gamepolitics: Protest March at Take-Two HQ ??

Game Politics (

gamepolitics) wrote,
@ 2006-08-22 07:01:00

Entry tags:

bully, jack thompson, peaceoholics, protests, take-two

Protest March at Take-Two HQ ??

Controversial Miami attorney Jack Thompson has indicated that there will be a demonstration, apparently against the upcoming release of Bully, this Friday outside Take-Two Interactive's Manhattan HQ.

According to a terse e-mail from the activist lawyer, the protest will be staged by " a group of children protesting Take-Two's targeting of kids with their adult entertainment."

Thompson, who cc'd Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau on the message, did not respond to GP's e-mail request for more information. As reported previously by GamePolitics, Morgenthau' office is conducting a grand jury investigation into Take-Two.

Readers may recall that Thompson, along with members of the Peaceoholics, a grass-roots community group based in Washington, D.C., picketed Take-Two last August.

It is not yet clear, however, whether or not the Peaceoholics are involved in Friday's protest.

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	This protest means little ace_of_sevens 2006-08-22 11:37 am UTC (link)
	Somethign tells me children don't really care about this issue. They're being drug out by their parents who either led them to think they're protesting actual bullying or just ordered them to go. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: This protest means little anticron 2006-08-22 01:20 pm UTC (link)
	So what you're saying is that they're being bullied into protesting? ;) (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: This protest means little -

zero_beat_x, 2006-08-22 09:42 pm UTC

Re: This protest means little -

shockz0rz, 2006-08-22 11:41 pm UTC

Re: This protest means little -

blackmesaman, 2006-08-23 12:02 am UTC

Re: This protest means little -

father_time89, 2006-08-23 12:50 am UTC

	ianc14 2006-08-22 11:38 am UTC (link)
	" a group of children protesting Take-Two's targeting of kids with their adult entertainment." Somehow doubt that. Besides, T2 never targetted kids. But OMG - Jack admiting theres such a thing as adult gamers? is this a first? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	:( typhoid 2006-08-22 03:23 pm UTC (link)
	No, I don't think he's admitting that adult gamers exist. I think he's trying to compare Take-Two's product to porn (which is usually what "adult entertainment" refers to). So therefore, it shouldn't be available to kids because only kids play videogames so this game should be banned! (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: :( -

ianc14, 2006-08-22 05:09 pm UTC

	Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. andrew_eisen 2006-08-22 11:49 am UTC (link)
	...a group of children protesting Take-Two's targeting of kids with their adult entertainment. You know, that might mean something if Take Two actually targeted kids with their adult entertainment. Andrew Eisen (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. cooked_sashimi 2006-08-22 12:19 pm UTC (link)
	I was thinking along your line of thought as well. wouldn't be a level of manipulation on children before they would attend a demostration? not to mention JT. he should be there right? afterall, he is a stubborn brat that sounds like he has a mental age of a 14-16 year old Christian male locked up in the house by his parents. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

illspirit, 2006-08-22 01:55 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

zero_beat_x, 2006-08-22 10:09 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

typhoid, 2006-08-22 03:24 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

dustin1986, 2006-08-22 03:41 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

andrew_eisen, 2006-08-22 08:37 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

ianc14, 2006-08-22 08:54 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

andrew_eisen, 2006-08-22 10:12 pm UTC

Re: Exploiting children to make a stand against child exploitation? Classy. -

nightwng2000, 2006-08-22 04:21 pm UTC

al_gorithm
2006-08-22 11:53 am UTC (link)

They're going to give the game a ton of free publicity this way. It's going to sell a crapload. Then they're going to feel like morons when the game is like the trailer, comic tongue-in-cheek violence no worse than a lot of PG movies these days, not an adult columbine simulator. Of course, for this prediction to come true, they have to either play or see the game, which is unlikely, cause then they'd be educated enough not to grandstand about how eeeevil video games are, and we can't have that.

(Reply to this)

	Damn if he keeps this up... tollwutig 2006-08-22 11:53 am UTC (link)
	I'm going to have to get more popcorn.... (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Damn if he keeps this up... grls_r_gamers_2 2006-08-22 01:14 pm UTC (link)
	Don't forget the butter! (Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

terminator44, 2006-08-22 02:02 pm UTC

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

enmitywithin, 2006-08-22 02:10 pm UTC

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

finaleve, 2006-08-22 07:22 pm UTC

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

father_time89, 2006-08-22 08:58 pm UTC

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

zero_beat_x, 2006-08-22 10:27 pm UTC

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

father_time89, 2006-08-24 01:00 am UTC

Re: Damn if he keeps this up... -

zero_beat_x, 2006-08-24 04:59 am UTC

Jack needs to grow up and get a life(basically practice what he preaches)

beardoggx
2006-08-22 11:55 am UTC (link)

Simply pathetic. He's playing into Take-Two's hands by giving Bully free publicity no matter what he does(which, ironically, aside from an appearance on G4 a couple of weeks ago, he's has gotten none).

If Bully ends up being the top-selling game at the end of the year, then Jack will be getting fruit baskets for Christmas from Take-Two as a thank you.

Let the marketplace decide.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Jack needs to grow up and get a life(basically practice what he preaches)

cecil475
2006-08-22 01:49 pm UTC (link)

(Simply pathetic. He's playing into Take-Two's hands by giving Bully free publicity no matter what he does(which, ironically, aside from an appearance on G4 a couple of weeks ago, he's has gotten none).)

He'll never get it.

I listened to the interview with the peaceoholics leader and someone from Gamer Andy. Some of the things the peaceoholics leader said was was 1) Something about A gril wouldn't get into a stolen car before playing GTA. And 2) Recently (at the time of interview) a bunch of kids ware being chased by the police, and shooting at the police, and the police thanks the peaceoholics for the work theyre doing. I'm quoting from memory. I'm at school right now. I'll post actual quotes from that interview when I get home, and I can listen to the interview again.

I looked up this so called police chase, not long after the interview came out. Car chases are pretty big in the news. Car chases involving kids? Shooting at the police? In Washington DC? It would be even bigger than OJ's little slow ride of a chase.

Yet, no mention of it.

- Warren Lewis

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	goodrobotus 2006-08-22 12:22 pm UTC (link)
	We could always hope he handcuffs himself to the fence. The Police would probably just confiscate the key, might give them a few days' peace and quiet. (Reply to this)

	Wont somebody think of the children!!! odc100 2006-08-22 12:28 pm UTC (link)
	For a start how about considering that they couldn't care less about this and therefore leaving them at home so they can actual get on with being children? Not puppets of adults. Why does this remind me of the South Park episode where protestors continually fling themselves at the headquarters of the TV channel with catapults. It's about as pointful. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Wont somebody think of the children!!! father_time89 2006-08-23 01:05 am UTC (link)
	more like the 100th episode of south park where the pro-(iraq)war side demanded kenny join their rally, then the anti-war side said forcing kids to their parents' opinions was dispicable then proceeded to demand stan and kyle join their protest. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Gaming booths animalunb 2006-08-22 12:39 pm UTC (link)
	Take Two should set up a series of gaming booths for the children to play when they get bored of the pointless protest. They could put that Table Tennis game that Rockstar made on them. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Gaming booths the1jeffy 2006-08-22 04:41 pm UTC (link)
	That is an amazing idea. I wonder if we should email it to the TT people? (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Gaming booths -

father_time89, 2006-08-22 09:00 pm UTC

Re: Gaming booths -

ianc14, 2006-08-22 05:25 pm UTC

Re: Gaming booths -

shockz0rz, 2006-08-22 11:45 pm UTC

Lets organise a group of gamer protestors!

thelandofsmeg
2006-08-22 12:41 pm UTC (link)

We need to organize a group of protesters that are gamers, to protest against the stigma generated against Take-Two, the hypocrisy of Jack Thompson (ie: Slandering Gamers while at the same time flaunting his Christian beliefs and threatening/attempting to sue Gamers that slander him), as well as the general negative attitude towards gamers.

Major concerns from Gamers need to be communicated through conversation that Games are for adults too, and as such that Games rated for Adults are for Adults. Kids aren't affected by these Adult-rated games if the same parents that are doing the protesting, would do the parenting.

Jack Thompson also needs to be exposed for his manipulative agenda that he uses to exploit concerned parents and other groups.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Lets organise a group of gamer protestors! elixer44 2006-08-22 04:28 pm UTC (link)
	I can't be there, but what if every one carries a sign that says "Get over it, it's a game" or something... (Reply to this) (Parent)

	startropics 2006-08-22 12:43 pm UTC (link)
	In an act of sheer irony, the kids become bored and engage in Liberty City Stories multiplayer on their PSPs... (Reply to this) (Thread)

	zippydsmlee 2006-08-23 10:20 am UTC (link)
	or stick in a UDM of Saw...SAW 2 or hostel that they got from Walmart..... (Reply to this) (Parent)

	deviancy 2006-08-22 12:59 pm UTC (link)
	You know, considering that Bully isnt shaping up to be the Offend-o-tron fest that it was seeming to be earlier. I find all the protesting rather hollow. At the end of the day, people will probably say, "Do they even know what they're protesting?" -e- (Reply to this)

	ace_ofspade 2006-08-22 01:02 pm UTC (link)
	"a group of children protesting Take-Two's targeting of kids with their adult entertainment." Ha, ha XD This has gone from bugging me to making me laugh whenever I hear it. (Reply to this)

	jamesweis 2006-08-22 01:15 pm UTC (link)
	Well now I'm disappointed that I am working Friday. If I weren't, I may have had to take a train ride down to the city for the day and see what happens. (Reply to this)

	grls_r_gamers_2 2006-08-22 01:17 pm UTC (link)
	When I heard about Bully for the first time months ago in Game Informer, I had a hard time getting any info on it. Now I'm seeing something on it every day! And I also have the inexplicable urge to get the game when it comes out... Hmm... (Reply to this)

Consider this.

chrowx
2006-08-22 01:19 pm UTC (link)

What children out there are still young enough to be manipulated by their parents, but old enough to form their own opinions and stand points about a game that hasn't been released yet? Not like violence doesn't exist, and I can almost garuntee that the news stations that cover this will probably go right to taking about rape and murder as soon as their done with this story.

Leading a protest against an unreleased game would be like complaining about your hamburger at McDonald's before they serve it to you.

The people who protest these kinds of things don't get what's really happening. Seems most of these parents are under a media hypnosis that causes them to think that rockstart is forcing them to buy videogames. Not just that, but videogames ADULT THEMES! (pause for crowd gasp...) This whole hot coffee thing was pretty stupid on Rockstar's/T2's behalf, but seriously, it still comes down to the parents understanding the issue. Sure, the game has an unaccessible (unless hacked) sex mini-game, and its, violent, and adult-themed and all of that... Why are these children, who are obviously so fragile, allowed to play this game?

Whether or not these parents understand the issue, apparently doesn't amtter, because they seem to tally Rockstart/T2 up there with the tobacco companies. All those brainwashing GTA commercials making me want to play violent video games!

(Reply to this)

blackmanta
2006-08-22 01:33 pm UTC (link)

IIRC, I think the Peacoholics quitely distanced themseleves from Thompson once they realized they were just being used as his pawns. At least, they haven't indicated that they'd work with him anytime again in the future. Also, I don't think they'd be concerned with what is primarily being seen as a school problem, as they're more concerned with inner city youth violence.

It makes me wonder, why hasn't JT thrown his lot in with the < href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Family_Association>American Family Association</a>? Their mentality and goals are pretty much in line with his. Or what about the PTC?

I seem to remember reading here in the past, though, an interview in which he insinuated that those organizations (without actually naming them) were in it only for the money; that they pretty much based their business on complaining about whatever they percieved as offensive, and that if all that suddenly went away, they'd be out of a job. Twisted JT logic again, but if that's what he said, then thet's probably the reason.

(Reply to this)

Jack's found his great white whale

dog_welder
2006-08-22 01:51 pm UTC (link)

It's amazing to me that with all of the company's out there creating and releasing violent video games that Jack has just latched onto Rockstar. Granted, they by far have the best-selling violent game franchise in history with GTA, but take a look at the other games that are coming out.

Scarface
Reservoir Dogs
The Sopranos
The Godfather

(Hmmm...I'm seeing a trend here.)

Where are all the protests for these games?

Also, I find it utterly shameless to drag children to a protest and force them to do something that they probably don't understand or really have a clue about. That's just sad.

(Also, I'm still waiting for Jack to show one concrete example of Rockstar marketing directly to children.)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Jack's found his great white whale xwaix 2006-08-22 05:57 pm UTC (link)
	(Also, I'm still waiting for Jack to show one concrete example of Rockstar marketing directly to children.) And here's a hint for Mr. Thompson - just because the ESRB rates a game "T" doesn't automatically mean that Rockstar/Take Two is marketing the game to people of that age. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Jack's found his great white whale -

teh_truthkeeper, 2006-08-22 08:34 pm UTC

Re: Jack's found his great white whale -

barfo, 2006-08-22 10:30 pm UTC

Re: Jack's found his great white whale -

jahbulon, 2006-08-23 01:06 am UTC

Re: Jack's found his great white whale -

finaleve, 2006-08-22 07:29 pm UTC

Maybe off-topic, but something just dawned on me about that... -

gabrielcelesta, 2006-08-23 11:21 am UTC

	Jack wants to get a copy of Bully in person! monkeyincorner 2006-08-22 02:05 pm UTC (link)
	I guess Rockstar ignored him, again, and he decided the only way to get his copy of Bully is to show up at their HQs! (Reply to this)

	I got an idea... scazza 2006-08-22 02:10 pm UTC (link)
	Anyone near the TT HQ with a DV camera and a microphone? I want to see someone go around and ask the kids what they are protesting against... 100 bucks they have never even heard of bully before, or the "exploits" of take two. Would make some entertaining viewing. (Reply to this)

	udx 2006-08-22 02:39 pm UTC (link)
	This is pretty much a WTF momment in my view. (Reply to this)

	you_said_what 2006-08-22 03:18 pm UTC (link)
	next thing you'll know he'll start throwing red paint on people who play rated m games (Reply to this) (Thread)

	grls_r_gamers_2 2006-08-22 05:27 pm UTC (link)
	Don't give him any ideas! I don't want to be splashed in red paint! (Reply to this) (Parent)

	typhoid 2006-08-22 03:21 pm UTC (link)
	I must correct: this "the protest will be staged by " a group of children protesting Take-Two's targeting of kids with their adult entertainment."" with "the protest will be staged by a bunch of parents and politicians using their children as pawns in their ill-conceived war against Take-Two's games for adults." (Reply to this) (Thread)

	oh_its_anubis 2006-08-22 08:23 pm UTC (link)
	Yeah, you pretty much nailed it. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Did the kids actually know what they were protesting? elixer44 2006-08-22 03:35 pm UTC (link)
	Or were they promised free candy and cookies? To "save the children," leave them out of matters they don't understand. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Did the kids actually know what they were protesting? terminator44 2006-08-22 04:07 pm UTC (link)
	I'm guessing the parents dragged the children there kicking and screaming, like going to get flu shots or school pictures. It's a pretty sad world we live in when parents are willing to parade their children around just to push an agenda. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Did the kids actually know what they were protesting? -

the1jeffy, 2006-08-22 04:47 pm UTC

beacon80
2006-08-22 04:01 pm UTC (link)

Meanwhile, at Take-Two headquarters.
"Finally! This protest took a lot longer than we expected. What impact is this going to have?"
"There's still sufficient time for the protest to expand the buzz. Everyone will know when the game comes out, so initial sales should be pretty high, regardless of how good the game is."
"All right, but next time, let's hire someone to organize the protest ourselves. This was supposed to have started two weeks ago."

(Reply to this)

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