DESENSITIZATION

A discussion with one of my bosses at work brought up the issue of desensitization.

It began with a discussion of RPGs (table top) and Computer Games... and DEMON-WORSHIP! Yes, it was the old topic of a flimsy link between Dungeons & Dragons and Demonic activity. It was mentioned that as he was playing Diablo II, he became concerned that he was becoming desensitized to "it". "It" could have referred to demonic imagery, fantastic elements, wholesale slaughter or all of the above.

It's possible, though I doubt that any Computer Game could really desensitize someone to the presence of a "real demon" or wholesale slaughter. Digitized imagery and sounds are no comparison to the real thing (plus any other senses that might add to the experience, like scents). However, there is some weight to the statement. Do we not sometimes become desensitized to those that we love? Do we not take those people for granted some times? Can't we become tired of eating the same foods over and over again?

If this is possible with things that we love, how much more with things that we hate or abhor?

Or does hate harbor some special ingredient that keeps it festeringly fresh in our hearts and minds?