When immigration was brought up as a subject for class, I started to think about areas of Popular Culture where we see elements of the so-called “Melting Pot” and “The American Dream”.  I am a huge video game addict, so naturally one of the most successful video game franchises of all time: Grand Theft Auto, sprang to mind.  More specifically, Grand Theft Auto IV.

box-art-gta-iv

GTA IV tells the story of European immigrant,  Niko Bellic.  He comes to America to live with his cousin Roman and seek out what they directly refer to as “The American Dream”.  “As they slip into debt and are dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover that the reality is very different from the dream in a city that worships money and status, and is heaven for those who have them and a living nightmare for those who don’t” (Rockstar Games, Information).

So what exactly is Rockstar trying to say about “The American Dream” with its new immigrant simulator?  If you come to America, you better be prepared to become a criminal?  That “The American Dream” is a myth?  If I didn’t have a sense of humor, I would say YES.  But then again, this is a video game that is strictly meant for entertainment, not social commentary.  However, one cannot deny that through its enormous popularity it would have the potential to influence.  BUT, all it’s doing is reinforcing old stereotypes, not inventing them…

One could go back and forth with this argument for eternity and never truly define it.  Best not to worry about such things and merely enjoy the ride…  right?

Reference:

N/A, Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto IV: Information. Rockstar Games, N/A. 2009. Web. 14 Oct. 2009 <http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/#?page=information&gt;.