Video Game Therapy
The Adventure Bat Sessions
As Dr. Sane prepares for another session, he finds today's client to be among the most interesting. From the popular Atari 2600 game, Adventure, the Bat comes to talk about his kleptomaniac tendencies. Let us listen in and see if the good Doctor can cure his.
Dr. Sane - I see that you are a kleptomaniac. How long have you had this problem?
Bat - I think of myself as a trader.
Dr. Sane - A trader? Why do you think you are a trader and not a kleptomaniac?
Bat - You see Doc, I don't actually steal anything, I just trade. I will take something that I like, for instance your nameplate. Very shiny. And then I will leave something in exchange for it.
Dr. Sane - You took my name plate and left a donut. Do you consider that a fair trade?
Bat - Sure, I have the nice shiny name plate and you have a tasty donut. All even.
Dr. Sane - But this donut is stale. How is it fair to take an expensive name plate and leave a stale donut?
Bat - Too late now, a deal is a deal. Very shiny.
Dr. Sane - But we did not have a deal, you just stole my nameplate and left a stale donut.
Bat - Steal is such a harsh word. I prefer selective trading.
Dr. Sane - Trading involves a mutual agreement on both parties. There was no agreement here. You just took what you wanted and left behind something of far less value.
Bat - And this is wrong?
Dr. Sane - Yes it is. It is stealing.
Bat - But I paid for it, how is that stealing?
Dr. Sane - First off, the item was not for sale. Second, a stale donut is hardly fair payment for an expensive gold embossed name plate.
Bat - How about two donuts?
Dr. Sane - I do not want any donuts.
Bat - Then it is free, thanks. But you can keep the donut anyways.
Dr. Sane - I see that we have an inability to differentiate right from wrong. This will take some work to cure you of this.
Bat - No problem Doc. Then I will see you next week.
Dr. Sane - Yes, please make an appointment with my secretary.
Bat - See ya Doc!
Dr. Sane - And bring back my name plate.