Some thirty-years ago my brother and I fought over who would take 1st Player or 2nd Player on our Atari 2600. I couldn’t tell you what the fascination was for my mother about the gaming system but she always felt the need to keep her kids in the technological loop, so one Christmas the Atari and one game, PONG, found it self underneath our tree.

ME: [Screaming] “Give it back or I’m gonna tell”

BIG BROTHER: [Being logical] “You run and tell and no one will get to play”

ME: [Arms crossed and defiant] “I don’t care”

BIG BROTHER: “You’re just a stupid little kid”

ME: “MOOOMMMMMYYYYY!”

Just like that it was over. The game console started collecting dust and was replaced with Battleship, Chess, Stratego and other like board games. However, for me and my brother the interest was peaked. What we didn’t know until some years later, probably around the late 90’s, when more violent video games emerged on the open market, the impact video gaming would have on our culture.

A lot of the focus, studies done on an increase of teenage violence, seizures from prolonged video gaming and social awkwardness around individuals who didn’t game featured mainly white male adolescents and very rarely if it all talked to gender impact and ethnic normality which could change a studies focus or conclusion. In my neighborhood it was normal to play outside all day if given the chance, come home in time to wash up, eat dinner and watch prime-time television as a family.

Fast forward to today, when the best selling game is a first-person-shooter game and it is hard to believe video gaming has not impacted the black family and culture. Here are a few ideas I implemented with my family to keep the balance.

1. The gaming console belonged to the family; not one household member

2. We have game night; much like we did with board games when I was a kid

3. We openly discussed the latest news and information about gaming

These ideas are not new which makes them even more relevant. Learn from what experience can teach. Happy New Year UI!