another adrenaline rush to some. The more risk that you’re willing to take and that the outcome of that action, is positive — it’s definitely more than a boost of endorphins and adrenaline. It’s a vicious cycle that the next higher-risk will be taken, to get the boost of ego.
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I might be wrong, but ask any financial planner or investment banker is that the amount of risk-taking corresponds a little with age. From the adolescent to late 20’s, for your average Mr./Ms. Joe, they’d probably recommend that you may consider taking higher risk investments because you still have 40 more years of career ahead. As you taper on to the next stages of life, such as a bachelor(ette)’s apartment, to engagement/marriage, to a new home, to having kids – the amount of risk you’re willing to take is a lot lower because there is more than ‘just you’ as a ‘responsibility within your household’.
However, a reminder here on this brutal ‘Knockout’ game is it’s way more than just monetary values and it’s more than just a risk that you are willing to take by whatever other means or ways of comparison. Be reminded that – yes, you may be ‘young’ and ‘fearless’ in your risk-taking, but please note that the victim on the street has no clue what is going on: he/she may be the loving grandma/grandpa with a set of lovely grandchildren who just wants to enjoy their retirement years; he/she maybe a hard-working single mom/dad feeding a low-income family of four (2-kids and 2-seniors); he/she maybe a just engaged, match made in heaven couple planning for their big day; he/she maybe the only child of aging parents who’s relying on him/her and wishes nothing but a happy life ahead. There are plenty more examples if you watch any news documentary shows like Dateline, Nightline, 20/20, 60-minutes and many others more from global news channels that’s offered on even just basic cable…
Did I mention that this risk might cause you being charged with you think it’s just assault? With battery? It could be to the extent of FIRST/SECOND DEGREE MURDER – plus, if the above motives are true, another array of charges might be brought forward. Seriously, is this risk risky enough for you to ‘think twice’ before taking?
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I strongly urge that if it’s just a matter of stress reliever, a vent out opportunity. There’s the gym. The local YMCA does have programs and gyms that’s available in very low cost. You could do as much cardio running as you want until you exhaust yourself with just a pair of runners/tennis shoes at the largest city park right smack in the middle of Manhattan, Central Park. There’s the Chelsea Piers to the entire strip to Intrepid Museum that you could scream at the Hudson River or maybe just a stroll with your gf/bf, partner, spouse to even your (grand)parents. If money is the issue here, sorry to say is that the world has been never been so competitive. Hard work does pay off and no money tree or alien is going to drop a chunk of cash falling from the sky. The truth is there are plenty of jobs out there, it may not be the most glamorous, but it’s sure a start to get some basic necessities of life. What goes afterwards, is up to the person.
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References:
“Community Rallies Against ‘Knockout Game’ Assaults” NBC 4 New York. November 29, 2013. (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Community-Rallies-Against-Knockout-Game-Assaults/233874611)
“Teen Punches 41-Year-Old Woman in Brooklyn, Possible ‘Knockout’ Attack Probed: Source” Jonathan Dienst & Marc Santia. NBC 4 New York. November 26, 2013. (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Knockout-Game-Woman-Punched-Brooklyn-East-New-York-New-Lots-233515791.html)
“Teen Punches Woman in Possible ‘Knockout’ Attack” NBC 4 New York. November 26, 2013. (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Teen-Punches-Woman-in-Possible-Knockout-Attack/233537531)
“Suspect Possible Charged in Possible ‘Knockout’ Assault in Brooklyn” NBC 4 New York. November 24, 2013. (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Knockout-Game-Assault-Arrests-Brooklyn-NYPD-233001891.html)
“More Victims Fall Prey to Violent ‘Knockout Game'” An Phung. NBC 4 New York. November 22, 2013. (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/More-Victims-Fall-Prey-to-Violent-Knockout-Game-232684981.html)
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Photo Credits:
- http://games.capcomdigital.com/streetfighterIIhdr/
- http://blog.wirebot.com/2011/07/08/new-trailer-for-street-fighter-x-tekken-is-an-easy-mystery/
- http://www.wallpaperhi.com/Video_Games/Tekken/video_games_street_fighter_young_capcom _street_fighter_x_tekken_1950x1080_wallpaper_83659
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