Samuel L. Jackson: Don’t Blame Shootings On Movies, Games
Samuel L. Jackson has insisted that violent movies and videogames should not be blamed for atrocities such as the Newtown school massacre.
Speaking to The Los Angeles Times, the 63-year-old star of gun-heavy movies such as Pulp Fiction and new revenge fantasy Django Unchained, said:
“I don’t think movies or video games have anything to do with it.”
Though Samuel L. Jackson’s argument was not expanded upon – the quote was a sample from an upcoming Times article about him – the actor also believes reducing the number of guns is not the answer:
“I don’t think it’s about more gun control, I grew up in the South with guns everywhere and we never shot anyone. This (shooting) is about people who aren’t taught the value of life […] We need to stop deranged people from getting access to guns.”
Jackson believes that parents and role models have a crucial role in teaching the importance of life and that such action will achieve more than a reduction in the number of firearms.
In the days since the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, many Hollywood stars have called for tighter controls over access to guns and firearms:
How much more suffering & loss will it take before we better regulate the sale of arms in our country? Let @nra know how you feel.
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) December 14, 2012
Gun control is no longer debatable- it’s not a ‘conversation’-It’s a moral mandate. ‘
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) December 14, 2012
We do not have time to wait to tighten gun control- we cannot lose anymore innocent lives. I beg the government to stop F-ing around.
— Jaime King (@Jaime_King) December 15, 2012
Jackson seemed to echo this sentiment when he told The Times:
“We need to stop deranged people from getting access to guns.”
Do you agree with Samuel L. Jackson?