Government Pressure on ESRB

Alex Blonski writes "There is new CNN coverage on the recent pressure the government is putting on the ESRB to crack down on mature-rated titles, after the Grand Theft Auto Debacle. ESRB President Patricia Vance says that 'It is very important for people to realize that this game is rated " for mature,' Vance said. 'This game is not a game that was rated for children. Regardless of what if anything was modified, it's a game that the ESRB has made as clear as it can that it was not intended for anyone under the age of 17.'"

Comments

Re:Put the blame where it belongs.

[Cornflake917]

If I said that I've used drugs forever and I turned out fine, that wouldn't be impetus for you to think it OK for your children to use them.

That's a terrible comparison. If you used illegal drugs "forever" I'm sure you would not turn out fine. And if someone does end up being "fine" after using drugs since they were really young, they probably went through alot of troubles to be able to say that.

I know just using one example to make a generalization is not good logic. But seriously though, I've been been good friends with a large number of people who play violent video games way too much. None of them have seen a minute of jail time or have even gotten into a fight. I can't say that about some drug addicts I know.

Being rewarded for virtual killing - THERE CAN BE LITTLE GOOD

You're probably right, but it's not that bad either. I mean, look at Counter-Strike tournaments. CS is a violent game. And these kids play it all the time. If violent video games really are such an adverse affect on kids, why don't these lan tournements always end up in a brawl or someone getting killed?
There are no more violence at these events than there is at school or anywhere else.


AGAIN, there can be little good to come from giving a child who is not well-adjusted rewards (by winning a game; online accolades, etc) for playing a game where the goal is to kill. The best case scenario is that it doesn't affect him, which is unlikely.

No. The best case scenario is that a child takes out his aggression in the game instead of hurting a real person. Games also keep kids from what really can adversely affect them.

Re:Put the blame where it belongs.

[PriceIke]

> Newsweek (it's mainstream, not liberal)

Uh, sorry to burst your bubble but Newsweek is liberal.