GTA and Rating of Video Games

Gamer writes "There is an interesting debate on Grand Theft Auto and rating of computer games going on. It started with Lawmeme's Paul Szynol wants 'distribution control so that minors don't get access to inappropriate material'. Greplaw's Mikael Pawlo has a reply saying 'Computer games are art and should be dealt with accordingly, without any references to the prohibition tactics of the 1980:ies.' Would the world not be a better place without the violence in GTA? I don't understand Pawlo's art argument, although I love gaming. I agree with Paul Szynol. Kids should not get violent games." I really don't have a problem with regulating violent games- its when the government tries to outlaw them that I have a problem.

Comments

Re:Here's my stand

[tshak]

Yes, very OT but let the moderators deside that :-).

First, I too smoke a cigar or a pipe every once in a while (although it's been a good 2 months since I have). The problem with enjoying tobacco is that when you go out with friends who smoke at a restaraunt or bar the establishment normally doesn't allow cigars or pipes because of the [good!] smell. So, I found one of the originall cigarette makers, Nat Sherman, who actually makes real cigarette's (eg: just a small cigar, but filtered).

The problem, of course, is that it is a very addictive substance.


As a substance, nicotine is mildly addictive (less so than caffine by some counts). The problem is, many cigarette's contain carefully engineered chemical combinations to enhance the addictive quality of nicotine. This, to me, is outragous - I have never once touched a Phillip Morris cigarette... I think I'd be safer trying marijuana.

Now, combine a person who has an addictive personality with this chemically enhanced drug, and you have a very damaging product.