More Ranting About Video Games
If a game is rated M for mature (meaning that it is meant to be played by those 17+) then it is intended to be enjoyed by that age group. That's why the ratings board slapped that rating on it and as is usually the case, that is how and why the game was developed and how it is advertised.
I've always been a firm believer that people love to play the blame game, especially parents and people in power fighting for their own agenda. Columbine happens and the parents, the people in charge of raising the child and making sure he stays out of trouble, blame Manson and video games. If your kids are so easily manipulated then you should be keeping a closer eye on them or maybe spending some time to, I dunno, raise them? This kid was building pipe bombs in his basement and the parents had no idea? Come on.
I've been playing video games, more so violent ones, my entire life. I'm also a big horror and action movie fan and I listen to all kinds of music, some of which doesn't spread the message of equality and love and happiness. Do I steal cars, shoot people or even try to start fist fights with people? No. I try to avoid most violence and playing Grand Theft Auto or Ninja Gaiden or watching a movie about a serial killer eviscerating people has no negative effects on my psyche. I don't try to emulate what I see on screen or hear in a song. Parents and people in general need to realize that games, movies and music have ratings and advisories. It's up to parents and retailers to make sure that these don't get into the wrong hands. Don't like Grand Theft Auto? Don't buy it for your kid and if you find out he's played it against your wishes then punish him or just sit him down and explain why he can't play it. People love to rebel. Everything is more fun when you shouldn't do it so don't just say 'no' but explain to your child why.
Video games are far too often made to sound as if they're toys and made for kids. The fact of the matter is that a lot of the games coming out nowadays are geared towards adults. Now kids are bound to get a hold of them but that isn't the fault of the creators or distributors of the games. If these boy cotters had any sense or actually cared about the cause they're fighting for then they would attack retailers and force a hefty fine for selling/renting these games to minors. They would try to educate parents on what to look for. Start a website about media in general. Not just what's bad and should be kept away from their kids but solid alternatives. There are plenty of fun games out there made for kids and teens that are age appropriate. Why not put your money where your mouth is and gather some cash together and help fund the companies that are making the age appropriate games or better yet, make them yourself.
It baffles me the lack of sense and accountability that some people have. That some people don't need a valid cause to fight for, they just need a cause. Some kids are born fucked up, some are made that way from their parents. These kids are going to run into trouble with the law or shoot up a school regardless of whether or not they see it in the movie. Kids are taught right and wrong from their parents and from school. If they can't distinguish right from wrong on their own then they're prone to violence and breaking the law well before any game gets into their hands. Look after your damn kids and try raising them instead of letting them get a hold of things they shouldn't have and washing your hands clean of it all when something bad happens.
I've always been a firm believer that people love to play the blame game, especially parents and people in power fighting for their own agenda. Columbine happens and the parents, the people in charge of raising the child and making sure he stays out of trouble, blame Manson and video games. If your kids are so easily manipulated then you should be keeping a closer eye on them or maybe spending some time to, I dunno, raise them? This kid was building pipe bombs in his basement and the parents had no idea? Come on.
I've been playing video games, more so violent ones, my entire life. I'm also a big horror and action movie fan and I listen to all kinds of music, some of which doesn't spread the message of equality and love and happiness. Do I steal cars, shoot people or even try to start fist fights with people? No. I try to avoid most violence and playing Grand Theft Auto or Ninja Gaiden or watching a movie about a serial killer eviscerating people has no negative effects on my psyche. I don't try to emulate what I see on screen or hear in a song. Parents and people in general need to realize that games, movies and music have ratings and advisories. It's up to parents and retailers to make sure that these don't get into the wrong hands. Don't like Grand Theft Auto? Don't buy it for your kid and if you find out he's played it against your wishes then punish him or just sit him down and explain why he can't play it. People love to rebel. Everything is more fun when you shouldn't do it so don't just say 'no' but explain to your child why.
Video games are far too often made to sound as if they're toys and made for kids. The fact of the matter is that a lot of the games coming out nowadays are geared towards adults. Now kids are bound to get a hold of them but that isn't the fault of the creators or distributors of the games. If these boy cotters had any sense or actually cared about the cause they're fighting for then they would attack retailers and force a hefty fine for selling/renting these games to minors. They would try to educate parents on what to look for. Start a website about media in general. Not just what's bad and should be kept away from their kids but solid alternatives. There are plenty of fun games out there made for kids and teens that are age appropriate. Why not put your money where your mouth is and gather some cash together and help fund the companies that are making the age appropriate games or better yet, make them yourself.
It baffles me the lack of sense and accountability that some people have. That some people don't need a valid cause to fight for, they just need a cause. Some kids are born fucked up, some are made that way from their parents. These kids are going to run into trouble with the law or shoot up a school regardless of whether or not they see it in the movie. Kids are taught right and wrong from their parents and from school. If they can't distinguish right from wrong on their own then they're prone to violence and breaking the law well before any game gets into their hands. Look after your damn kids and try raising them instead of letting them get a hold of things they shouldn't have and washing your hands clean of it all when something bad happens.