EDITORIAL: Further Case Studies in Moron Behavior (4/10/98)
Regular readers of this space will notice my occasional use of the phrase "moron behavior". Quick definition: "moron behavior" is, simply, doing stupid stuff that, had one -thought- first, one would not have done.Moron behavior is not limited to actual morons, although they do make up a significant percentage of those who engage in moron behavior. Of course, we, as a generally well-meaning society, often rely on misguided legislation to "protect" us from our own moron behavior, and the moron behavior of others.
Case in point: the French Tamagotchi incident. If you haven't heard, some woman had a Tamagotchi on her keychain, and was driving her car when the thing beeped for attention. In her attempt to get her passenger to provide this attention, the driver plowed into some bicyclists, killing one of them.
This particular incident of moron behavior will, because it involves something famous (the Tamagotchi), something technological (the Tamagotchi), and something irresistable (death), will get infinitely more coverage that it deserves. Pundits and editorial types will rail against the devaluation of life when virtual pets mean more to us than real human beings. Cries will arise to restrict virtual pets, failing to notice how quickly we're all getting sick of them anyway. Joseph Lieberman will probably get involved somehow to keep him from doing something useful ever. It will, of course, be 100% hooey.
All it is is moron behavior. It is, to a certain extent, analagous to the millions of VCR's with unset clocks worldwide. The woman didn't take the time to learn the incredibly simple nature of her virtual pet, and the fact that (assuming it's an actual Tamagotchi and not some sadass ripoff) you have plenty of time to respond to it when it beeps.
But she failed to learn, she failed to think, and some poor guy on a bike is dead as a result. And every "issue" that can be raised will be raised except the only one that's relevant. Why are people so stupid?
