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Congressman Tries to Slap Health Warning on Games

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“WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior.”

WARNING: The above label could soon take top billing on all of your favorite game packages – that is, if Congressman Joe Baca has his way. Last week, he introduced the “Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2009.” His reasoning? A masterpiece of misinformation.

“The videogame industry has a responsibility to parents, families and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products,” Baca said in a statement.

“They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility.  Meanwhile research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people.  American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products.”

Of course, Baca fails to mention the other, equally valid studies that kind of, you know, “prove” that gamers are, by and large, normal people. We think one of them might’ve been titled “Real Life.”

So yeah, odds are, this bill won’t be sitting on Capitol Hill for long. Sorry, Baca. Same time next week?

COMMENTS
avatarHealth

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avatarOpen to interpretation

I say it is about the content, you say it is not. There are studies that show that playing violent games increase aggressive behavior and there are studies that show the opposite. Who is right? I think my point is still valid. It does not effect gamers in general. If they want to put a label on a game that is already rated for adults that will never change my mind about it. If it changes the mind of the parent who thought about purchasing that said game for an underage kid then so be it, it served its purpose.

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avatarWho cares?

I sure don't, why is everyone getting all bent over this? So they want to put a label on the cover of games for parents..... and? Is that stopping us from buying them? (nope) Does that stop bad parents from letting the kids buy them? (nope) So who cares? (hopefully not you now) The label means nothing to me (and to you), and it does not say anything bad about gamers, its just refering to the content in them.

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avatarthe problem is its NOT about

the problem is its NOT about content its like the Surgon Generals warning on cigeretes "warning: Games are known to cause violent behavior" which is just bull shit

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avatarHow Much Do You Want To Bet..?!

How much do you want to bet, that you-know-who -- the lawyer who got disbarred -- is behind this somehow..?!

 Michael

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avatarfunny i recently finished

funny i recently finished BioShock where i was smashing mutant skulls in with a wrech, braining bigots with a cane, and unloading heat seaking missles into the faces of doctors mad with genetic splicing...

 

and i dont feel a urge to go out and kill the president...

 

there must be something wrong with me.

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avatarWHAR AM FACT!?

So far, to my knowledge, there has been absolutely no research on any age group in the US that remotely pertains to the averagely aged gamer that envelops themselves in violent media.

Only. Fucking. Twelve. Year. Olds.

If we're going to ignore the fucking ESRB rating and aluse to the only age group that has been proven, let alone studied to be more violent after playing violent video games then we need to punch that congressman in the face for not noticing that there's ALREADY A FUCKING WARNING ON THE CASE THAT SAYS THE GAME IS FOR 17+ and UP.   "There's no way this could be violent enough to instill bloodlust into little jimmy." isn't an excuse any more.

 There's no actual research on the age group the game is meant for to back it up, unless you include people that are a part of a totally different culture. The research I'm refferring to was tested on 9-12 year old kids in the U.S. and two different age groups spanning from 8 to 19 in japan.

Stupid ignorant government sticking their nose where they're not welcome, nor educated in. 

Gaaaaaahhhhhhhhh.

999 end nerd rage

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avatarFirst Great Britain wants to

First Great Britain wants to implement rated content sites, like in the movies... Then the IRS wants to tax virtual economies, like World of Warcraft and Second Life... And now.... Now they want to post labelings on video games claiming the sheer destruction these games can cause to the poor young mind, as if the ESRB content rating wasn't enough, we got to have this big ass annoying thing also warning us of the content inside.

We higher elected officials to keep our national interest going and alive, to help maintain the safety of our people, their way of life, etc, but it seems to me that Government is finding every way to stick it's collective nose where it simply just doesn't belong. 

It's no wonder my friend lost all hope for the Government after they approved that massively idiotic bailout. (See Capitalism and free market for why.) Yep, and I'm ready to jump the bandwagon with him, too. 

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avatarThere really is nothing

There really is nothing quite like a douchebag congressman trying to carve out his legacy.  How fucking weak do you have to be to try and make a name for yourself as a crusader against "inapppropriate" media.  You, Congressman Baca, are lower than Tipper Fucking Gore.  At least at the end of her misdirected crusade she could sorta put a check in the W column.  Why don't you go consult Jack Thompson about taking on the gaming industry; I think he could give you a few pointers.  You fucking douche.

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avatarIs this even legal?

Is this legal for them to post a warning on them when there has been no causal link proven between violent games and violent behavior?  Its bull shit and this guy should be sued...

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avatarnice work congressman

The economy is in the shitter the iranians are building nukes and you Sir Doushebag want to label video games. No wonder the country is so fucked up. Maybe you should include warning labels "Not for Human Consumption" on the inside of toilets. Oh, that's right your the one feeding us the hot steamy loaf.

Never Mind good work congressman.

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avatarEveryone knows that video

Everyone knows that video games lead to terrorism.

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avatarAnd Osama Bin Laden played

And Osama Bin Laden played lots of games. Particularly the Princess ones. Those could intice anger into just about anyone.

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avatarBin Laden plays

Bin Laden plays Grand Theft Camal

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avatarand massacre in universities

and massacre in universities

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avatarAnd terrorism leads to new

And terrorism leads to new plots for videogames! It's a never ending cycle!

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avatarWarning on Videogames

By George, you've hit the nail on the head! It's all a heinous plot by the videogame companies to generate more plots by encouraging terrorism! I can see the headline now..."Electronic Arts, Others in Cahoots With Osama bin Laden! Film at 11!" ^_<

Seriously, this Baca is such a baka...

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