'Mortal Kombat' and the First Amendment
Intellectually, I understand the Supreme Court's 7-2 decision that the First Amendment protects the most violent of video games. Experientially, I don't.
It's fine for the majority to say parents have ultimate control over what their children see, but how many members of the Supreme Court have experienced "real" life? Chief Justice John Roberts spoke at the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference last Saturday and said, "I don't think any of us have a Facebook page or a tweet -- whatever that is. But technology is making inroads." It certainly is.
According to the Huffington Post, at least one justice -- Stephen Breyer -- has a private Twitter account, which he said he used "to track the so-called Green Revolution in Iran following the country's 2009 presidential elections. But he told a House Appropriations general government subcommittee he was testifying in front of that he had been unsure how to erase the account."
Justices live in an unreal world. They have little experience with cyberspace and violent video games. They bring law school minds to a subject that requires practical experience.
Justices enjoy security that protects them from the kind of assaults depicted in games like "Mortal Kombat" and others in which children are allowed to emulate school shooting sprees or virtually carry out assassinations, decapitations, rape, torture and every other unimaginable horror one human being can inflict upon another.
In his dissent, Justice Breyer asked the right question: "What sense does it make to forbid selling to a 13-year-old boy a magazine with an image of a nude woman, while protecting the sale to that 13-year-old of an interactive video game in which he actively, but virtually, binds and gags the woman, then tortures and kills her?"
Justices should step out of their safety zones and experience life on urban streets where mortal combat is for real and shootings are as commonplace as corrupt politicians. Where do armed teenagers in roving gangs get the idea that life is cheap and can be so easily taken without regard to social mores? Children aren't born this way. They must be taught these things, and if parents aren't teaching them -- or more accurately "parent," since fathers are usually absent and it doesn't take a sociologist to see a connection -- a violent and life-denying culture is happy to fill the moral void.
Does anyone believe Thomas Jefferson could have foreseen a day when violent images of the worst sort ought to be protected by the First Amendment? When he wrote about freedom of the press, did "press" mean blood and gore? And if it did, should anything be banned? Should any child be told "no"?
There are a number of laws governing childhood behavior that have never been successfully challenged. Minors are told they can't smoke or drink until a certain age. Why does the state consider it injurious for minors to take alcohol into their stomachs and nicotine into their lungs, but not harmful for them to absorb the most violent images into their minds?
If alcohol produces a reaction in minors the state finds harmful and if cigarettes injure developing lungs and contribute to rising health care costs, -- and so the state imposes age restrictions -- what do violent images produce and why can't the law impose age restrictions on those?
Minors can't sign contracts. The state won't let kids drive cars until a certain age, believing, rightly, that they are not mature enough to handle the responsibility. Some argue that even at age 16, the legal driving age in most states, children are still not sufficiently mature enough to drive, as evidenced by the high accident rate among teens.
Anyone who has tried to stop an adolescent from ignoring a parent's wishes knows what I'm talking about. In a perfect world, children would listen to, respect and obey their parents. But this is far from a perfect world and parents could use occasional help from the state in preventing violent culture from undermining what's in the best interest of the child, and the country. This ruling by the Supreme Court does not achieve that end.
- Cal Thomas's blog
- Login to post comments
Comments
"Children aren't born this way"
Submitted by Newsbubba on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 11:32am.
Excuse me? They are born that way. From the beginning the instinct to survive overrides every other instinct.
What happens as they grow up will determine if that instinct overrides all others on a daily basis. Games don't make children violent. The people they associate with as they grow and learn make them violent, or help them become "civilized" and productive members of society.
If you live in a jungle, literally or figuratively, your will to survive had better be honed to a fine edge, or you won't last long.
As a child, I would play "war" with my friends almost everyday as we grew up. We'd choose up sides, just like we did for baseball, and flip to see who would have to be the "enemy" and who would be the Americans (the good guys). We'd "shoot and kill" each other in various and sundry ways all day long, and at the end of the day go home together.
It taught us that there are winners and losers in every endeavor, and that winning beat the hell out of losing. Our "violent games" weren't video; they were real, even sometimes real blood. You learned to "rub dirt in it" and keep going.
We weren't born that way either, but we learned it! Thank God some of us did.
Newsbubba
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 11:49am.
There's a difference between kids playing war and playing violent videogames. When you play with your buddies an get bloody you're experiencing the consequences of your actions. Video games allow kids to "kill" without consequence. They desensitize kids to violence. There's a reason the army has used video games in training, it makes it easier to kill the enemy.
It's one thing for adults to buy these games, or even to decide their kids can play them. But I think that children should be banned from buying them on their own.
it makes no sense to me
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 12:01pm.
That a kid can't buy themselves a Pepsi on school property, but they can buy a game like Doom with no supervision.
Incidentally: you are correct about the difference between role-playing video games vs cops and robbers in the back yard. Not only do these games stretch out the torturous murders, they award points based on the most grotesque assault, teaching children to find glee in physical torment.
~Video games
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 12:04pm.
are addictive, particularly to boys, and lead to anti-social behavior and attitudes.
Video Games
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 3:44pm.
Also affect brain development and brain waves of adults.
Really?
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 3:52pm.
Been playing video games since Pac Man of all kinds, got several FPS games (First Person Shooters for those not familiar with the term), some of them are pretty rough, while others, not so bad.
I think I came out ok. ;-)
-Jon
~What would you think
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 3:56pm.
if you walked into a room and saw a grown woman having a tea party with her dolls?
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:30pm.
Could you clarify your point, please?
Hydro*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:35pm.
To wrathful brunette..could you.clarify your point please ?.....I think you just did that.
cajun2
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:47pm.
OK - maybe it's because I'm kind of loopy on pain pills after having had a wisdom tooth pulled yesterday - but I'm totally not getting what you are saying.
Maybe I should just step away from the computer for a while.
~Oh, man!
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:52pm.
Just be glad you can take pain pills! I had to have a wisdom tooth pulled when my firstborn was 10 months old; I was nursing so I couldn't take anything stronger than Ibuprofen. I think I got one hour of sleep in the next 36 hours.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:57pm.
No, no - I'm not complaining. In fact, they kind of make me feel... calm. And sleeping hasn't been a problem at all - in fact, I've been wanting to take naps which I normally don't do so I'm guessing it's the pills.
~Yeah, it's the pills
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:04pm.
You lucky devil. Once my local anesthetic wore off the traumatized nerves kicked in. I felt like I had a giant, bloody hole in my gum, or something. The Ibuprofen didn't even take the edge off. Thank God I only needed one taken out. Sheer misery for several days.
~If you think about my proposed scenario
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:46pm.
and what your first thought would be if you encountered it, my point should be quite clear. Do you disagree, and if so, why?
Sorry Hydro*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:52pm.
Sorry about your pain. And sorry you do not understand "woman speak"....;-)
And Bru, your post had me roflmoao
cajun2
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:05pm.
Thanks.
And you are very right - I don't understand "woman speak" - as any of my old girlfriends will readily attest to.
~Hydro
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:20pm.
I hope you don't take my opinion on this matter personally, as it was expressed prior to your arrival on the thread. This is just what I think on the topic based on my personal observations of people I have known in "meatspace".
~Cajun
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:24pm.
Funny how it looks when you turn it around, huh? LOL
Excuse my typing Bru*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:26pm.
I'm still LMAO
I'm guessing you haven't played 'Grand Theft Victoria's Secret'
Submitted by SickofLibs on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:53pm.
Talk about violence.
~Don't make me take my earrings out
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:31pm.
.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:54pm.
Well, given that your response was to a post by someone who indicated that they still enjoy playing video games after all these years, my initial thought was that you were comparing that to a grown women playing with dolls with the point that you viewed both as immature or just plain weird.
But I wanted to be clear about that since, if that is your view, I have to admit I'm a bit surprised by it.
~You got it
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:14pm.
I think it's an immature thing to do and personally I find it rather bizarre. Years ago I saw a group of early 30 somethings (all guys) playing video games and I felt like I'd walked into the Twilight Zone. Games are a fantasy substitute for something real, just like all childish games. If you think about it, every classic childhood game is role-playing. Snow forts, tea parties, dress-up, baby dolls, cowboys and indians, it's all "pretend". Children's favorite thing is to pretend, and video games are all about role-playing/pretending.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:37pm.
Well, I suppose I could say that your view is understandable coming from a woman since women lack the imagination, creativity and problem solving skills needed to appreciate the best that games have to offer these days - but of course, I would never say such a thing.
Since it's a condescending judgmental generalization.
The fact is that there a ton of people of grew up with video games who still, into their 20's, 30's and beyond, enjoy them as a form of entertainment.
When I went in for my dental appointment yesterday I off hand made a comment to my dentist - who's about my age - about how I was probably going to go home afterwards to play video games just to pass the time until I could go to sleep and it turned into a conversation which games we each liked to play.
But hey - I must just hang out with immature goof-balls who are all suffering from some peter-pan syndrome.
~Hmmm
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:40pm.
Either you didn't see this, or you dismissed it.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:43pm.
You are right - I didn't see that post.
I would have totally toned down mine if I had.
Sorry about that.
(I blame my medication)
~No harm, no foul
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:19pm.
Honestly, I have strong feelings about this topic because my impression is that a lot of men have simply "checked out" of life and one of the symptoms is immersion in these fantasy games. (That's not to say you have or every single man who plays video games has, I'm speaking in general terms.) Addiction to pornography is another symptom. People who immerse themselves in fantasy on a regular basis don't do it because they're deeply fulfilled by their reality.
Also, the fact that most of these games are violent adventure fantasies indicates to me that they're meant to appease men's natural desire for a battle to fight and a beauty to rescue. While that desire is being artificially sated the real battles are going unfought and real women left unsuccored.
Yeah, I totally went philosophical on a Mortal Kombat thread. :-D
Yes Bru*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:37pm.
You did go philosophical. But you pointed out, in a simple manner, one of the many reasons our society is disintergrating rapidly. I hope those at NB who are of a "philosophical bent" give your post great thought. It says a great deal more than the negatives of video games.
First things that come to mind....As long as it doesnt affect me....As long as it was consensual......Whores, those in pornography, do so by choice so no harm is done.....Gay marriage is a right......Fidelity destroys lives... Sex with your own daughter is ok if she is an adult.....murder of unborn defenseless children is a "choice"
Incremental destruction of a moral and orderly society must be done with approval and participation from those who refuse to see the "big picture" but concentrate on the minutae instead and are blind to the consequences until it finally "affects their life".
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:49pm.
Sorry again for getting snippy.
I get your points, though I still disagree with your description of games and why people play.
I mean, if you're playing games instead of going to work or spending time with your friends or family (assuming you aren't spending time gaming with them), then obviously there's a problem. But the same can be said for any activity which becomes an obsession.
Also, you seem to think it's all about escapism into some fantasy word, which I don't think is correct. First, there are a ton of games which aren't "violent adventure fantasies" - although I guess that depends on how you define that term - does a WWII flight sim or a football video game count as this?
Second, even for those games which do fit that description, I think that, generally speaking, the real motivation behind playing is simply one challenge. A lot of games these days make a point of tracking a player's progress and achievements and that provides something like a gauge of your abilities in tackling the game.
I hear students in my classes talking - bragging - about how far they are into some game or how they were able to get through some part of it with relative ease. I think that's the motivation behind a lot of gaming - bragging rights or, maybe just a sense of having beaten the game.
Obviously, there is some escapism involved - but no more than that involved in watching a movie, I'd say.
Anyway, that's my two cents.
~Bragging rights
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:19pm.
Men used to brag about the size of their....hunting trophies. Among other things.
No one brags about how many movies they've watched. Video games and their skill levels give a false sense of accomplishment that dulls the desire to accomplish more meaningful things. Again, I'm speaking in general terms. You'll notice that video games are frequently highly addictive, and a large percentage of those who play them at all play them excessively. Those are the people I'm referring too. You'll find that by and large they are single men with few friends outside of their circle of interest. As far as I'm concerned, they've been taken out and are no longer participating in the only game that really matters.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:36pm.
False in what sense?
False because it doesn't actually involve skill, thought and time or false because you don't consider it a meaningful accomplishment?
And my main point was that the appeal of video games is the challenge, not bragging rights.
Would you dismiss someone who's a poker or chess champion as well?
What about someone who has a good golf game or bowls well?
Do they have a false sense of accomplishment?
And I'm curious to know where you got the statistic that a large percentage of people who play video games do it to excess.
~I didn't cite a statistic
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:46pm.
I said my opinions were based on personal observation. I believe my post below addresses this.
a more precise scenario
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:54pm.
What if grown women said "I still talk to my invisible friends, have tea parties with my teddy bear, and read books about Cinderella."
That is not a fair comparison
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:01pm.
I would feel the same about your scenario as i would as a grown man playing with his Luke Skywalker and Han Solo figures
If I saw a grown man playing Madden Football I would not think twice about it since as many adults play it as kids.
~Playing pretend
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:14pm.
is still playing pretend. All those guys with their Fantasy Football need to get a real life.
Real life is great
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:57pm.
It is just a temporary escape like watching a tv or movie. I admit before I was married I played hours upon hours on a game called the Final Fantasy series. It involved endless battles to build up your power. The reward for all these pain filled hours is endless money and developed magical powers with mind numbing special effects
Its kind of hard to explain the rush to a non gamer.
~"The rush"
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:07pm.
says it all, right there. You have an addictive personality, if you haven't noticed.
It's a substitute for having real power, wealth, and influence. What do you have to show for all that time spent? Nothing.
Bru your right
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:19pm.
.........and so do you. Do you realize that while you are accusing me of not spending time in real life, neither do you?
Both of us spend alot of time on a site called Newsbusters. We have folks here that will spend hours upon hours a day going back months to show the admins to ban a troll
We have some that make great threads regarding things from healthcare to great music and gay marriage
I do not have a problem with this and thinks it's great. However if you don't notice talking to somebody thousands of miles away on a keyboard is not exactly the same as talking to them in real life.
~Locking this in
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:00pm.
We have folks here that will spend hours upon hours a day going back months to show the admins to ban a troll
Whoops, looks like that olive branch was a fake! Who knew.
Shawn, by your own admission you're an avid porn consumer who haunts E-whore message boards and partakes of illegal drugs.
Bru
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:19pm.
I am not insulting the vet. What I said is the truth. No i do not take illegal drugs. Please don't accuse me of an illegal act to get in a jab
No I do not watch that much porn either I just believe more in the freedom aspects. Can't your ever just be civil and not angry all the time?
Yes, i chat on a board that have escorts on them. But chatting about fun stuff including politics is not cheating
~?
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:36pm.
What part of my sn do you not get? I'm, like, totally enraged all the time. You can tell by the general tenor of my posts.
What I said is the truth, yet you accuse me of being addicted to NB just to get in a jab.
No I never once said on NB I smoke drugs
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:54pm.
......I said I support peoples right to do them. I told you in private I take prescription drugs for a bad back if that is what you are referring to.
~No
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:11pm.
I'm referring to your public admissions of marijuana use. I did say illegal drugs, yes?
Really
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:17pm.
........hmmm you said those words almost like if you were chewing a tasty truffle. Usually a person would have proof. But you must have some kind if dirt on me to be this cocky.
shawn*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:24pm.
If you are in that "mood" again to make a thread about YOU, maybe you should be at one of YOUR forums.
~?
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:47pm.
Dude, now you're just being weird and creepy. I'm typing a comment on a blog, there's no inflection. You've publicly admitted to marijuana use and discussed the topic extensively and with great familiarity. It wasn't exactly a shot in the dark.
Nope
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:41am.
I have not. I'm not trying to pick a fight. If you want to accuse of something I never did without proof it's up to you.
~Keep blinking innocently
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:15am.
You might fool someone.
Bon matin ma Jolie Brun
Submitted by cocodrie on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:22am.
The name has changed but the song remains the same. Thank God.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Bon matin ma Jolie Brun
Submitted by cocodrie on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:22am.
The name has changed but the song remains the same. Thank God.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
~I love you too, coco
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:08pm.
Miss ya, darlin'. Have a blessed 4th. (oh, and good morning to you as well :)
~Hahahahahahaha!
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:13pm.
I just noticed that shawn thrashed, squealed, foamed, and gibbered about the drug use part and was quiet as a mouse peein' on cotton about the "haunting E-whore message boards" part.
That's funny, I don't care who y'are.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:22pm.
What is there to show for reading a good book or watching a good movie or play?
What is there to show for winning at a game of pool or at a game of cards or darts?
What is there to show for going out for an evening with friends?
They are all forms of entertainment. They are their own reward.
Do you dismiss all of these activities for not providing a person with real power, wealth and influence?
~None of the examples you cite
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:47pm.
are examples of anyone pretending to gain power, wealth, or influence. Video games are about role-playing. The point isn't that every activity should be about gaining those things, the point is that in the video game shawn was talking about he was spending a great deal of time pretending to gain those things. If you want those things, go out and actually get them instead of settling for fake satisfaction. It's fake just like foregoing a relationship with a woman in favor of watching porn is fake.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:02pm.
So the points you acquire in a card game or a round of darts are real?
As I've argued, for most gamers, video games are not about role-playing for the sake of escaping the trials and tribulations of real life. They represent a challenge - either against the game itself or others online. It's a form of entertainment no different from a game of solitaire or a game of golf or having discussions with people online.
In another post, you suggested that most video gamers play to excess - that they substitute the game for real life. Although this is no doubt true for some people, I think you would be hard pressed to find any source to support your assertion that the majority (or even a reasonable percentage) of gamers play to the point of addiction.
I bring this up because your argument seems to be based on the assumption that video games - more so than other forms of entertainment - ruin people's lives because of how addictive they are. My experience says that isn't the case.
~Card games and darts
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:26pm.
are not role-playing games.
Everyone likes a challenge. I enjoy the challenge of clearly articulating my opinions and defending them, many people enjoy the challenge of hunting, fishing, mountain climbing, marathon-running, what have you. My point is that video games present a form of challenge that leaves the victor with no tangible results, thus satisfying the desire for a challenge in a way that accomplishes nothing. Just like pornography satisfies a man's desire for a woman in a way that accomplishes nothing.
What I'm saying is that if what you're looking for is a sense of accomplishment and something to brag about, a video game is a pretty poor thing to settle for.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:50pm.
Video games and role-playing games (which I also used to play - like D&D - do you want to get into those as well?) are two different things.
That aside, what tangible results come from debating someone online, or from playing solitaire or from winning at a game of darts?
Again, they are forms of entertainment.
Why you single out video games over these other activities, the purpose of which is to simply pass the time in an enjoyable manner, is beyond me.
Having said that, in about an hour, I'll be going online to play a flight simulation video game with a couple of my oldest friends - guys I've known since junior high. We'll have some beers and laugh and make fun of each other for playing badly and complement one another for playing well and basically have a good time.
And I'll be sure, at the end of the night, to let them know that we all just wasted our time since we have nothing tangible to show for it.
(I know I've gotten a little snarky in this discussion so maybe this is a good time for me to bug out soon anyway)
~I'm not singling video games out
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:04pm.
I mentioned porn, drugs, and alcohol, too! :-D
I'm not sure how many different ways I can put this, I said below that video games are frequently used as a substitute for real life goals/achievements. If your purpose is to get together with friends and have a good time, that's a real life goal being accomplished. What's the problem?
All video games are role-playing in some form or another. Unless you designed a game where you play as yourself.
G'night, doll. And check the label of your meds before you drink. (I couldn't help it, I'm a Mom)
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:22pm.
Goodnight to you as well.
I'm off to pretend I'm a WW II fighter pilot - vrrrrrrooooooooooooom!
(OK, I might have issues)
just to add to what Brunette is saying
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:26pm.
There is something especially seductive about role-playing games, which many other activities don't do. They are more addictive than playing solitaire on your desktop.
Not to make a stereotype of every boy/man who plays a game of COD - because I realize some men are capable of keeping healthy perspective about it - but I have known far too many who do in fact use it as a replacement for self esteem. They've told me how they might be kind of losers in real life but online they are a legend. They're too scared to join the Army, so they "take out their frustrations" and "relax" by shooting at demons through their TV screen with loud music blaring.
For a woman who watches from the other room, it looks disturbing. It's kind of unsettling for us, and most of the guys don't understand what we mean.
I'm not a fuddy-duddy control freak by any means, but no child in my house plays violent games.
Hoosier
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:52pm.
When I was young, a similar controversy erupted around role-playing games like D&D (again, as I said to WB, video games and role-playing games are not the same thing).
I remember hearing the same types of arguments - that kids played D&D as a substitute for reality and for real achievements, that it led to addictive behavior, provided an escape from the crappy aspects of their lives, was all about violence and killing and that it even involved the occult and satanism.
And I'm sure to someone watching a game - with the players getting into it and becoming animated and arguing about the rules and getting pissed when things went wrong and excited when things went well - that it might look "disturbing" to someone.
But that controversy went away and I'd say that the vast majority of those of us who played D&D as kids didn't have their lives totally screwed up as a result.
In fact, some of us might have actually read more about history and developed our problem solving skills and maybe even learned how to work in a group as a result.
And maybe it did provide a bit of an escape from regular life but so what - I'm pretty sure that's what a lot of activities and hobbies are about.
I'm wondering - if your kids wanted to play D&D today (it is still around), would you let them?
~I'd just like to say
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:06pm.
That this is the first time I've ever discussed my opinions on video games, and everything I've stated is just that, my opinion. I'm not some old fuddy-duddy who read religious diatribes against the Animated Works of Satan and campaigned against them in righteous wrath and holy zeal from the time of their unholy spawning.
I'm just a 30 year old observing life and people and drawing her own conclusions.
well Bru*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:19pm.
I am an old fuddy duddy and I have done more than "observe". My career did involve those people with addictions of all kinds. How those addictions affect their relationships, their parental roles, and the damaging effects on their children as well. Not just my opinion but many professionals in private industry and the government as well spend billions of dollars dealing with addictions and the damage done to their families. Addictions to violent video games has become a serious concern to those professionals and major studies are on going.
Since the video gaming industry is ever changing and advancing in technology, this is becoming a very serious subject of discussion as to the number of "addicts", the physiological damage being done that has become more evident, and the potential for changing behavior or "manipulating" behavior and personalities.
It would be an even more interesting discussion if drsamherman and stratman were involved on this thread. Everyone posting on this thread have made some thought provoking comments on a subject we are just beginning to understand its effects on young people and society in general.
aw, what do you know Cajun
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:27pm.
Career, shmeer. I done played that Resident Evil and I turned out fine, so what do them social workers know. /sarc
Hoosier*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:46pm.
Hey gal, good thing you added that /sarc tag or I would have mistaken your post as a reply from Incestmo.....;-)
Keep up the good fight, Cajun
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:53pm.
This has kept me long past my bedtime. I get burned up about this subject because it has personally affected me. Someone in my family, a young man, was ejected from the military after spending 3 weeks at Walter Reid, where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was not born that way at all - a lot of factors contributed to it in his teen years - and guess what, role playing was part of it. That is but one of my "guy friends" affected.
Sadly the men here, while very smart and reasonable people in every other facet of their lives, are defensive about their gaming. It feels good, so they do it, and they don't want to hear any preaching to the contrary.
Carry on without me. I can't hang any more tonight.
Burden Hoosier*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:57pm.
My previously assigned case load was one Parish(county). Now you are asking me to work all 58 states? May need some help there mon ami.
Nope
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:14pm.
I've been careful to make distinctions between observed violence and role-playing violence. I'm not some desperate housewife getting scared of that Nintendo machine because I saw it on Oprah. I know what I'm talking about.
There's nothing disturbing about watching boys yell over an unfair move, or jump around in excitement when they win a round. That's what boys do and it's not what I'm talking about. I've been with boys going on real hunting trips in the woods, and they don't act like a boy playing Doom.
If you don't want us to dismiss your perspective, then don't just casually brush off what we are saying either. We're not dopey little women. As mentioned below, doctors don't study this stuff for no reason. Jared Laughner, Bradley Manning, the Columbine Boys, on and on.
Just because you can handle liquor without getting addicted, doesn't mean you dismiss and ignore those who say liquor is dangerous when you drink too much. For boys pre-disposed to violent tendendies, they don't need to pretend to be shooting demons on TV.
I would never let D&D in my house.
Hoosier Conservative
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:22pm.
That is your right.I played D&D my last few years in the Army.I didn't steal a tank and drive down the freeway.Now if I could of got a hold of a Pegasus I might of hit the freeway. Out of all the of millions of gamers there are how many that are crazy?
out of the millions of alcohol drinkers
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:25pm.
Only a fraction become alcoholics. So let's just belittle those who scream about alcoholism being a real disease.
Wow your right
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:30pm.
"For most adults, moderate alcohol use is not harmful. However, nearly 17.6 million adults in the United States are alcoholics or have alcohol problems."
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alcoholism.html
That really is a good comparison to a few people mention that played games.
for every Jarod Laughner
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:36pm.
There are a hundred boys behind him, with friends and neighbors mentioning to the guidance counselor how that boy in science class seems to be disturbed. There's a lot more statistics - and hence a lot more literature - on alcoholism. As long as psychiatrists are so quickly dismissed with their research on gamers, it will take that much longer to get real stats.
Well99*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:40pm.
It depends on one's priorities and how it affects our lives as to whether certain subjects are of importance. For instance, over 1 million americans suffer from AIDS/HIV and the number of infected is growing fastest among young people between the ages of 13-19. Such a small segment of the population yet much has been studied and money spent dealing with this disease because it does have an ever growing possibility of further infecting the general population.
Now consider, addictions to video games at present is evident in 10-15% of teenagers. Since it is such a small percentage, should we ignore this "disease"? Should we ignore the potential of an unknown entity that we already know is showing physical and psychological damage to "gamers"? Gamers who are our children.
cajun2
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:54pm.
I don't remember saying ignore it.What I brought up is the comparison.Also HC's comparison to alcohol/alcoholism was ludicrous.When you compare deaths,injuries, and damage to families lives.
Addictive personalities are a problem no matter what.It doesn't matter if it is games,drugs,alcohol,or eating.Someone needs treatment for it.
well99
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:29pm.
There are different degrees of impairment. Look for Cajun's comment. Another perspective worth thinking about...
~I think the guys DO understand what we mean
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:46pm.
they just don't want to admit it.
Just look how pissed they get at the very suggestion that there might be a problem.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by well99 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:22am.
No way!Just wait till dragon shows up in your yard.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:45pm.
Don't play myself but isn't it their choice.Same way gaming.It nice people are so worried about how we live are lives and what entertainment we have but still I think most gamers prefer to make their own choices.Oh we do live in the real world.When I went out to get the mail there were no dragons.I did check for them.
~
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:54pm.
Just cuz you didn't see any dragons didn't mean they weren't there.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:57pm.
Your right they are some sneaky critters.
~Beware of meddling in the affairs of dragons
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:01pm.
For you are crunchy and good with ketchup.
Not to mention,
Submitted by UpNorth on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:13pm.
much better quick-roasted.
ah
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:15pm.
So if it's more popular, it's not as immature?
~Whoop
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:21pm.
There it is!
Everybody else does it, Ma!
Nope
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:35pm.
I am disagreeing that it is immature. Playing Madden football is just like real football without the physical aspects like the draft, free agency, salary cap, not to mention the playcalling.
Adults can have fun too. Just like how i enjoy Disneyland as much now as when i was a kid.
~I'm sure you do
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:01pm.
Yeah, fantasy football is just like real football except for that whole "reality" thing.
Madden football
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:24pm.
Is totally real except for not being out in your yard, not touching an actual football, not running, not tackling, not throwing until your arm gets sore, not getting dirty, not getting cold, and not getting dragged to the ground by a tackler.
That's what you meant to say.
Good point
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:35pm.
Madden was a bad example. I have two games for the Microsoft Kiinect. One is called your shape and dance central.
Both of them detect your movements and you get great workout everytime
Dance Central??
Submitted by UpNorth on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:14pm.
Reaching for the eye bleach right now!!!
shawn
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:21pm.
I know you're trying to help the gamer cause here - but duuuuuuude.
Dance Central?
I'm about ready to start agreeing with WB at this point. :0
~Oooooooh
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:27pm.
Dude, that's harsh. Poor shawn.
Okay I admit it
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:32pm.
My only defense is you get a great workout and it'd fun when no ones looking. And yes I like Sex and the city. I'm just an honest guy that's how I roll.
hydrodynDM
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:34pm.
Your not kidding.
Shawn?
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:41pm.
Shawn?
Yoinks
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:52pm.
OK - I change my mind - video games are evil.
Remember this date.
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:08pm.
It could mark the beginning of the end of the video gaming industry.
Jer
Video games and the brain
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:06pm.
Video games, particularly violent ones, cause the brain to release a hormone that controls pleasure. The brain becomes more and more dependent on the good feel of the hormone, and is harder and harder to achieve. I'm sure that like many addictions, it is more likely present in some people than others.
Also, it's probable that you didn't spend as much time playing these games as many kids do now. Now kids are eschewing real experiences to sit in front of a screen and play with their thumbs and have their minds controlled for hours at a time.
Reminds of an episode of Star Trek TNG.
Radical1979
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:19pm.
I'm in no position to question your comments about the effects that video games have on the brain however, as someone who still continues to enjoy playing video games (when time permits), I can tell you that the act of playing isn't as passive as you suggest.
Many good games are challenging and require the player to think about how to achieve a desired end or (in the case of online games) to work effectively with a group to achieve some end given the rules of the game.
I like to think I'm not a dumb guy and I certainly wouldn't waste time on a form of entertainment which controls my mind.
And for the record, I'm not talking about some obscure educational games, I'm talking about games like the Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty series.
hydro
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:41pm.
Even those more complex "thinking" games have that effect. I'm thinking of "Warcraft" in particular. I know a psychologist who sees many detrimental affects from that game in teenage/young men.
Of course you wouldn't waste time on entertainment that controls your mind, which is why you don't know it's happening. Like television commercials, we might think they have no affect on us, but they do or the money wouldn't be spent on them.
Again, I'm not saying everyone reacts the same way. It's like alcohol, some people can drink without a problem, others become addicted. In any case, I think it should be restricted in children, because their brains are not developed sufficiently to deal with the input from these games. And that is what parents are for.
Radical1979
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:05pm.
I have no doubt that a number of studies have been done to look at the affects that playing video games have on children, teens and adults and I'm sure there are potentially negative effects which depend on age, the amount of time spend playing and the types of games.
What those are and how severe - I don't know.
My point of contention wasn't any of that - it was just your characterization of playing video games which made is seem like you were saying that it's a purely passive activity.
Looking back at your post, I see now what you meant by "controlled".
Why I do it
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:11pm.
I like doing the games because for one thing, the graphics are amazing compared to the 8-bit 16-color games of 20 years ago. Being in an IT environment makes it easy to appreciate how that stuff works and the programming behind it.
Another reason I do it is to push my reflexes and keep them as sharp as I can. These games do that. I like the ones that let you re-enact some of the historical events of war times past like the first Call of Duty, makes you appreciate what a real soldier went through at the time.
That's pretty much it in a nutshell for me as to why I play these games. Plus it's kinda fun going online and testing yourself against others, especially using tactics. Good old fashioned competition.
-Jon
jon_torlin
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:41pm.
Console gamer?As far graphics I would go with Mass Effect 2 and I thought Dragon Age Origins was pretty good.I am a pcer myself.Some modder was able to mod Kotor 2 so you could run it at 1920 X 1200.They was a major improvement for a older game.I am into RPG's myself.I like good story lines.It is like reading a good book.
Reflexes?
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:43pm.
Hey, have fun any way you want, but if you want to improve your reflexes surely some physical activity like tennis or basketball would be just as good, and you would have interpersonal contact with others.
You are an adult, so I'm not judging, but kids need that interpersonal interaction.
Radical1979
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:53pm.
That is where the parents come in.Then they need to apply the old "If you can't find something to do I will find something for you".
well99
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:57pm.
You got it. But it would help if the kids couldn't buy the games themselves, and parents recognized that these things aren't as harmless as they look.
Radical1979
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:20pm.
Games do have a rating and kids shouldn't be able to buy games if they don't meet the age requirement.The parents should be monitoring their kids.That is part of being a parent.That doesn't mean kids don't get away with it at times.Still if parents are responsible they will eventually catch em.I know my Dad wore out a few belts.
well99
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:25pm.
I think this ruling says kids can buy any game. The ratings are used a guidelines only. I know my kids watched stuff at other people's homes that I didn't let them watch. At least I knew they understood my values.
By the way, my mom also used a belt. Do you realize that's now considered child abuse?
In Georgia at EB Games a
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:48pm.
In Georgia at EB Games a parent is required to purchase certain rated games which a minor child could not otherwise buy for himself or herself. I'm not sure if that is by law, ordinance, or simply store policy.
Jer
Even if the SC strikes down the CA statute it wouldn't necessarily affect that type of restriction. It could, but it's not inevitable.
Jer
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:53pm.
Same in Maryland
I don't get why kids can buy violent video games
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:58pm.
in PA, but when I buy certain cold medicines they ask me my age, very loudly, and then repeat it, very loudly.
The only good thing is that I've taken ten years off my age the past few times. Next time I'll take twenty years off. What can they do?
Rad
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:22pm.
lots of regular OTC cold meds are no longer OTC in Maryland. Don't know about PA, but anything with pseudoephedrine is usually kept in the pharmacy at places like Target, and others. Don't know if it's law or not, but it's inconvenient as hell. Apparently pseudoephedrine is a main ingredient in methamphetamine.
bk
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:25pm.
It's not even pseudoephedrine, it's cough medicine. Apparently kids are taking that now for the high. At least when I buy rubber cement they just ask if I'm over 18. It's the blasting of my birthday I object to. Hence the fudging. Maybe I should make myself older, and people will think I look really good.
Oooh, Paul Ryan commercial for Medicare changes just came on. About time the GOP got it's message out.
Radical1979
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:52pm.
You might be right.Yes I heard that.It is garbage but things have gone crazy since my day.
Yes, reflexes
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:17pm.
I guess I should have expanded on that. I do workout and I do various physical activities that help the physical reflexes. What I meant was the mental reflexes when it comes to making instant decisions(or snap decisions as they are called). I've also played some outdoor laser tag with some friends(cleaner than paintball but there's your social interaction) which is part of where the FPS shooters come from AND you can get into shape. Try playing the game when it's 85 degrees with 60% humidity sometimes in the evenings, you WILL lose a lot of water weight! (gatorade is a wonderful invention) But all of that video gaming helps a lot especially when it comes to guessing where your opponents might be in the field, is he behind the tree or UP in the tree, that sort of thing.
Kind of like the flight simulator stuff our AF (and commercial) pilots go through.
Then we hit the pizza parlors and have a great time.
Oh yeah, some of the people that do this are similar to my age(late 30s, early 40s) that have kids that join in on the fun. And some of them are actual military, including Marines.
-Jon
I'm conflicted on this
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 11:55am.
On the one hand, I played games like Mortal Kombat as a teenager, and it didn't mess me up too bad. But on the other hand, games coming out these days are a lot more worse. Some of the stuff they make these days is downright demonic. Instead of going after little kids who play it, we really should look at the script writers they're hiring.
I do agree with Justice Breyer about violence/nudity. I remember going to the theater to watch Kill Bill, the room was packed with teenagers, and I spent the whole time thinking "how can this not be NC-17 material?" especially with the not-so-subtle scene dealing with child prostitution.
Video games NOT political speech.
Submitted by MaximusBraveheart on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 12:20pm.
I have not looked into this much but my thoughts so far... Minors cannot buy lots of stuff. Video games are "stuff." Can they buy Penthouse? Can they buy cigs that have print on the package? Is that not "speech" by this standard??
Speech, regarding the Constitution, is mainly freedom to express YOUR POLITICAL point of view. Political (& religious) speech! What does this have to do with minors buying video games (w/o the parents consent)?! Parents do have rights over their children (!), & if they want it, they can ASK for it from their PARENTS!! Seems SO simple!
-- Maximusbraveheart -- Is TRUTH knowable? Moral Relativism is the abandonment of Truth. Truth is knowable. Truth conforms to Reality. Reality is observable by evidence & witness in this day & from history. Relativism is Sesame Street play land.
no
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 12:28pm.
Freedom of speech does not just apply to politics and religion. Should climate change skeptics be told their opinions are not protected? Should music critics not be allowed to accuse hip hop of degrading culture? Should independent views about history - books that challenge mainstream academia - be told they have no legal protection from censorship?
True...
Submitted by MaximusBraveheart on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 3:55pm.
However my point being it is just not any speech that is protected as most think. Things outside moral bounds are not what the founders were trying to protect. Porn for example was against the law in most States. Not sure the status now. Not protected if a State decides so. Not saying that this applies to these games necessarily, but it certainly does to minors if the State decides so with voter approval. The courts have gone out of their way to judicially "expand" this "right."
-- Maximusbraveheart -- Is TRUTH knowable? Moral Relativism is the abandonment of Truth. Truth is knowable. Truth conforms to Reality. Reality is observable by evidence & witness in this day & from history. Relativism is Sesame Street play land.
I'm confused on this one
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 1:30pm.
I Iive in Cali and when I bought a rated mature game at Target, Walmart or Game Stop. They asked for ID every single time.
Legal Question
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 2:59pm.
After a quick internet search I wasn't able to find an answer to a question I have so I figured I'd ask you guys...
Does this supreme court ruling only prevent states from imposing restrictions on the sales of certain games to minors or does it also prevent (as in make illegal) vendors from doing the same?
That is, despite this ruling, can Wal-Mart (for example) still decide to adopt a store policy that it won't sell certain games to minors?
hydrodyn
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 3:25pm.
CNet has a pretty good scoop.
The state of California tried to impose its own statute. Video game attorneys argued the federal government's responsibility to protect the First Amendment overrode any effort made within a state to undercut it. In other words, if the feds are actively protecting something, states cannot ban it. So now video games fall inside the jurisdiction of federal free speech protection.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20021417-38.html
Stores like Wal Mart could easily get sued if they erected arbitrary barriers to buying them now. If a store wasn't comfortable selling them to minors, their best bet would be to get rid of their video game shelf.
Walmart and video games
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 3:49pm.
I'd be surprised if Walmart sells violent video games, but don't know for sure. Simply because they don't sell music CD's with what they consider offensive lyrics makes me wonder if they also sell violent video games.
Radical1979
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:08pm.
Wal-Mart does sell video games which are rated "M" by the ESRB.
But keep in mind that those include some of the most popular games out there like the Grand Theft Auto, Halo and Call of Duty series of games.
Hoosier
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 4:42pm.
Thanks for the link.
I'm no lawyer so I don't know what the implications of this ruling are as far as individual vendors and their ability to adopt their own restrictions or rules regarding what they sell and who they sell to.
I asked the question because if it turns out that individual stores can still adopt their own policies, I don't think much would really change in practice, particularly for the larger stores like Wal-Mart, since I would think they would want to avoid bad PR.
retailer censorship policies
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:05pm.
Some record labels refuse to ship their products to Wal Mart as a way of boycotting the store's family-friendly policies. Green Day made a lot of headlines a few years ago when they refused to negotiate "clean version" recordings of their songs. I imagine video game producers would do the same.
Retailers get sued by vendors for unfairly selling/displaying products, but if they do what the vendors want, they get sued by customers for failing to disclose adult content.
Most times, to avoid the headache, they just discontinue the merchandise, unless the profit margin is big enough to justify the hassle.
Hoosier
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:17pm.
I get all that.
The thing which I don't think is clear to some is that games which are rated M by the ESRB constitute some of the most popular and best selling games out there - and some of the best games from a gaming standpoint.
From the original article by Thomas you would think we are talking about some obscure or very extreme games put out there by a few twisted game developers - and there certainly are some over the top games like that - but that isn't really the case.
if those games are appropriate for young adults
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:19pm.
Then why are they coming with an M rating in the first place. That's a bit like saying, "Kill Bill is a super famous movie made with technical expertise, so I dunno why people rag on it."
Hoosier
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:41pm.
I'm sorry - where did I ever say that I thought M rated games were appropriate for young adults?
you said above
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:46pm.
That you don't get how the article seemed to take issue with the most popular and well-made games on the market. I fail to see what popularity - or technical production - have to do with the content at all.
Hoosier
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 5:59pm.
I never said what you are attributing to me. You are misreading what I wrote. My point - and it was actually just more of a off-hand comment - was that the restriction imposed by the California law wouldn't just affect some fringe over-the-top games but that I would actually affect a lot of pretty popular games and game franchises.
It wasn't a judgment about the merits of the California law or the Supreme Court ruling.
The fact is, I'm not sure where I stand on this. I think the ratings given games should be taken seriously as far as who should and shouldn't buy a certain game but at the same time I'm not sure if I disagree with the Supreme Court ruling.
I understand your point just fine
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:07pm.
Whether a game is "obscure" or "popular" has no relevance on its content. Kill Bill is an extremely popular movie most mainstream teenagers have already seen, but that doesn't make it less violent.
Hoosier
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:19pm.
I never said or implied that the popularity of a game had any relevance to how the violent content of a game should be assessed.
Again, it was just a comment about the scope that such ruling would have on the video game industry.
In fact, it was motivated by Radical1979's post (above) expressing surprise that Wal-Mart would sell video games rated "M". That, to me, suggested that some folks don't really get how many games such rulings affect.
If you want to read more into my comments, then I can't help that. I made it clear in my previous post that the rating system should be taken seriously. And if that isn't clear enough - I don't think people under the age of 17 should buy M rated video games. And no, how popular the game is should have no bearing on what rating it gets.
ok Hydrodyn
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:31pm.
I wasn't trying to put words in your mouth, I was just taken aback by your comment. Have a good evening.
I haven't read the decision,
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:20pm.
but I can assure you Wal-Mart would be no more forced to sell a video game it considered inappropriate than would a grocery store selling Cosmopolitan be required to also offer Hustler.
Jer
hello Jer
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:29pm.
It already is illegal to sell Hustler to a child, so Wal Mart has a great deal of protection on that. But now there is no legal standing to restrict their access to video games. What would happen if Wal Mart agreed to stock Hershey candy bars, but decided to refuse service to fat people - how long would it take Hershey to boycott?
Hoosier Conservative...
Submitted by Jer on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:57pm.
I may have misunderstood your post in my quick reading as I dropped in on this discussion. My initial impression was one which presumed a prohibition against any merchant opting out of stocking a particular game it considered inappropriate in the event First Amendment protections were deemed to trump state legislative efforts to impose tighter controls on the industry.
I don't know what Wal-Mart's policy is presently or has been in the past. The company may sell every video game title it can get its hands on for all I know. My point was simply that absent contractual obligations it can stock and offer for sale whatever it sees fit. However, if a game IS offered the merchant would be required to sell it in accordance with whatever the Supreme Court ultimately decides in the case just argued, which could mean either an expansion or restriction of minors' rights. If it strikes down the California statute on free speech grounds, then any other existing or contemplated similarly worded statute would crash along with it. However, even in that eventuality the court may provide some guidance with respect to reasonable restrictions on sale to minors which would pass constitutional muster.
Jer
I gotta disagree about video games being immature for adults
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 6:19pm.
First of all, I don't play video games; I'm too stupid and uncoordinated. After so many years in construction, my thumbs don't work like they should, and I can never remember all the damned button combinations -my son at six years old could always kick my butt in his Nintendo Mortal Kombat game. LOL
However, spending two hours in front of the television playing XBox is no different -in my view- than spending two hours in a movie theater. It's entertainment. And just like the movie industry, the video game industry has games suitable for all age brackets. Not all games are violent, but I don't think that those that are have much of an effect on older teens. You don't have to spend too long walking around some of the worst neighborhoods of your nearst big city to understand that these kids don't think shooting someone results in fake blood, or that after being shot, you simply re-spawn at another location with full health. Besides, that mindset -that songs, movies, and now video games can cause kids to commit violence by emulating the what they see or hear in those mediums- has long been deemed over-reaching.
Pilots hone their skills in flight simulators -an expensive and very realistic video game.
Simulators are also used by the military to better train our fighting men and women. Law Enforcement has similar products. Many of these tools are based upon, and developed in cooperation with video games and their developers.
A game called NASCAR Racing 2003 (which I used to play several years ago) has been instrumental in teaching young stock car drivers the intricacies of certain race tracks, and the accuracy with which the tracks and cars were developed in the game simulations has led to certain drivers crediting the software for some of their on-track success.
Fear of flying
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:47pm.
Before 2002, I haven't flown in a plane as an adult. I had as a kid, but that was a damn long time ago. But coming to 2002, it scared the absolute crap out of me so bad that I would start shaking and heart would start racing. Any relation to 9/11? Probably. The thing was, I wasn't used to the takeoff speeds that a jet plane does, you know, kicks in the brakes, revs the engines up, releases the brakes and you're getting thrust into 150MPH and inceasing rapidly.
So I knew a couple of guys in the Air Force in a nearby base where they do training flights, they had a simulator that was a HUGE help in making a plane flight feel normal. They put me in a fighter(generic for secrecy reasons I guess) and damn, that thing scared me until I thought about it as a sort of game and ended up taking out some enemy fighters (didn't say which kinds, something also generic). But once I got used to the motions and speeds(simulated but sure felt real), getting on a Southwest plane was the easiest thing in the world. Still got nervous at the takeoff and then the noise of the gears and etc, but I survived it. Was flying to Vegas to see some friends for a 4 day trip. By the time that was over, I was too tired to care about being scared, but a girl that was sitting next to me got scared and the first bit of turbulence we hit, she grabbed my arm. Too bad she didn't speak English. ;-) I even took a nap on the plane ride home until final approach.
Thank you Air Force!
Bottom line, gotta love video games. ;-)
-Jon
~There's a big difference
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:33am.
between playing video games at home and climbing into a military simulator. No one's talking about training simulators. Except the people trying to use them as an example of the benefits of home video games. That's quite a stretch. Why are you guys so defensive about this?
Come on Bru
Submitted by bkeyser on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:17pm.
I think you're being somewhat lambasted here, though partly of your own making. You took a pretty hard line on those who play video games from the outset, claiming most do it as a way to escape reality, or substitute a false reality for their own somewhat, deficient reality. At least that's how I read your initial comments.
I wasn't using military training simulators to show a benefit of home video games- I was making the case that these simulators are a byproduct of the home video game market. Had that market not gained the popularity that it had, these very valuable tools may not have been developed.
I know your response above was to Jon, but I think the reason people are as defensive as they are about this is because you (and a couple others) have made the case that anyone playing video games, especially adults, are either intellectually immature or have a personality disorder similar to addiction.
~Bk
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:37pm.
I don't see why my personal opinion on this topic is any skin off anyone's nose, and their reactions are no skin off my nose. Just because I think what I think about video games (and porn, drugs, etc.) doesn't change how I feel about anyone here. To illustrate my point, I despise pot with every fiber of my being. My dear friend Dave has commented that he indulges/has indulged and he's for legalization. I disagree vehemently but that doesn't mean I don't love the guy. We're not all going to agree about everything and we're going to have widely varied perspectives. If we didn't there'd be nothing to talk about. I'm making a case for my perspective, that's it. I'm not going to get pissed if someone doesn't agree with me, I like most of you really well and I'm simply presenting my take.
You misrepresent my argument slightly, I said that video games can be addictive, and commented to shawn that he has an addictive personality, that was not a general remark aimed at everyone who plays video games.
Agreed Bru
Submitted by bkeyser on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:55pm.
I don't think anyone is overly distressed about this conversation, and I know you're not making judgements on any particular individuals. As I said, I understand your position and to me it seems logical and reasonable. There are other logical and reasonable positions and I think some here have been making those cases as well. I don't see anyone losing sleep over this topic.
And yes, video games can be addictive -as can tv, poker, NewsBusters, and a whole host of other things -some quite harmful, some not. They can also be educational, physically challenging, mentally challenging, aid in hand-eye coordination and good wholesome entertainment. Depending on the games and frequency of use.
I can tell you this- I'd rather have my 19 year old son at home on Saturday night playing playing Metal of Honor than some of the things he could be doing.
~I bet!
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:35pm.
At that age I liked to read books in my spare time and work in the garden. Still do, as a matter of fact.
bkeyster
Submitted by well99 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:53pm.
I used to play Battlezone an arcade game before gunnery.I was on tanks and did help out.
~Video games, a symptom
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:40pm.
Video games aren't the problem, the emasculation of our society is the problem. Addictions to video games, pornography, alcohol, and drugs are the ways the men compensate/numb themselves to what they long for and don't know how to get.
"Long before history began we men have got together apart from the women and done things. We had to. And to like doing what must be done is a characteristic that has survival value. We not only had to do the things, we had to talk about them. We had to plan the hunt and the battle. When they were over we had to hold a post mortem and draw conclusions for future use. We liked this even better. We ridiculed or punished the cowards and bunglers, we praised the star-performers. We revelled in technicalities. (“He might have known he’d never get near the brute, not with the wind that way” . . . “You see, I had a lighter arrowhead; that’s what did it” . . . “What I always say is “ . . . “stuck him justlike that, see? Just the way I’m holding this stick” . . .) In fact, we talked shop. We enjoyed one another’s society greatly: we Braves, we hunters, all bound together by shared skill, shared dangers and hardships, esoteric jokes—away from the women and children. As some wag has said, palaeolithic man may or may not have had a club on his shoulder but he certainly had a club of the other sort."--C. S. Lewis
Women do it too, typically with shopping and romance novels. Oh, and food. It's takes more tragic and patently self-destructive forms with men, but the reason for that is yet another discussion.
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:45pm.
C. S. Lewis was totally ripping off "Fight Club".
:)
~Yeah, that made me laugh out loud
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 7:51pm.
Hahahaha!
I love the way Lewis phrased the dialogue in that passage, "Stuck him just like that, see?" Just like I'm holding this stick". I can just see a bunch of guys sitting around the fire hashing it out and cracking jokes on each other.
Let me give another example bru
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:02pm.
Too thin up there. When I first bought the first Playstation i played a game thay blew me away and changed gaming forever. It was called Resident evil. It had cut scenes a love story and a plot. Not to mention zombie dogs that jump at you through the walls
My excitement is beating the game. Now a simile for you is you will spend countless hours convincing everyone a virtual liberal called mamabear is wrong and your reward is people cheering you on. That is your Rush. Have I explained it right?
~Countless hours
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:05pm.
That's funny when you look at her post length compared with mine. ROFL! Come now, I've told you a million times not to exaggerate, shawn.
I have no idea what "conniving everyone" is supposed to mean.
A typo that fixed
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:12pm.
I have seen the size of some of your posts and some can really drag on. My point if you went back and logged how many hours your on this site with your thread count it is not a small number
You do not like to be questioned on how much time you spend on the internet, yet you question other peoples viewing habits.
~Now you're bringing up old guttermouth slurs
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:16pm.
Sounds like someone's got a joystick stuck somewhere very uncomfortable. Try cod liver oil, shawn.
I see you're trying to change the topic and put me on the defensive instead of supporting your position. I accept your surrender.
Slurs
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:23pm.
I just trying to be civil here. I am saying if you go back and see how many hours you spend on this sight it's not small. I spend many hours here too. We are both guilty.
~Nope
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:31pm.
Still trying to put me on the defensive instead of supporting your argument about video games.
No bru. I am trying to civil
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:39pm.
Im simply saying you, me and lots of regulars spend much time one this site. i admit way too much time on NB and its addicting
Let me give you another example. It takes much less time to vanquish a troll in a video game than on newsbusters :-)
~But the video game troll
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:51pm.
doesn't know it was vanquished. It doesn't scream and throw it's computer on the floor in a fit of rage and slink away in humiliation.
Why shawn*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:28pm.
Why all of a sudden you take this discussion personal? A discussion of the addictive qualities of video gaming has some relevance to all of society. The AMA and APA have been studying this anamoly since 1982 when symptoms began to show in teenagers. About 10 to 15% of all teenage gamers show serious side affects similiar to other forms of addiction. I have not reviewed any studies shown of gaming addiction with adults because there are about 9000 of them.. But here is something to think about.
Jared Lautner was addicted to violent video games as was the wikileaks master, Mr Bradley Manning.
So I see this issue as a serious matter affecting young people and children in our society. So I dont understand your taking this personal since, if I recall, you have children as well.
You are taking one example
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:43pm.
Out of millions of people. Brus point is taking break from reality is no good. Newsbusters is a great site, but it is far from real life.
shawn
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:51pm.
NB is not a video game. It's a way of gathering information and discussing it with real people. It's a faster way of having a pen pal. We know each other and each others personalities. A video game character is not real. The interactions you may have with people are not based on their beliefs or personalities.
Not comperable at all.
Radical1979
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:09pm.
What about online gaming where you are playing against and/or with other people?
Hydro
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:12pm.
From what I've seen, the interaction between gamers isn't really personal. It's directly related to the game. You do A and I'll do B. They don't learn about one another as individuals, what the other person believes in, reads, their sense of humor, etc.
I can tell a lot about the personalities of posters here from their writing.
Radical1979
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:17pm.
A lot of online games have chat elements and many folks (like me in about half an hour) make use of programs which allow you to speak with others while you game.
Does that make a difference?
hydro
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:22pm.
Do you discuss anything besides the game?
My views are based on experiences with boys starting at age 14 who are now 21. These experiences have caused me to do some research on my own. When these guys play and talk, it's usually yelling stuff in direct relation to the game.
Radical1979
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:31pm.
Well, I'm a bit older than that. I kind of summed up what I do in this post here to WB.
Obviously, different folks are different and some will go on with friends and others with strangers so the character of your conversations will reflect all that.
But the point is, playing video games isn't necessarily some isolated, mindless activity which does nothing but rob you of time or act as a substitute for reality. As I've been saying here, most who play simply view it as a type of entertainment or as an excuse to do something with friends or even folks you don't really know.
hydro
Submitted by Radical1979 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:55pm.
I'm not sure how your comment to Bru relates to what I'm talking about, which is the affect of the brain on video games among some adults and pretty much all children/adolescents, and the lack of interpersonal relationships that video games entail.
It's still not real Rad
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 2:09am.
It's not like in real life everytime she makes fun of a liberal in real life, she will have Cajun there almost every time telling her how great and funny she is.
Shawn
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 8:43am.
Trust me, Bru does not need Cajun telling her how wonderful and smart she is. Having a bad night?
It was a great night actually
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:23am.
Eating too much food though, tring to control the portions. I still have a week to go
~I don't discuss politics in meatspace
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:21pm.
Unless someone asks me a direct question. Political matters are inflammatory and I consider it rude to discuss them unless you're in like-minded company or in a setting where it's expected. Like a political blog.
Your post savours of sour grapes, shawn.
Aha
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:24pm.
So you discuss politics on a board instead of real life?
~You're so transparent
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:44pm.
Oh crap, he's so subtle I didn't even see that clever ploy until I stumbled into it! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
False equivalency, try again dollface. Unless you want to admit you're not real. Are you a horny little computer program, shawn?
Nope I am real
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:54pm.
But the things you say to menand some others I doubt you would say in real life. Look how hours you have logged here Bru? Wouldn't they been more productive in the real world?
~You're still not discussing the topic
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:04pm.
As a matter of fact, you're discussing anything but the topic. Do you think your case is that weak, or do you simply feel incapable of making it?
We are discussing the topic
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:06pm.
You said people that do video games use it as a substitution for real life. I am saying you spending time on NB is no more productive and a substitution for real life
I'm going out to watch the New Transformer movie. Talk to you later.
~Yeah
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:30pm.
I'm totally not really talking to you or anyone else. See? You can't see me. I'm invisible. "This is not the droid you are looking for"
Oh I can see you
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 7:51pm.
Your post kind of stand out and I will leave it at that. If you through with the cheap shots so am I :-)
~My shots ain't cheap
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 8:25pm.
But I've never had to pay for my own drinks so it doesn't really matter.
~FALSE
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:56pm.
Brus point is taking break from reality is no good.
Utterly untrue. My point is that people use things like video games as a substitute for reality.
And shawn*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:14pm.
My one in a million example was to show that with ALL addictives, the purpose is to avoid 'reality".
Actually, C2,
Submitted by 26CX on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:18pm.
It was a two in a million example: Jared Lautner and Bradley Manning.
I know CX*
Submitted by cajun2 on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:30pm.
I was being a bit "snarky". Gotta watch that though. Matt may be stalking me.
Not to worry, C2.
Submitted by 26CX on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:39pm.
You can be snarky. You can't be inappropriate and inflammatory.
Okay then
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 2:16am.
Maybe people give you kudos on NB to stroke your ego more than they do in real life. On NB, you and Mike Bratton can share a virtual enchanted mirror and take turns asking how great art thou.
Shawn
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 8:47am.
Really? That's your argument? Waving a white flag is more dignified.
Yes that is my argument
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:33am.
Bur substitutes NB for real life just like me and others on this board do. My rush on NB is proving people wrong and it does not matter if they are democrat or republican. Brus rush is trying to embarrass people and having other folks with screen names cheer her on to pump up her ego. Let me give you another example when bru is not telling us how good and wonderful she is, she tells people who she is going to ignore. I don't tell people, I just do it.
~Excuse me?
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:13pm.
You get a rush from posting on NB? Quite the little junkie, aren't we? LOL
Dude, if you're trying to read my mind I suggest you change frequencies. All you're picking up is your own feedback.
Yup
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:19pm.
When I see posters like you get proved wrong and the only defense mechanism is telling people,how stupid they look or saying you accept their surrender makes my day.
The icing is when you get so frustrated you end up leaving for months at a time when you pout and don't get your own way, but your NB addiction just keeps pulling you back.
~What? What's that?
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:48pm.
I'm wrong about video games, how?
Keep taking shots in the dark trying to get something to stick. LOL
Never said you are wrong about this
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:59pm.
Everyone has a right to their opinion. I said I love it when you are proved wrong and you pout and leave for months at a time
If it's any consolation, I admit it's sometimes boring not having you as a sparring partner :-)
~I love how
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:03pm.
you can't make a case for your stance and resort to passive-aggressive smears in a feeble attempt to irritate the person whose arguments you're incapable of facing squarely.
Yes
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:15pm.
and bringing up my porn and pot stances and the accusation
I cyber cheat with whores is not passive aggressive.
I stuck on topic, your just running out of accusations
~Either you're not reading carefully
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:25pm.
or you're being willfully obtuse. Did you miss this?
Addictions to video games, pornography, alcohol, and drugs are the ways the men compensate/numb themselves to what they long for and don't know how to get.
Read more: http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/cal-thomas/2011/07/01/mortal-kombat-and...
That post was not addressed to you, and neither were most of the others in which I have stated this thought in a multitude of ways. Throughout this thread I've stated that video games are one symptom of a problem facing men in this culture. That you happen to illustrate what I'm talking about is your misfortune.
Men all over this country are pissing away their manly strength and influence on video games (and other things) while their homes and families fall apart. Fatherlessness is at an all-time high and there are more women than men in the workforce. Where are the men? Getting drunk, high, watching porn, and playing video games.
Ooh look, drunkeness, drugs, and debauchery! I must be talking to/about shawn!! Oops, so sorry. Not that time. But go ahead and keep pretending that everything I've said has been about you and all your little neuroses.
Just curious shawn
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 1:41pm.
Can you find some examples of Bru telling us how good and wonderful she is? I can't recall any myself. And I can think of one poster Bru said she would ignore, but he was making very disturbing statements (trog).
Personally, I don't get a rush from NB. I get information the msm doesn't spread. That's why I come here and to a lot of other sites. Information.
Maybe another time Rad
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 7:58pm.
I don't want to be accused of attacking her through somebody else. Yes in a way when somebody gets busted not being able to prove their points or get caught plagiarizing i don't know if it's an actually rush but it makes me happy
Just like it makes me happy the PTC has hardly any influence. Kind of hard to explain.
~Nah, easy to explain
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:08pm.
It's called schadenfreude. It indicates a general state of spiteful pettiness that derives pleasure from the misfortune or discomfort of others.
Perhaps you'd like to devote a forum to your attempts at character assassination instead of oozing and sliming your way all over this thread.
Bru
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:25pm.
I am trying not to fight here. Let's just take it easy okay?
Bru
Submitted by Radical1979 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 10:16pm.
Translation of shawn's post: I can't find any proof on my baseless accusations against you, so please stop. I'll return in the middle of the night again when no one is around to take potshots at you.
Rad I try to back up my points
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 11:04pm.
And I have an example in mind. However I do not wish to do this today.can we please have some civility?
~What a load of crap
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 8:22pm.
"Can we please have some civility?" he whimpered. While casting aspersions on my character in typical passive-aggressive fashion.
Get real.
Sorry for the late reponse
Submitted by shawn. on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 11:06pm.
No wi fi last few days. Did not realize I was any more passive agressive than you. Sorry if you were offended
How typical of you shawn*
Submitted by cajun2 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 8:56am.
You participate in a debate with women that makes you look like a child. Then run when being made fun of by the guys at NB. You come back at 2am and all alone, with no opposition, make shots a people knowing no one will be firing back. Like in your fantasy games that you seem to have an obsession. Your responses imply that "when you throw a brick in a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit".
The thing that you have missed is that your actions verify everything that the Brunette posted on this thread last night. Yes, I do give her kudos. She is one of the brightest stars on the site and I sometimes tell her thanks.
You once again played one of your fantasies last night trying to denigrate women again knowing full well no one would be around to reply . That tells more about you than it does me . Probably since you are one of those wussie little metrosexuals, this is your way of playing a game.
Well Shawn, I live in the real world. You like games where you can shoot at people, I have been unarmed and shot at in real life. You like to play the bad guy in video games. Well Shawn, a bad guy came after me with a bowie knife once. You like to fantazise using women. Well Shawn, I have been sexually assaulted in real life. You say you know how to protect your children from these kind of video games but they are great for adults. Well Shawn, once a bad guy tried to kidnapp my two daughters to get back at me for having him arrested for incest. That happened in the real world Shawn.
The little childish games you play are a good laugh to people like me. A woman old enough that I have seen and lived experiences that you can only "play" in your little fantasy world. As long as you live in the fantasy world "playing" a man, you will never "achieve" the level of a real man.
No cajun
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:16am.
I'm on vacation right now and that is what time I got home. I have tried my best to be polite to you for the past two weeks. I have refrained from sarcasm or any mean comments and even left a thread on your request and today was the last straw. Bru has accused me of something I never said on NB. Those days are behind me and I never initiated a conversation legalizing drugs for at least 6 months. Also I don't run away from debates.
When I asked for proof, you told me to make I own thread? Sorry there is only so much I can take. It kind of reminded me of the tonight show when Ed Macmahon would just chime in and reassure Johnny Carson on how funny and bright he is
I am sorry about what happened to you in real life, but me liking video games is not responsible for what happened to you. Please don't imply it does.
~Mountain out of a molehill, shawn
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:29am.
Your confessed marijuana use was incidental to the point; I don't know why you're kicking up such a fuss about it. You know perfectly well that the old comments are wiped out. You said the better part of two years ago that you've smoked pot and claimed that you didn't do it anymore except occasionally when you went home to Canada. What's the big deal? No one's breaking out the pitchforks and torches about it; I referenced it obliquely and you've been squealing like a stuck pig ever since.
Really?
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:37am.
I said this on NB boards? Like I said, i am not going to argue with you.
~In a pot thread
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:02pm.
in response to people assuming that you smoke pot. You said what I referenced above when PT accused you of being a pothead.
Again, what's the big deal?
Bru
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:07pm.
I don't remember it. Your right it's not a big deal. Let's drop it.
Double
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:56am.
.
again shawn*
Submitted by cajun2 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:31am.
This thread concerned a debate about a very serious subject, one that has already shown very serious negative affects on our young people and society. It only took you two posts to make this thread about YOU. AGAIN. The suggestion to go to your forums was for you to have the microphone and undivided attention you so crave.
I never accused you doing anything to me. But once again, you deny any of your fantasy games you brag about your participation actually does any harm. That is the insult shawn. They you lack any insight into the negative affects of those activities because it is all about YOU first, never do you see that there is always another point of view.
Take this vacation opportunity to spend as much time with your children as possible doing real things shawn. Walking a park watching the sunset. Eating ice cream cones in the heat laugh when it melts all over you. While washing the car, have a water fight with your kids and everybody get soaking wet. Give them lots of hugs and tell them "daddy" will always be there for them.
Enjoy your vacation when you remember why.
Thank you Cajun
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:40am.
I promise, no sarcastic or mean remarks unless you say them to me first. Have a great day!
Good morning cajun
Submitted by cocodrie on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:17am.
Do you realize that you just criticised the great debater from the gray world of compromise? In his own mind nobody can compete on his level.
Now do your part to deplete the supply of beef and potatoes to save the planet.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Good morning cocodrie
Submitted by shawn. on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:25am.
Wow it's been a while huh?
Good morning shawn
Submitted by cocodrie on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:34am.
I haven't had much time to spend here lately and I have to leave in a few minutes. Nice to hear your voice. Your idea of debate md mine differ somewhat to say the least. God bless and have a nice fourth. I for one am going to enjoy some homemade kumquat wine and some destructive charred beef and potato salad while they are still legal
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Cocodrie mon ami*
Submitted by cajun2 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 8:09pm.
Bon ton roulee' cher
Dave sticks with Flight Simulator 2004
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:18pm.
Growing up, I spent more time in Cessna 150s, 172s, a hideously underpowered 177, 182s (love those), and one really scary Piper Cherokee (I hate low-wing retractables, as how do you really know the main gear is down?) than I did in cars.
I learned how to fly them all in the real world, and did so numerous times, so I do the simulator thing to relax, as it's familiar, and I can't listen to too much talk radio these days, as it gets my BP up into the danger level.
-Although I did get into Duke Nukem for a bit a few years back. :-)
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Dave
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:35pm.
Figured I'd just pipe in since you mentioned Flight Sim 2004 - I was wondering if you had heard of the game IL-2?
It's a WW II flight sim and it has a pretty dedicated following online. From chatting with some of the long-time players, I get the sense that a lot of them are pilots or ex-pilots.
Just wanted to throw that out there - feel free to ignore.
Hydro,
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:42pm.
I am familiar with it, but I suck at arial combat, so I just stick to the civilian stuff.
I have a friend who is really into it, though.
The most excitement I can take simulator-wise is chasing down storms in FS using real world weather, which updates every 15 minutes.
And hurricane season is nigh.
:-)
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
I play Hearts
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:40pm.
And Spider Solitaire.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Me too
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:45pm.
I can set some real futility records in Spider Solitaire.
Okay, BK....what's your best score?
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 8:56pm.
It's POSSIBLE to score in excess of 1,200...but not likely unless you stack the deal.
My best ever is 1,185.
I can win about 45% of the time. It's mindless....which sometimes I really like.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
J-
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:06pm.
Had to play one to find out- which is good, because I just broke a 13 game losing streak! I play intermediate because I can't ever beat the advanced level. This game I scored 1180 on 120 moves. Top score is 1192 and my win percentage is 33.
I am the
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 9:33pm.
Pong MASTER!
bk,
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:35pm.
LOL - We had that game when it first came out.
I sucked at it.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Missile Command ruled. It
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 10:30pm.
Missile Command ruled.
It just did.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Dave
Submitted by bkeyser on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 12:36am.
Used to always play Missile Command at the local Bowling Alley as a kid. They had that, and the greasiest pizza known to man.
Ah, memories.
Entertainment of various kinds
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 11:10pm.
I saw what was said about how the men here(myself included) are defensive about the gaming and etc.
Let's consider the times. A lot of us are playing the games because of the advances of technology, but when you think about it, Cowboys and Indians have been around for a long time and the first person shooters and various simulators are no different. Heck, the Laser Tag I mentioned above is just a variation of that, Cowboys and Indians.
It's just competition like baseball or football or soccer or basketball or others, there are at least two (or more depending on game) sides to a competition. Competition has been around since before the Greeks invented the Olympics. And how many different civilizations over the past millenia have had them, the Greeks, the Mayans and other Native Americans, the Romans with their gladiator games, and so on. Knights and their jousts. And on and on.
I can understand the psychological concerns behind them but competition is something that will never change, except in technology. Yes, some people do go overboard, sometimes with deadly results. Sometimes people are messed up in the head about a competition and do drastic things(Tonya Harding is the most immediate example I can think of but there have been others).
But for normal people, there's a thrill to be had when you compete with others, to find out how good they are, or find out how good you are, and see if you can improve on whatever sport it is. Not everyone makes it, not everyone is the same(even though the communists would prefer it that way!). That's why we have champions in these sports.
Video games are no different, I've seen video game competitions that even reality shows were made from them. Some of those people are just right whacked in the head.
But does that mean we need to condemn competition for those who aren't whacked in the head? I don't think so.
We might as well condemn driving because of an idiot driver. We might as well condemn any number of things because of various idiots. But using common sense, we don't have to.
-Jon
~Like I said a number of times all over this thread
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 11:55pm.
Video games provide a false sense of achievement because they satisfy a man's natural desire to compete, achieve, and overcome when he hasn't actually accomplished anything. Saying, "I can understand the psychological concerns behind them but competition is something that will never change, except in technology." implies that someone is saying there's something wrong with competition. This isn't true. The point is that men need to go out in the real world and compete for something that really matters instead of being satisfied with achieving the 27th level of WhateverTheHell.
Men can play a video game or watch porn and feel like a Big Kahuna, but that doesn't make them one. Going out into the world, saving the maiden, and slaying the dragon, in whatever form that takes in your life circumstances, is what makes a Man.
Sorry, guys
Submitted by jon_torlin on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 7:21am.
Well, I tried to defend the other guys on here, especially with my laser tag example, but I guess that wasn't enough.
I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with competition. I was just saying that there are different forms of competition and video games have become one of them.
One of the other things I failed to mention about laser tag was that given that some of the players are marines(some still on active duty, just coming home for shore leave and hanging with friends), it's also something that helps in real-world strategy and gives ideas about tactics and etc especially when you talk about guerilla warfare. The cool thing is that when you try various tactics(and believe me, it is intimidating as hell competing against the marines who have been out in the field), no one really dies and gives you a chance to alter the tactics and try again. The laser tag guns can be modified to act as real-world weapons like the pistols could emulate the .45s or 9mms and the rifles could be either M4s or those machine guns with grenade launchers and etc.
I'm only speaking for myself, but I take personal pride in doing these things with those guys. Particularly when it comes to helping them improve on their tactics that they can utilize with their COs' blessings when they get into some real furballs. Granted, I'm not a marine, but I'm happy as hell when I can tag one of them and that makes them try that much harder! Especially when it comes to guerilla warfare, it helps them be sneaky. I consider it an honor to compete against a marine and give him a run for his money. And believe me, I would not want to be the opposing side when these guys get back into the field.(one's a lance coporal, the other's a gunny, both work in different regiments) I get a thrill when I hear from one of them in email saying "dude! That thing we did with laser tag, I did it the other day on a mission and it really worked!"(there's a bit more detail than this, but I think some of you can understand why I can't divulge more)
Yes, the above is actual physical interaction, but the games I play that involve similar things above are simulators more than anything to lead into the physical interaction. That's what I do on my down time and it's a great stress reliever.
-Jon
~Laser tag isn't a video game
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:12am.
I'm talking about video games. I'm not talking about laser tag or any other physical activities you take part in with a group of men. At least with laser tag you're developing several real skill sets. I just hope you're all taking teenage boys with you and teaching them how to kick @ss and take names. Teach them how to hunt and fish and kill their enemies with their thumbs. It will give them the confidence they need to be men.
Did you see this part of one of my comments?
What I'm saying is that if what you're looking for is a sense of accomplishment and something to brag about, a video game is a pretty poor thing to settle for.
Read more: http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/cal-thomas/2011/07/01/mortal-kombat-and...
I don't know how many different ways to say this. When video games are the way a man gets a sense of accomplishment and bad@ss-ness, he's wasting himself. You can kill the bad guy and save the girl in a video game, but that don't mean squat to the women in your life. Men all over this country are pissing away their manly strength and influence on video games (and other things) while their homes and families fall apart. Fatherlessness is at an all-time high and there are more women than men in the workforce. Where are the men? Getting drunk, high, watching porn, and playing video games. There's a war on men and boys going on and you're complicit in your own destruction when you fall for all this crap.
Wake up and smell the damn coffee.
Wrathful
Submitted by well99 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 8:04am.
"Video games provide a false sense of achievement because they satisfy a man's natural desire to compete, achieve, and overcome when he hasn't actually accomplished anything."
Well I can't talk for others but I play video games for fun.If I enjoy the game then it is money well spent if I don't then it is wasted.It is entertainment to me.Just curious what about women gamers?Why do they play?
~Same reasons
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:25am.
Human nature is human nature. Men just have a stronger drive to compete, dominate, and achieve, hence their greater numbers. They're also more visually-oriented. (Men watch porn, women read romance novels)
Some women watch porn, too. That doesn't mean that it isn't specifically designed to appeal to men.
Wrathful
Submitted by well99 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:51am.
Guess it is a good thing I play a elf...) I understand your points and there is truth to that.Anyhow some people play because it is fun.I do anyways.It is like reading a good book with graphics.Blame it on Homer(Not Simpson) he got me hooked on mythology decades ago.
~Well99
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 11:59am.
I understand your points and there is truth to that.
That's all I was looking for, to express my thoughts in a way that would be understood. I keep saying that video games are a symptom, not the problem, and everyone has run to the defense of the symptom without addressing the problem I'm talking about.
There's nothing wrong with mythology, it's one of the ways the truth speaks to our hearts.
"There are three Eternal Truths that every great story, myth, legend and fairy tale have been trying to get across to us since the dawn of time. Things are Not What They Seem, We are at War, and You Have a Crucial Role to Play."
I never played vidiot games,
Submitted by Boudin on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 9:24am.
I was always kinda fond of the my physical games like Pool, Darts, shuffle board, and hunting Dear-faces and Bare a$$es.
When I was younger, I played a lot of Base/Football when the Atari systems were coming out. You know how you grow away from folks, who you used to be close with. Well I grew away from the kids who wanted to stay indoors and play vidiot games. Heck, truth be told, I never watched any tv from about 13yrs old till about 35. Maybe a Football game or race or 3 in my late 20's and 30's.
My kids played them, my Son had me worried for a bit. So I got involved, helped him understand that vidiot game are made for the idol minds. They wont feed you, or give you any worth-while education. They are in-fact pure time wasters. Now I appreciate folks who spend a few hours a week, for entertainment. But I know folks who spend all of there free time on a game. Including some of the friends my Son is growing apart from.
The Zombie Apocalypse
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 5:00pm.
As much as I've enjoyed this discussion about video games (and the guy bashing along with it) it's hard for me to take it that seriously so I came up with something in the Off-Topic forums.
~Just to clarify
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 8:56pm.
Pointing out that men who settle for the cheap thrills of a video game are selling themselves short is hardly "guy bashing". If I'd said, "Men are such losers they can't hang in real life so they hide in video games" that would be "guy bashing". If you honestly think that's what I was doing I'm afraid you completely bypassed what I was trying to say and you're believing something false.
Let me put it this way. If you were making the point that women who watch soaps and devour romance novels are settling for a cheap substitute for a real relationship with a man, I'd say, "Amen" and "Preach it, brother!". :) I certainly wouldn't think you were "girl bashing".
Does that make what I'm trying to convey more clear?
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 10:19pm.
I understand your point.
And my guy bashing comment was meant half in jest.
I agree that playing video games, when it becomes an obsession, can cause problems. But I don't think that's really saying much. And I'm even inclined to accept the arguments you have presented to explain why video games might be so appealing to some people who go overboard with them.
But you can point to any number of other activities which might become an obsession. And pointing to a few examples of people who have taken gaming too far doesn't really say much about how addictive gaming is.
My main point of contention with you (and Hoosier) has been with regard to just how addictive video games are. Both of you have lumped gaming in with drinking, porn and drug consumption which I simply don't agree with (and as a gamer, find a little insulting).
Can gaming become an obsession? Yes. Is it comparable to drugs in just how addictive it is? In my opinion no - not even close.
But if you and I don't see eye to eye on this, I'm cool with that.
It is not yet determined Hydro*
Submitted by cajun2 on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 10:50pm.
But there are on going studies that are trying to determine the extent of addictions to this new, unusual and ever changing technology. These are symptoms already noticed
These are general signs of addiction
These are signs of addiction among teens from gaming
These are general signs of drug and alcohol addiction.
See any similarities?
In my previous posts, I did not argue against gaming. I argue that we now know excessive gaming causes physical and psychological problems. Since this is an ever rapidly changing technology, it is imperative that we study this unusual phenomenon more intensively. Parents need to be warned that excessive and unsupervised gaming by teenagers is becoming a serious concern.
Yes the military does use this gaming in its training program. Notice that it is "job" specific, closely monitored, and has experts involved in that training. No parent would want their teenager trained in "killing" without professional guidance and without being fully informed about the effects. Right?
cajun2
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 10:28pm.
I can't say that I disagree with anything you have written here.
I'd say excessive amounts of pretty much anything can be bad for you.
Just as drinking is pretty popular, and most do it with no problem, same goes with gaming since most do it with a degree of moderation.
And just as with drinking, some gamers take it too far and develop real problems.
And I agree that more studies can be done to find out the extent and to find out why gaming is so addictive for some.
But when you consider that the vast majority of teens and collage age kids play video games and that many folks in their twenties and thirties (and beyond) game as well, I'm thinking that if there was as wide spread a problem with addiction as there is with, say, alcohol, more people would know about it and have firsthand experience with it.
I just don't see that.
Granted that I can only talk from my personal experience based on who I know and have known in my life and based on what I have read and seen, but think about it. I'd say most people have firsthand knowledge with problems with alcohol - either personally or via a friend of family member. And if you don't, you certainly have read about it or, at the least, seen TV shows or movies where alcoholism is depicted or addressed.
Can you say the same for gaming addiction? I can't.
And I'd be willing to bet that any given night, the number of folks gaming is comparable to the number of folks drinking.
Hydro
Submitted by Radical1979 on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 10:53pm.
I think the issue is the unrestricted use of video games by children/people whose brains haven't completely matured yet. The brain has not fully developed until the age of 25. I'm not saying that no one should play video games until they are 25, but I would say that under the age of 18 there should be restrictions on the games allowed for purchase. We don't allow underage children to buy alcohol and tobacco, why should they be allowed to purchase violent video games? Like alcohol and tobacco we need to study and warn people about the possible implications of video games. No, not everyone will have a problem, but we should be aware some people will. Parents should know the warning signs of video addiction and what to do about it. Video game addictions don't present in the same way as other addictions, and we still don't know the long term affects of it. But should we really take a chance with our children? Remember, children were the focus of this court ruling, not adults.
By the way, test scores in this country have been falling for years. It's possible gaming has a role to play in this also.
Hydro*
Submitted by cajun2 on Wed, 07/06/2011 - 12:11am.
"I'm thinking that if there was as wide spread a problem with (gaming) addiction as there is with say alcohol, more people would know about it and have firsthand experience with it"
This is a very good question as Ms Rad and I have also pointed out. Why has there not been more concern about this issue?
Only 1% of the population is infected with AIDS yet we have spent billions to find a cure and educate the public because well as they say, lots of people have sex. Interesting to note, AIDS is increasing among teenagers.
There are restrictions on salt on a restaurant table, no sodas for school kids, no toys by fast food place to entice children to their menus. Gaming addictions among teenagers between 10-15% of users yet why have we not heard more about this issue? Very good question Hydro! Why do you think this issue is being either downplayed , over played, or being ignored? I have my own theories, I would like to hear yours.
~Hydro
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 8:19pm.
Imagine this. You've just met a woman. She's the epitome of feminine perfection, she can cook, and she thinks you hung the moon. There's just one problem.
She sucks her thumb.
Just to relax, of course. In the evenings, and occasionally on the weekend. Sometimes her friends come over and they suck their thumbs, too. Problem?
Wrathful Brunette
Submitted by hydrodynDM on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 10:59pm.
And I thought we had made some progress.
For all of your arguments, I guess it was never really about the potentially addictive aspects of gaming which might cause some people prone to addictive behavior and a desire or need to use gaming as a substitute for tangible accomplishments in the real world to become obsessed with video games.
Nope.
You just plain think it's immature and comparable to a women playing with dolls or sucking her thumb.
OK.
I guess I'm just immature.
I know this is a few days
Submitted by LinTaylor on Mon, 07/04/2011 - 2:06pm.
I know this is a few days old, but I saw this sentence and it really got under my skin.
"Justices enjoy security that protects them from the kind of assaults depicted in games like "Mortal Kombat" and others in which children are allowed to emulate school shooting sprees or virtually carry out assassinations, decapitations, rape, torture and every other unimaginable horror one human being can inflict upon another."
I'm 27 years old, and in my time I've done all the "terrible" things. I play Dungeons and Dragons, watch Japanese animation, and play video games where you can violently murder your opponents. But I just checked, and I am not in fact covered in the blood of people I slaughtered to make a pact with Satan while I rape some innocent virgins. So I guess maybe the new media doesn't corrupt absolutely after all.
I'm not going to say video games are the healthiest hobby - there's a reason the term "poop-socking" exists among players of World of Warcraft. However, the assumption that games are inherently worthless and in fact destructive annoys the ever-loving snot out of me. It's a hatchet job on par with the MSM's long-winded rants about how Fox News is nothing more than the Propaganda Wing of the Republican Party, and it's extremely insulting to all the people in this industry who make a living with these things.
Allow me to give a simple example: Assassins' Creed. I'm sure just the name would cause some (such as Mr. Thomas, it seems) to recoil in horror. While you do play as an assassin and you do kill people (sometimes in quite cringe-inducing ways), that's not the point. And on top of that, your character is never treated as some kind of amazing god among men simply because he's good at killing. There's an actual plot, a very good one carried out by fun and interesting characters and filled with lots of references to both history and mythology. This series remarkably successful both in America and abroad, and it's not just because you can stab people in the throat. But of course, it's a video game where you kill people, so it must be garbage.
And how about Red Dead Redemption? All it takes is the phrase "It's by the Grand Theft Auto team" and instantly you conjure images of murdering prostitutes and the infamous "Hot Coffee" scandal. And that breezy dismissal would completely ignore a well-crafted story about a man trying to redeem his past and protect his family against the backdrop of the dying days of the Old West, filled with colorful and memorable characters. Both this and AC were Game of the Year contenders in 2010, not because of the potential for mayhem but because of the quality of the gameplay, the storytelling, the characterization and acting, and other such elements.
You know how many video games there are that allow you to actually commit horrible crimes like rape or torture? Very, very few, and those few are often pretty dire for different reasons entirely. Take for example Ethnic Cleansing, a Doom clone made by skinheads where you shoot African-Americans who act like monkeys and Jews who are all bearded Rabbis. Or Custer's Revenge, a game where you get to rape a woman...that was made in 1982, meaning it's about as arousing as clicking two Lego mens' private parts together. I know it may shock some, but this industry actually does have standards, and they rarely if ever release something just for the controversy and shock value, since in this case there is such a thing as bad press (again, see "Hot Coffee", which was badly blown out of proportion).
Of course someone will claim that video games inspire violence. Well, how about in the 50s, where countless children injured themselves by tying towels around their necks and leaping off their roofs in the hopes of flying like Superman? The lesson here is the same as it was there: it's not media that inspires this kind of behavior, it's ignorance. Teach the child that fantasy and reality have different rules, and that just because Scorpion cuts people up doesn't mean it's alright for Junior to do the same.
The Federal government, or state government, or anybody else have no right to tell me or anyone else what media they should and shouldn't be allowed to partake of. Whether you like it or not, video games are a form of expression, and that does indeed mean that they're protected by the First Amendment. So go ahead and get some new blinders so you can shut out Mortal Kombat - by the assumptions you've made, it seems you're used to doing so.
(PS, because I know WB will come in and say something, yes I do have a real life. And it's one I'm quite happy with, with a loving girlfriend and everything. I play games not for the "rush" or the sense of accomplishment, but because they're fun.)