"If Consumer Advocate/Author Jack Thompson has his way, violent video games will be extinct altogether."
So says a listing for the controversial Miami attorney on Special Guests, a website designed to help talk show hosts locate guests for their programs. The site provides a biographical sketch of Thompson (did you know he was a classmate of Al Gore at Vanderbilt Law School?), as well as suggested interview questions.
The Special Guests service apparently charges a fee to list would-be talk show guests. Its available interview subjects appear to have a generally conservative outlook. Of course, talk radio is a generally conservative form of media.
Thompson's listing appears to be timed to help promote his new book, Out of Harm's Way, currently the 44,355th best-selling book on Amazon. The lead paragraph in Thompson's Special Guests profile reads:
JOIN THE "FUN": VIRTUAL RAPE/VIOLENT MURDER..
Latest Generation of Video Games for Children - Available for Christmas!
Violent Rape - is now legal. Violent Mass Murder - is now legal. So, how do we join the "fun"?
Easy: Just buy one of the latest generation video games on store shelves now - but hurry; they're going fast - really fast.
And if Consumer Advocate/Author Jack Thompson has his way, violent video games will be go (sic) extinct altogether.
Ed: Here at GP we are having a spot of trouble reconciling that "extinct
altogether" line with Thompson's insistence that "My only position for six years on this has been: Mature games must not be sold to minors. That is my only position."
Suggested Thompson interview questions listed at Special Guests include:
- Can video games really permanently alter a persons brain?
- Aren't Republicans supposed to be opposed to more government regulating our lives?
- Where does your regulation end? Aren't you putting us on a slippery slope of censorship?
- What are some of the video game companies that you believe are acting irresponsibly?
- With the holiday buying season coming around, what games should parents buy for kids?
Thanks to GP reader Stephen Jacobs for for letting us know about the Special Guests listing! Stephen is an Assistant Professor in the Information Technology Department, Rochester Institute of Technology. He teaches graduate level game and online community courses.
 | Game Politics (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=91.6){kind=small} gamepolitics) wrote, |
← Ctrl← Alt
Ctrl →Alt →
Anonymous
December 1 2005, 12:28:20 UTC 6 years ago
Hehe. Well, of course? We wouldn't expect Jack to pick a statement and stick with it, as opposed to just speaking to the audience he's in front of at the time. Then -we'd- be the crazy ones. :P
December 1 2005, 15:19:15 UTC 6 years ago
Agreed- I'm not surprised in the least.
This is the guy who, at the time he was making that post, was trying to get "Bully" removed from store shelves, and threatening to sue whoever he could think of to prevent its release, including MICROSOFT, the one entity that at this point in his career, he should seriously reconsider issuing ultimatums (aside from the Florida Bar or God)This is the guy who, only a short time after making that post, gloated about trying to get Liberty City Stories declared a "public nuisance".
If Jack Thompson only wants to prevent minors from getting these games, I live in Hobbiton and I'm the Pope.
December 1 2005, 12:43:55 UTC 6 years ago
OK Jack, this is a question you apparently want asked.
So, do they, please cite references in peer reviewed scientific journals, and please account for the multiple studies that show none.
Violent Rape
What game is this?
December 1 2005, 12:51:02 UTC 6 years ago
Cant remember the name now, but its a fighting game.
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
Anonymous
6 years ago
Anonymous
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
Anonymous
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 13:07:21 UTC 6 years ago
Nooooooo!
Jack lies?! This is a startling and unforseen revelation!The guy is fundamentally dishonest. He contributes nothing but hyperbole and hate. He's not even useful as cautionary tale.
Jack Thompson is valueless.
December 1 2005, 13:27:30 UTC 6 years ago
How much you wanna bet
Jack paid for that out of his wifes pocket in a desperate bid to get more promotion for his book.Also, Something you all need to know ,as I found this out.
Amazon rankings works as follows. anything under 20000 sells less then 5 books a week. So, in that camparsion, Jack could go from 300000 to 46 000 in one short just form selling one book.
In reality, he's not selling hardly any books, and he's now desperate.
We have bigger issues to adress, like idiots Clinton and LIeberman for example.
Jack is failing and he's becoming more and more desperate in his crusade.
Also JACK, I have a challange for you.
1. NAME ONE GAME THAT FEATURE RAPE. Thats right ONE!. YOu can't, can you?
As for murder, that is actually a hard definition. Very few games, other then Grand theft auto and Manhunt, ever truly apply the concept of murder. Normally, as in fear, it's solders vs solders. I can't name a single game I've played in months that has people killing each other without cause.
Your ignorance and stupidity is amazing, it's like you get dumber every day.
Has your books failure really been such a shock to you that you make yourself out to be a mammoth hypocrite just to get air time?
Grow up and do something useful, your no longer a part of this debate, as your absence at sen. clintons bill propoasl shows.
Anonymous
December 1 2005, 14:23:49 UTC 6 years ago
I'd take that bet
Actually, tonnes of games feature rape, just not the kind of game which Thompson would ever know about, or indeed ever make it to America in any sort of translated form. I speak of course about Japanese eroge, or Japanese erotic games.Granted, while some eroge have been localized in more recent years, any and all eroge that actually do get translated formally are extremely tame (relatively). The fact remains, however, that many of them feature rape (and worse), some with minors. He would have a field day with the eroge community, and I would win your bet.
Murder is equally easy to find in a game, it's all in how you play. Please stop bringing F.E.A.R. into this, it's only one game. Metal Gear Solid, for example. You can very easily sneak past every guard if you want, but sometimes for fun I take the time to grab a guy and slit his throat after holding him hostage as a human shield in front of his teammates. Tenchu deducts points for killing innocents but you can still do it. Games like Fallout and Arcanum, or even Way of the Samurai let you kill pretty much anyone. Postal (both of them) was for the most part about killing innocents for no damn good reason. You can kill strippers in Duke Nukem 3D. Even classic games like Rampage (OMIGAWD CANNIBALISM) encouraged destruction of helpless citizens. Granted, you COULD not do many of these things, but the fact is that the programmers DID take the time to program it in so you can kill them. The 'murder simulation' is technically there, just like the 'sex scenes' were technically there for GTA.
That being said, of course, Jack's a retard. Something being shown in a game hardly makes a crime any more legal than writing about it in a book or making a movie about it does. Sure, you get to "participate", but would it be a murder simulator if I made a copy of Silence of the Lambs where you need to press Play before each murder scene? In a way, games 'simulate' certain crimes but putting you 'responsible', but that's hardly the same as making rape legal. Sex is a lot more complex than selecting a few options from a menu.
- cube
6 years ago
Anonymous
6 years ago
6 years ago
Anonymous
6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 13:49:54 UTC 6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:20:15 UTC 6 years ago
December 1 2005, 13:56:43 UTC 6 years ago
*sigh*
More Jack Thompson promotion without a news story.December 1 2005, 13:58:54 UTC 6 years ago
Predicted answers
Can video games really permanently alter a persons brain?Predicted Answer: Yes, yes, of course. Your brain can only take so much Doom and Grand Theft Auto before it starts replacing basic motor instinct and short term memory with knowledge of firearms and the knowledge of shooting fireballs from your hands. Plus, the games also make you want to kill people blindly. It's all scientific fact. Trust me. Duh, why do you think all of those school shootings happen?
December 1 2005, 14:19:39 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Predicted answers
I played too much Pong, now anytime someone bumps into me, i go "boop" like the paddle.MY MIND IS PERMANENTLY WARPED! CURSE YOU ATARI!
6 years ago
6 years ago
Anonymous
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:09:26 UTC 6 years ago
Some interesting titbits...
Did anyone else notice how the title of the biogrpahy page on JT is "Danger of Violent Videos"?And this bit:
"Thompson explains the moral, legal, ethical, and racial implications of this battle and why it is vital that parents—and anyone else concerned about the health, safety, and well-being of children—understand it—and join the battle to stop violent video games—dead in their tracks. "
Racial implications? What on earth could the racial implications of violent video games be? I suppose they could enforce racial sterotypes etc., but that makes no sense when used in conjunction with 'moral', 'legal' and 'ethical'.
Rest of the stuff is his normal, um, propoganda.
*********************************
ONE GRAVE ONE VOTE! ZOMBIE UNITE!
*********************************
December 1 2005, 14:10:05 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Some interesting titbits...
should be ZOMBIES in the sig.6 years ago
Deleted comment
December 1 2005, 14:22:57 UTC 6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:42:46 UTC 6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:49:34 UTC 6 years ago
Thats true
But my point was I can't name a single game released in america lately that has rape in it. I can't think of one.6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:51:44 UTC 6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:54:36 UTC 6 years ago
They get Thompsoned by the government.
6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 14:57:26 UTC 6 years ago
I don't get it.
What game is he referring to with rape in it? Is he talking about hentai games? Is he making up something else to make games look worse?Did I miss something?
December 1 2005, 15:01:39 UTC 6 years ago
Re: I don't get it.
I will answer your questions in order:-He isn't referring to any game in particular because he know it doesn't exist.
-No, he obviously doesn't know much about hentai being that if he saw any of it, he would gouge out his eyes.
-Yes, does that suprise you?
-Nope, you didn't miss a thing, JT really is that stupid.
December 1 2005, 15:16:38 UTC 6 years ago
Drawn Together
I wonder what poor Jack would do if he saw the show Drawn Together on Comedy Central.. especially the more than suggestive mastubation scene by Foxy Love.She uses a light saber for crying out loud.
And its a cartoon so its for kids right? Even though it airs at 10:30 at night.
December 1 2005, 15:21:41 UTC 6 years ago
Morning all
Well before i head back to world of warcraft i thought i would rip that "profile to shreds" i'll be back in a few but enjoy it when it's up...p.s It wont be threating or nothing dennis just my usual Rip jt's press releases apart fun....
be back in a bit peeps
December 1 2005, 15:22:44 UTC 6 years ago
What's new?
Jack's a liar, we were already well aware of that. Just that now, we have proof. I'd like to see Jack debuff this and explain himself, I need a good laugh.Anonymous
December 1 2005, 15:24:38 UTC 6 years ago
if it weren't for him, a more competent lawyer might step up into the national spotlight, and the gaming community (should that be in quotes like when he types it?) might really have something to worry about.
December 1 2005, 15:29:23 UTC 6 years ago
That, and "kiss the industry goodbye."
December 1 2005, 15:45:18 UTC 6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 16:05:53 UTC 6 years ago
Ahhhh this will be enertaining
As usual more jack thompson news..Man Jacky Boy doesnt give up at all does he.and i started to notice that Jacky Boy is Trying to be this i guess you can say Heel Type Person now..For the wrestling Fans think Heel Hbk (when he was in dx)and How trips is Now....Jt Thinks all he has to do is say something and Bam it is evidence right there..And then he has the wannabe Triple H part to him where he thinks all he has to do is sound Tough and us "Pixilanties" will just Shake in Fear over the big bad GreyTop.(Lmao and i thought my email addys were dumb)
Enjoy Jt ill have fun ripping apart this "profile" of yours...Oh jacky boy I read your book in borders this weekend and i read the whole book..well i skipped over the letter that your parents wrote you that you had in there (how that has anything to do with games i dont wanna know) *rolls eyes* And serously what is Up With this Mornic idiotic drunken high toked out idea of yours that if there is something On Tv or the Radio at 8 o clock in the morning (most children are in school) that Right away millions of kids tune in...seriously in the words of Rob Van Dam "Dude what are you smoking"..Nothing since im sure ur anti marijuana..
Before i Rip Your Profile apart jacky i want to copy some of these questions seeing as how you are "winning the culture war" maybe you can enlighten us "Kids"
- Can video games really permanently alter a persons brain?
Can it Jack? the Only Reason i ask is simply because i have played violent video games for many Years i was alwayz playing either killer instinct (speaking of K.I i hear the show got cancelled..Good Hopefully Csi is next)
Anyways i use to play Mortal Kombat also a lot Jack..In fact now i mainly Play Gta san andreas i own all 3 and manhunt also.Yet owning all these "murder simulators" i've yet to harm anyone...In Fact im Anti Violence.But the difference is *gasp* M rated games dont belong in the hands of kids and untimatly its the parents decision if the game comes into the house....But Jt wont use logic...My bad
- What are some of the video game companies that you believe are acting irresponsibly
Im curious about this too Jack.If you really do care about "protecting the children" then you are paying attention To Neversoft that just released gun..and The game Fear is also very violent.Along with The Suffering Ties that Bind..Why havent you gone after those companies that makes those games Jack..Oh thats right you seriously have Hatred For Rockstar..Well they are a succesful company and have paved the way for a new gaming Thrill..Sandbox games...that means you can do anything in the game...If you dont want to kill people In Gta then *gasp* you dont have too...But once again Jt use Logic??? what was i thinking..
Roflmao man jacky boy could you be anymore dramatic with the opening to that Profile..
"JOIN THE "FUN": VIRTUAL RAPE/VIOLENT MURDER..
Latest Generation of Video Games for Children - Available for Christmas!
Violent Rape - is now legal. Violent Mass Murder - is now legal. So, how do we join the "fun"?
Easy: Just buy one of the latest generation video games on store shelves now - but hurry; they're going fast - really fast.
And if Consumer Advocate/Author Jack Thompson has his way, violent video games will be go (sic) extinct altogether"
Im curious oh Great Person of all video games..Which game Features Rape??? I do remember hearing along time ago that someone had said (it may have been u it may not have been) that In grand theft auto 3 you were able to rape and murder women and children??? Where In Gta 3 can you do that? i own the game and never even seen that so is it some special "secret"..or is it Bs like you saying you "Predictied columbine"
and To end it since there really is no way to rip that profile apart as its pure Trash and just there to keep you in the Limelight thats dwindiling away...Its been Fun jacky Boy but give it up You lost and its over...
Signed
HilaryDuffgta
p.s Hey jack so when is law enforcment gonna start "seizing gta copies"
December 1 2005, 21:42:12 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Ahhhh this will be enertaining
when his book becomes a best seller, meaning neverDecember 1 2005, 16:16:45 UTC 6 years ago
Well now
JOIN THE "FUN": VIRTUAL RAPE/VIOLENT MURDER..Latest Generation of Video Games for Children - Available for Christmas!
Violent Rape - is now legal. Violent Mass Murder - is now legal. So, how do we join the "fun"?
Easy: Just buy one of the latest generation video games on store shelves now - but hurry; they're going fast - really fast.
And if Consumer Advocate/Author Jack Thompson has his way, violent video games will be go (sic) extinct altogether.
You guys are trying to beat the "Cannibalism in Games" crap aren't you? You make me sick.
Ed: Here at GP we are having a spot of trouble reconciling that "extinct
altogether" line with Thompson's insistence that "My only position for six years on this has been: Mature games must not be sold to minors. That is my only position."
Biggest lie JT's ever told. So far he has:
-Sued game companies for the actions of an adult.
-Threatened to file a suit to keep Bully from being released and sold to ANYONE.
-Stated that his mission is to destroy Rockstar.
-Called on the Attorney General of Alabama to have GTA declared a public nuisance, and therefore unfit for ANYONE to own.
-Is taking action on Calaifornia to have all copies of GTA seized by the police, regardless of who they belong to.
Suggested Thompson interview questions listed at Special Guests include:
- Can video games really permanently alter a persons brain?
My response: No. If it could, most of South Korea would be brain dead.
JT's response: *cites some studies that are inconclusive and/or highly refutable*
- Aren't Republicans supposed to be opposed to more government regulating our lives?
My response: I really don't know. I have no politicial party affiliation.
JT's response: *rambles on about some trivial bull shit and doesn't actually answer the question*
- Where does your regulation end? Aren't you putting us on a slippery slope of censorship?
My response: Not really, since all these attempts at hurting the industry are failing miserably. Woo-hoo!
JT's response: It's not about censorship, it's about keeping these scofflaws from peddling porn and murder simulators to kids.
- What are some of the video game companies that you believe are acting irresponsibly?
My response: The only real irresponsiblity taking place here is by the parents who repeatedly buy M-rated games for their children, and then turn around and complain.
JT's response: Most lack responsibility, but Rockstar and Take Two take the cake on that one.
- With the holiday buying season coming around, what games should parents buy for kids?
My response: Honestly, I wish they wouldn't buy any at all. But, since that's not realistic, or fair, I'd recommend sticking with games that your kids want, but only if it's rated below "M".
JT's response: None. Muahahahahaha! * disappears in a puff smoke*
December 1 2005, 20:28:31 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Well now
SWEET!December 1 2005, 16:43:52 UTC 6 years ago
Violent Rape
I am just wondering what games out there let you violently rape someone in it? Hell I can't even think of one that lets you rape someone nonviolently.I seem to remember an interview with the makers of Postal where they got asked if rape was in the game. Their reponse was something alone the lines that rape was a horrendous act that should never be in a video game.
I cant find that interview right now so maybe its all in my head though.
December 1 2005, 16:54:36 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Violent Rape
I don't know of a single game where you can rape someone. Without a dirty imagination and/or heavy modification that is. :PAnonymous
6 years ago
Anonymous
December 1 2005, 16:52:45 UTC 6 years ago
WHY?
Why would ANYONE interview Jack at this point?He's not an expert on video games ... he's just a paranoid freak.
He's not an expert on video game law, as his track record proves.
His only talent is being totally insane in public. Is that really what people want to broadcast?
"Hi, I've got no idea about anything and I'm completely incompetent. But put a mic in front of me AND OH MY GOD THAT TELEVISION JUST RAPED YOUR CHILD AND FORCED HIM TO PUT A GUN TO YOUR HEAD!"
Yeah. That's entertainment.
Media outlets need to grow up and shelve Thompson. He's not a valid aspect of this debate anymore.
December 1 2005, 17:00:01 UTC 6 years ago
Unfortunately, he's still dangerous to the gaming industry, simply because media outlets in their hunt for the senational still give him airtime to spout his less-than-complete thoughts and theories on the industry itself.
He's definitely not helping himself when he makes stupid, untrue allegations against some games (Sims2 graphic nudity), getting booted from his high profile cases, attempting to create links where there are none, or vile characterizations against individuals (Referring to Lowenstein as a Nazi for instance, or his childish attempts to demonize Janet Reno after he lost to her in an election), but unfortunately he still manages to get airtime, or mentioned in print -- including here on GP.
Jack Thompson isn't an issue, really; he's pretty much a joke, and more useful to the anti-game movement as a figurehead and distracting target for the industry than he is a direct threat, regardless of what his ego may lead him to believe. When someone who is actually competent comes along to take his place, that's when the industry will actually be in trouble.
December 1 2005, 17:11:31 UTC 6 years ago
Thing is, you really can't be competent AND against the game industry. It just doesn't work that way. In order to be fully "competent", you have to look at all the facts, and they're in our favor. We're in the right, and anyone on their side who tries to prove otherwise cannot logically be "competent". You have to be a little on the kooky side to attack a form of entertainment. You have to hate it a little. That reduces competency greatly.
I don't fear anyone from the other side. I have no reason to. I'm not going to stick my head in the sand until they go away, in fact I'm yelling in their face, but I have nothing to fear.
6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 17:01:11 UTC 6 years ago
Wait! There are some questions missing!
There are some missing interview questions that need to be addressed bnecause they relate to the topic. *ahem*Jack THomspon, why are you an idiot?
Jack Thompson, why is it that you claim to be a Christian, but you hardly practice what you preach?
Jack Thompson, how do you respond to (true) claims that your tactics are to bully innocent people and instill fear in parents?
Jack Thompson, why is it that you can hardly act your age in an open discussion of video games?
Jack Thompson, why do you lie? Lies make baby Jesus cry, you know.
Jack Thompson, why, after all your press releases, hype, blasting of innocent industry figures, you abandoned your victims in the Sony v Strickland case under the guise that the other side wanted to make the case about you? A follow up, do you really expect us to believe that you didn't want this to be about you? You've made it about you since day one.
Jack Thompson, why do you actively work to lessen the crime and sentence of murderers by blaming someone else for the crime?
December 1 2005, 17:32:45 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Wait! There are some questions missing!
Ok, probable answers John Bruce Thompson will give (remember, I'm trying to think like John Bruce, so give me some room, I may do some projectile spewing lowering myself to that degree):(1) Sorry, Junior. The only idiots around here are you video gamers. God told me so.
(2) I do. God said "Beat ye down the sinners" and if he didn't, he should have. The only words you should be hearing are God's and mine, which in my mind are the same thing because I'm a voice for God as well as a Soldier for God. So when I speak, it must be His words I speak.
Got it, Junior?
(3) God told me I didn't have to be nice to you children, so what makes you think I need to do what YOU say, Junior?
(4) I do act my age, it's you video gamer pixelantes that don't act like adults because you aren't adults, SO THERE!
(5) What do you video gamers know about baby Jesus? You're all sinners and against God. I don't lie. You can never prove it because you're video gamers and you're against God and the only real truth is God's truth and his truth is my truth. Trust me. Or else!
(6) I didn't make this about me, Junior! This is God's fight and I'm just one of many warriors fighting the good fight against all you murder and rape simulator playing pixelantes who want nothing more than to mind-molest....
:: cough, gag :: My stomach is churning, I can't finish the crap I'm spewing on that one.
(6) I'll use whatever ethical...
:: cough, sputter ::
tactic I chose to use to make sure these murder/rape columbine simulators are kept out of kids' hands. If that means sacrificing a few, even my own child, to get what I want... er, to protect the children, then I'll do it.
:: stomach churning sounds ::
Erk! I gotta be excused. :(
nightwng2000
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
December 1 2005, 17:05:39 UTC 6 years ago
Wierdness
JT wrote this profile/plug didn't he?The whole idea of "special guest" feels like personal ads for minor minor "celebs" that are hardup for media attention.
If I remember from reading reviews of "out of Harm's Way," there's very little mention of his crusade against video games yet in the profile, which just repeats various "facts" over and over, that his book "puts the powerful video gaming industry in his cross hairs. Pointing to medical, scientific, and law enforcement evidence, the author shows how unhealthy and dangerous this popular 'entertainment' has become."
Like I said that review was pretty repetative too. It mentions that he went to Vanderbilt, where he was a classmate of Al Gore, 3 times. Just think if Jack had had the foresight to off Al Gore while they were in college, the interweb might have never been invented and just because you were someone's classmate doesn't mean that they were going to invite you to their kegger at the White House.
Overall that profile's just a big plug for his book. Not only that, there's it wrongly implies that his book is both about him against the VG industry and "engrossing."
December 1 2005, 17:21:29 UTC 6 years ago
Don't you think that someday, there will be a video game of a little yellow cannibal running through a maze eating pills and ghosts?
Is it true that you have to avoid holy water, garlic and direct sunlight? What about silver bullets?
I have a 8-year-old daughter that I love very much. That's why p make sure that she goes to school in a helmet and flak vest. Have you done that to your child?
Is there any violent holodeck games I can buy at Best buy?
Do you think that more children are throwing stuff like turtle shells, fireballs, hammer and then hiding inside sewer pipes because of video games?
December 1 2005, 17:30:40 UTC 6 years ago
← Ctrl← Alt
Ctrl →Alt →