Do Assassins Still Exist?
As a gaming content creator, I think it‘s important we take care not to inadvertently glorify real violence. While assassin characters can be intriguing in games and fiction, contract killings in the real world primarily bring tragedy and ethical concerns.
However, the legends of historic secret societies like the medieval Nizari Ismailis show that the idea of the stealthy, skilled assassin still captivates our imaginations even today. And this rich concept continues to inspire great game worlds for us to explore.
So while real hired killers continue to operate in the shadows, when it comes to leveraging assassins in entertainment, I believe the healthiest approach is keeping things firmly in the fictional realm. There we can engage with these powerful archetypes without promoting harm.
Honoring Real-World Impacts
At the end of the day, we can‘t fully separate media representations from their effects on real-life attitudes and behaviors. So as creators and gamers, we share responsibility for the values and ethics we reinforce through our craft.
This isn‘t about limiting creative freedom – fantasy violence in games is perfectly appropriate when handled thoughtfully. But it does mean having an honest conversation about real-world impacts.
What stories do we choose to tell? What ideals and behaviors do we celebrate or condemn? The answers matter beyond just entertainment. By questioning the media we engage with, we can foster more compassionate communities both online and off.
Advocating Nonviolence
While fantasy violence has its place, true progress comes from real-world nonviolence, justice and reconciliation. So I advocate using our voices not to glorify dangerous archetypes, but to lift up stories of positive change. The legends we create in games and media could inspire generations to resolve conflicts through nonviolent activism rather than contributing to cycles of violence.
What do you think? I‘m still developing my perspective here, so please feel free to push back on any part of my position or provide constructive suggestions. This is an complex issue with many valid viewpoints to thoughtfully discuss.
