Hue and cry!
Fear! Fire! Foes!
Sound the alarm!
Oh... wait... *sigh*... it is just another case of overreaction.
You've probably heard about the controversy over a modification available for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This "hot coffee" mod supposedly allows explicit scenes of sex to be unlocked on the video game.
The maker of the game -- Rockstar -- at first said they didn't create the objectionable content. Then, they said, ok, yes we did, but you weren't supposed to see it. In fairness, the creator of the modification apparently doesn't work for Rockstar, so maybe they can be forgiven for that (but then how did the modder know the code was there -- hmmmm...)
In any event, the typical reaction of "ban all games", "games are evil", "video playing is the bane of our future" quickly emanated from all the usual suspects. The critics demanded blood and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) reacted. They changed the voluntary rating of the game from M for mature to AO for adults only.
A bold move to be sure.
A closer look shows that this is a marshmallow move. According to the ESRB site, titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
On the other hand, the site said titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
Note the ages: 17 for M and 18 for AO. I guess that one year makes all the difference in the world -- NOT.
I don't know what they are thinking, but I guess they felt they had to do something. More and more people are "banning" the game because of the extra content so someone had to react -- and react poorly.
I have played Grand Theft Auto and GTA: Vice City. In the game, you are allowed to pay for services rendered by a prostitute. She climbs in the car; you go to a "private" spot; the car shakes and shimmies while moans come from the vehicle (and your money gets depleted); and then she gets out. Some people (mentioning no names here) then shoot the prostitute and regain their money.
That's the basis of the game. Kill for cash -- whether it is mob hits, police officers or prostitutes.
So, by critics standing up and lamenting about the "hot coffee" mod, in effect they are saying it is ok for my 17 year old to learn about killing, but not sex. And if you are letting your child who is under 17 play the game, you have no one to blame but yourself.
On a lighter note, I have a new grill and I've been putting flame to just about every meal. This is a real grill -- not a George Foreman grill -- and this is the first time I've ever owned this metal goddess. Now, I need to find good grilling recipes. I've done the basics, but I'm ready to experiment. You know about my love for ribs. I want to experience meat on bone over flame for myself. It is time for a party. "Ah! What is that? Get it away! It will steal my soul!" -- Eduardo
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
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4 comments:
Yeah I just heard about this. I'll never understand. No matter what the content is, people are going to buy it. And if people can't figure out what is real and what isn't, then they need psychiatric help. If a person doesn't want their son or daughter to play this game then don't buy it. Simple really. Video games are not the problem with society....its the people. Plain and simple. People need to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for themselves.
Larry:
Here's an idea for a great grill recipe--
Get a cut of London Broil beef, and coat it liberally on all sides with the following spices in equal parts:
- Garlic Salt
- Onion Salt
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
If you have a pepper grinder, grind some fresh black pepper over the surface, as well as some oregano and cumin if you like those flavors.
Grill it for approximately 7 mins. per side until the steak is medium rare.
Cut the beef into 1/4 inch slices on a cutting board.
Enjoy!
I recently worked for as an assistant manager for video game store in the Catonsville area, and my employees and I have had this discussion many, many times before.
The ESRB is specifically designed to let parents know about the rating and content of each game. It's like going into the movies; if you don't have an idea, I cannot sell you this M-rated game. Our company specifically tells us to check the IDs of all people that are buying an M-rated game. If not, we could get charged with fines. But us retailers in the industry are doing our best to keep games like GTA out of the hands of the younger generation of gamers.
Once a young man asked to purchase GTA: San Andreas from our store. Since he didn't have an ID, we had to speak with his parent. We asked: "Ma'am, this game is rated M for [the insanely long list of content]. Do you approve of this game?" The mother looks to her son and says, "Do you approve of this game?"
Now that says a lot.
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