gamepolitics: Hillary Elaborates on Media Violence

Game Politics (

gamepolitics) wrote,
@ 2005-08-22 14:46:00

Entry tags:

camra, democrats, game violence, hillary clinton, legislation

Hillary Elaborates on Media Violence

In a Q&A-style opinion piece in Sunday's Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) spelled out her views on media violence. Here's a sample:

"There is 40 years of evidence pointing to the negative effect of violent media on children...But the impact of violence in the media on crime deserves more exploration. So, I have proposed a bipartisan bill to establish a research center on media and children at the National Institutes of Health..."

Q: How do you respond to critics who say that any attempt to curb violence in media is an attack on free speech ?

A: "As parents, we must reassert our authority over what enters our households...While the Supreme Court has never considered the constitutionality of a prohibition on distributing extremely violent or sexually explicit video games to children, other cases before the court would lead one to believe that it would be upheld."

Q: How can the entertainment industry be held more accountable for producing and promoting products that too often glamorize violence?

"I have called for legislation that would put real teeth into video game industry ratings by creating penalties for retailers that fail to enforce the system...I also have called for a universal ratings system across all media because what we have today is alphabet soup. From TV-Y7-FV to AO to PG-13, the different ratings systems for each type of entertainment - TV, video games, movies and music - are tough to navigate..."

Q: Is the government doing enough to combat the problem? If not, what do you suggest?

A: "There is a bipartisan consensus that additional action can and should be taken. For example, I introduced the CAMRA Act (Children and Media Research Advancement Act) along with Sens. Joseph Lieberman, D-Del., Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., to establish a research center at the National Institutes of Health to examine the impact of all forms of media on children.

...I also am developing legislation to put in place penalties for video game retailers that sell Mature and Adults-only rated games to minors and require the Federal Trade Commission to investigate modifications of video games so that we can ensure that what happened with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas doesn't happen again."

(Post a new comment)

	segal 2005-08-22 07:12 pm UTC (link)
	Does she really thinks, people are so stupid, they can't read "MATURE. Extreme Violence, Rude Language" on box? Study shows, parents just don't care about ratings. (Reply to this)(Thread)

I don't buy it

quartermaine
2005-08-22 07:54 pm UTC (link)

"While the Supreme Court has never considered the constitutionality of a prohibition on distributing extremely violent or sexually explicit video games to children, other cases before the court would lead one to believe that it would be upheld."

What cases are those? Every single one that has ever been in court has ruled in favor of games. We currently have a flawless victory against the government and family values groups. We're about to add the Illinois law to our winning streak.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: I don't buy it (Anonymous) 2005-08-22 08:16 pm UTC (link)
	I think she means the Supreme Court itself has never considered such a law. Which is true although they could have with the Indianapolis arcade law that was struck down by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals but chose not to, probably because they agreed with the 7th circuit courts decision, although we don't know for sure. (Reply to this)(Parent)

(Anonymous)
2005-08-22 07:55 pm UTC (link)

I think she has some good ideas. There have, of course, not been "40 years of evidence pointing to the negative effect of violent media on children", but she's a politician, so I guess we'll let that one slide.

"As parents, we must reassert our authority over what enters our households...While the Supreme Court has never considered the constitutionality of a prohibition on distributing extremely violent or sexually explicit video games to children, other cases before the court would lead one to believe that it would be upheld."

Parents should be reasserting their authority on their kids, not on the gaming industry.

"I have called for legislation that would put real teeth into video game industry ratings by creating penalties for retailers that fail to enforce the system...I also have called for a universal ratings system across all media because what we have today is alphabet soup. From TV-Y7-FV to AO to PG-13, the different ratings systems for each type of entertainment — TV, video games, movies and music — are tough to navigate..."

A universal rating system may not be compatible for everything from movies to games to music, but that's unimportant. I think what she's hinting at is that she wants a single government or independent organization to rate everything.

"There is a bipartisan consensus that additional action can and should be taken. For example, I introduced the CAMRA Act (Children and Media Research Advancement Act) along with Sens. Joseph Lieberman, D-Del., Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., to establish a research center at the National Institutes of Health to examine the impact of all forms of media on children."

Excellent idea.

"...I also am developing legislation to put in place penalties for video game retailers that sell Mature and Adults-only rated games to minors and require the Federal Trade Commission to investigate modifications of video games so that we can ensure that what happened with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas doesn't happen again."

Now this is stupid... investigate modifications of video games? Honestly... there's a nude skin for virtually every game out there! Would you call a book bad if someone drew lewd pictures in it? Would you call a song bad if a band remixed it with explicit lyrics? This is retarded... it's not the developer's responsibility what people mod in their games... Besides, if Little Jimmy is downloading nude skins for "I Love Maths! 2000", then maybe he isn't as precious and innocent as you originally thought.

-general_koffi

(Reply to this)(Thread)

(Anonymous)
2005-08-22 08:10 pm UTC (link)

"...."There is a bipartisan consensus that additional action can and should be taken. For example, I introduced the CAMRA Act (Children and Media Research Advancement Act) along with Sens. Joseph Lieberman, D-Del., Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Rick Santorum, R-Pa., to establish a research center at the National Institutes of Health to examine the impact of all forms of media on children." .....

Excellent idea."

Unfortunalty, these politians already have their minds make up that violent media is harmful to children, so the only people they'll hire for this new Research Institute are ones who hold the same beliefs, which in turn causes very biased research.
If you already have your mind made up going into a study, you're bound to find something in it (no matter how small or problematic) that will fit your belief, and then you'll take that one thing you find to the MAX.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

(Anonymous)
2005-08-22 08:55 pm UTC (link)

-general_koffi

Now this is stupid... investigate modifications of video games? Honestly... there's a nude skin for virtually every game out there! Would you call a book bad if someone drew lewd pictures in it? Would you call a song bad if a band remixed it with explicit lyrics? This is retarded... it's not the developer's responsibility what people mod in their games... Besides, if Little Jimmy is downloading nude skins for "I Love Maths! 2000", then maybe he isn't as precious and innocent as you originally thought.

-general_koffi

</blockquote>

That doesnt matter. You can make anything pornographic with a pair of scissors and some glue. If a child is using a small needle as a sword for some GI Joe figure, I would rather it didnt come with the toy itself. It's the maunfacturer's ability to make a product safe. Honestly, the harm of the hot coffee mod is not through who is exposed to it. It's the really high horse that politicans, and lawyers have been waiting for in rallying support from thier voting demograhic (old people, parents) to lash out at the video game industry. And its a good one. As long as they can link adults only material to items accessible to children, then it will be much easier to confuse the masses on the issue of "explicit" games whether thier violent or XXX rated. Don't be surprised if "Hot Coffee" is mentioned by a bunch of soccer moms a dozen times on some Oprah special about video games.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

	She blew it. lazydriver 2005-08-22 08:07 pm UTC (link)
	Hilary, you screwed your career. I warned you! (Reply to this)

Let me get this straight here...
(Anonymous)
2005-08-22 08:30 pm UTC (link)

Hillary wants to give more "teeth" to video-game ratings. Alright, I can't argue with that, but are movie theaters penalized if they are found out to have let a minor into an R rated feature without a guardian?

Also, even though her language seems benine, I'm wary of the proposed "research center". I feel it has a very good chance of becoming nothing more but a "watchdog group" that spews out "studies" tailored to support one point of view or another.

On another note, I just saw JT's book on the Amazon link at the top of the GP page and nearly giggled with glee. As soon as they release a softcover I am SO buying it :O

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	Re: Let me get this straight here... (Anonymous) 2005-08-22 08:32 pm UTC (link)
	Oh, in case anyone misses it, the bok is called "Out of Harm's Way" by Jack Thompson, Hardcover, $13.99. BUY IT LOL! (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: Let me get this straight here... (Anonymous) 2005-08-22 09:25 pm UTC (link)
	I will take it out of the library, odds are this guy is going to take the money from the book and put some or all of it into his anti-game agenda. -JB (Reply to this)(Parent)

Re: Let me get this straight here...
(Anonymous)
2005-08-22 09:36 pm UTC (link)

...."Hillary wants to give more "teeth" to video-game ratings. Alright, I can't argue with that, but are movie theaters penalized if they are found out to have let a minor into an R rated feature without a guardian?"

Nope, neither are book stores for selling the latest Stephen King bloodbath horror novel to minors, or record stores for selling PA:EL Cd's to minors, or adults who talk about extreme "R" rated levels of violence in front of minors.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

Re: Let me get this straight here...
(Anonymous)
2005-08-23 09:16 pm UTC (link)

Please do buy my book. It's about far more than video games. It recounts my successful battle to get Stern off all Clear Channel stations and off the air in South Florida. And it recounts my conversion to Christianity and my spiritual journey since. If you think this is a book confirming your stereotypes about me, you'll be sorely disappointed. On the other hand, you might find the truth, which will set you free. If God can save me, a sinner, through Jesus Christ, he can save anyone. Jack Thompson

(Reply to this)(Parent)

(Anonymous)
2005-08-22 08:31 pm UTC (link)

I think a lot of people are overreacting to Hillary Clinton. I don't think she is against the video game industry. I see nothing wrong with what she has called for in the last paragraph.

If I buy a game for my kids and I buy them an MA game, there better not be some hidden sex game in it. I bought them the game knowing what I'm getting into, because I know my kids know the diffrence between fantasy and reality violence. If they want smut, there going to have to work hard like I did when they were my age, and sneak it around without my (and especially the wife's) knowing.

I also have no care for facts brought up by studies, there usually skewed and selected to prove someones point anyway.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

	jacque_q 2005-08-22 09:01 pm UTC (link)
	Well, unless your kids have a modified console or are surfing fringe websites, you won't have to worry about a secret sex game. Your buying them a Mature game anyway so I guess you've got no problem with cop-killing and other gang related activities, to me, that sex game seems pretty negligible. (Reply to this)(Parent)

	mrfalcon 2005-08-22 11:46 pm UTC (link)
	Well, your children would have to download the Hot Coffee mod off the Internet. If they unfettered, unsupervised access to the Internet, then they can download much worse material off of porn sites. So they don't really have to sneak anything around anyway, do they? In fact, if they want to see smut, downloading the Hot Coffee mod is doing it the hard way. (Reply to this)(Parent)

Crazy old witch
jacque_q
2005-08-22 08:59 pm UTC (link)

As parents, we must reassert our authority over what enters our households. . .

Yeah thats right you do, so Say NO! and don't buy it! Don't ruin it for everyone else who is of age.

I also am developing legislation to put in place penalties for video game retailers that sell Mature and Adults-only rated games to minors and require the Federal Trade Commission to investigate modifications of video games so that we can ensure that what happened with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas doesn't happen again.

Penalties if they sell to minors? Fine, I can live with that but this investigation hoopla about trying to show video games downfall of modern society is bunk. I hope that when they investigate modifications of video games, they don't attack the developers because it isn't thier fault.

(Reply to this)

	not another one evirustheslaye 2005-08-22 09:38 pm UTC (link)
	not another stupid hag... these people forget that they dont have to be a senator to control what they are seeing or playing.... she talks about violent things as being jammed down our neck.... yah having to pay darn near $55 plus the system to play a violent game is certainly worthy of the forced use verbs (Reply to this)(Thread)

	Re: not another one (Anonymous) 2005-08-22 09:43 pm UTC (link)
	Dude, is that you IRL? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one evirustheslaye 2005-08-22 09:44 pm UTC (link)
	IRL?... the avatar is from about a year ago i think, during prom (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one (Anonymous) 2005-08-22 10:25 pm UTC (link)
	IRL = In Real Life You win for looking like "The Talented Mr. Ripley"... in expression if not face! (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one evirustheslaye 2005-08-22 10:27 pm UTC (link)
	eh if you say so.... thats just how i look i guess (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one (Anonymous) 2005-08-22 11:19 pm UTC (link)
	If the look includes a pony tail I'll LOL, hard. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one evirustheslaye 2005-08-22 11:21 pm UTC (link)
	i always tie my hair back (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one (Anonymous) 2005-08-23 12:56 am UTC (link)
	Well, at least you aren't 40 and sporting a pony tail :O (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	Re: not another one evirustheslaye 2005-08-23 12:58 am UTC (link)
	no.... thats my dad (Reply to this)(Parent)

	jdsalmon 2005-08-23 01:18 am UTC (link)
	Sens. Joseph Lieberman, D-Del., Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Rick Santorum, R-Pa. man, what a hard-partying group to be affliated with. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	I know... (Anonymous) 2005-08-23 09:26 am UTC (link)
	Yeah... imagine getting stuck in the elevator with them. :P -general_koffi (Reply to this)(Parent)

	(Anonymous) 2005-08-23 10:34 pm UTC (link)
	Sens. Joseph Lieberman, D-Del The paper that printed that article must not know to proofread since we all know that Lieberman is from Connecticut. Either that or they had Sen. Joseph Biden(who's from Delaware) on the brain. == BearDogg-X == (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Hillary to Sip Hot Coffee with Doug Lowenstein at Breakfast (Anonymous) 2005-08-23 09:20 pm UTC (link)
	Yeah, I'd like to know where the question is about why Hillary is taking ESA's money at a fundraiser thrown by Doug Lowenstein, when it is Doug Lowenstein's ESA that is suing to knock down the Illinois video game law that is similar to the one she has called for. Make up your mind, Hillary. Jack Thompson (Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Hillary to Sip Hot Coffee with Doug Lowenstein at Breakfast
(Anonymous)
2005-08-23 10:26 pm UTC (link)

First off, the Illinois law(and Hillary's proposed legislation) is similiar to the previous laws passed by Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Washington state that were thrown out by Federal courts on First Amendment grounds.

Second, I've stated this many times in previous threads(in fact, you posted the text of a lawsuit you filed as a response to this particular comment), Hillary Clinton is doing what Al Gore and Joe Lieberman(who you've praised, yet, incidentally and ironically, calls the ESRB system the best rating system in the entire entertainment industry) did during the 2000 Presidential campaign: Collecting campaign contributions from the same people they were criticizing days beforehand, making them look like hypocrites.

== BearDogg-X ==

(Reply to this)(Parent)

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