GTA-3 Controversy

[KickChick]

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/videogames020701.html

 

"In the video game called Grand Theft Auto III, players enter a virtual world called Liberty City and assume the role of an escaped criminal who hijacks cars, guns down pedestrians, has sex with a prostitute and then earns extra points by killing her so he can take back his money."

 

... "GTA-3 was banned in Australia and denounced by Congress here in the United States in the annual report card on video game violence. Despite, or perhaps because of such complaints, it is the nation's top-selling video game this year. It's a particularly big hit with adolescent boys. "

 

According to Gerard Jones author of "Killing Monsters: Why Children Need Fantasy, Super Heroes, and Make-Believe Violence"....

 

"Jones forcefully argues that violent video games, movies, music and comics provide a safe fantasy world within which children learn to become familiar with and control the frightening emotions of anger, violence and sexuality. He debunks studies linking violent media with violence in society and argues that children clearly understand the difference between pretend and reality. "

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

[Patrick]

Well, its a video game... and its okay. I won't be getting it - but it should be the parents choice. These games aren't intended for young audiences.

 

I have not played it and most likely never will, but the prostitution is supposedly this:

 

Car rolls up by young woman. Young woman gets in. Car rocks. End. Its not... that bad.

 

I think in the end, you have to place ratings on the games and let the parents decide. The games shouldn't be sold to minors (and they aren't.)

 

 

[G95champ]

I own the game I have beat the game. I have killed all kinds of people in it and yes I have got life filled back by picking up a lady for the evening. LOL....

 

The game is a lot of fun. However I would not buy it for a kid below HS. There is a button where you can turn the blood down on the option screen. The movie is like a late nite cop movie you may see on USA or TNT. Dirty cops, drug lords, gangs, etc. Again its a really fun game.

 

I am as far right as most will go on the political spectrum. However I stand strong on the Constution and nothing should be banned. The sticker that says MA is fine. BTW just got done watching the Twisted Sister thing on VH1 lol.

 

 

[spinninggumby]

Yea my friends and I rented GTA3 one night and we had an above-average time. However, to me and to most people I know, it is just a game and there is nothing really special about it. There are worse titles I can think of. The Mortal Kombat series are a group of fighting games which encourage players to tap in specific controller and button patterns at the end of each match so that they can rip out the hearts or decapitate or dismember or finish off their opponent in an extremely gory fashion. After a while, the whole thing seemed cartoonish, but no sane person or kid would ever mistake this game for promoting violence. However, there are certain things to think about, such as...if these games will cause 1 out of every 10,000 kids in America to go on a shooting rampage, is it worth the effort to ban them? hmmmm...maybe we can get into that some other time

 

 

[G95champ]

Im sorry I grew up on the 3 Stoogers and Road Runner cartoon. I seen Moe hit Larry over the head with a pan 1500 times or more. I saw Willey Coyote blow himself up 50000 times or more. Im ok why. Mom and Dad taught me the differance.

 

TV, Music, Games, and Movies are not an to blame. Mom and Dad are to blame when little Johnny goes nuts and shoots up the school. Nothing can replace time spent with kids and teaching them right from wrong. The above has become Mommy and Daddy way of baby setting little Johnny the past few decades.

 

Everyone wants to blame something but when you take paddeling and prayer out of the school and the kids don't get it at home this is what you get. Don't blame the game for the parents being lazy.....

 

 

[KickChick]

ah yes, I grew up in the same era .... I am so surprised that Looney Tunes hasn't been banned!! G95champ Just Love Your Comment!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The reason I brought up Gerard Jones' book is that he does take what spinninggumby brought up (may make young individuals act out their aggressions) and somewhat debunks that idea.

 

As a parent of a 17 year old boy who plays PS2 incessantly and an 8 yr old boy who looks up to his older brother and "trys" to emulate him in every way .... I have to be aware of what that younger boy is open to. It is my responsibility as a parent.

 

BTW .... my 8 yr old's fav band is P.O.D.

 

 

[Patrick]

Deby,

 

That is the main reason that I do not own too many "bad" games. And the reason why I buy my music edited (the ones that have profanity that is).

 

Because I have two younger brothers following me around. And its important, in my opinion. And my parents of course agree and that is part of the reason that I do it as well.

 

 

[Bitseach]

Trouble is that Looney Toons &c are clearly not similar to reality so it is easier for the child to distinguish fantasy from reality. As for Mo, Curly et al, well lots of children DID try bashing each other over the head with things - and then wondered why their parents smacked them for it!

 

Personally I think that casual, realistic violence that in any way glorifies the real thing is criminally irresponsible. As a teacher of inner-city teenagers in a deprived area I can see how much these kids imitate the actions of their musical heroes - usually rappers of the "gangsta" (horrid word!) variety! They see it as a thing that makes them cool and gives them power, a fashion along with the "bling-bling" jewellry and huge trousers.

 

I think these games - if they must use sex and violence - should make them LESS realistic, as they cannot go the other way and show adequately the sight, shock and smell associated with gun-shot wounds. It they saw it in the flesh it wouldn't seem so entertaining, I'll warrant!

 

 

[KickChick]

Yes, well, unrealistic is not what sells as far as video games rated "T" or "M" .... the better the graphics (which is the intent) the more realistic.

 

What a good brother you are .... yep my son (& daughter... who's into that suggestive rap crap ... sorry!) gets edited CD's as well... (thank goodness for WalMart!), and if not ---->headphones!

 

 

[Withers M.A.A.]

Well people need to realize that it is a video game and nothing more. It doesn't teach kids to go out and steal cars and shoot people. I personally wouldn't allow my kids to play it if I had any but I personally own the game and think it is a riot.