It's a beautiful thing when two disparate groups can set aside their differences to come together in a joyous union resulting in a deeper understanding of one another's viewpoints. That is, it's a beautiful thing when unlikely pairings occur not simply to ignorantly attack games, and by extension the freedom that comes with being an adult.
In Australia a debate is currently occurring over whether a new rating for violent videogames should exist, that rating being R18+. At the moment, the highest level of classification in Australia is MA15+ and anything exceeding that rating is banned outright, leaving many sun-kissed Aussies bereft of the singular pleasure of playing a game in which a dwarf seduces a gaggle of nubile coeds.
Strangely, the two groups fighting the creation of this expanded rating system are the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and the Eros Association, an adult entertainment advocacy group that seeks to allow Australians the freedom to watch a girl being choked on someone else's crotch. But not the freedom to play a violent videogame.
It's hardly surprising that the ACL is fighting the new rating, extolling the virtues of an antiquated moral code is kinda their bag. Yet for the Eros Association to not only fight expanded rating systems, but to go on the record stating, "We support the Australian Christian Lobby’s point of view" is not only hypocritical at best but mind-bogglingly antithetical to their entire purpose, namely ensuring adults are allowed to enjoy freedom of choice.
According to an Eros spokesperson, the reasoning behind their backing the ACL is as such:
"Because we believe that there's too much violence out there and there are more pressing issues for the attorneys to consider such as the regulation of the X-rated film industry."
Wait....what? Rather than regulate the games industry, this unnamed spokesperson would rather have the Australian legal system focus on regulating the product he endorses? That is an obviously unreasonable standpoint, and betrays the true intentions of the Eros Association. Those being to make a greedy grab for publicity and align themselves as noble protectors of children, hookers with hearts of gold if you will.
Thankfully, not everyone in Australia is completely out of their minds, with Rob Hull, the attorney general of Victoria and seemingly the only sane person in this debate, stating a completely rational opinion:
It seems inconsistent that in Australia adults are allowed to view adults-only films which have been classified R18+ by the classification board but not computer games with an equivalent high level content.
Yet that this debate is even occurring is a great thing. Australia is taking a step forward, seeking to introduce rating systems that don't completely censor certain types of content within the borders of their former penal colony. Australia wants to bring about rational change, or if nothing else they at least look to their citizens to decide whether expanded ratings would be a welcome change to their current system. While the pairing of pornographers and religious zealots is a hilariously depressing one, at least it's taking place in a poll of the people asking if they desire the freedom to choose for themselves.
[Via GamePolitics]
Contest:
3:38 PM on 03.28.2008
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South Australia's Att. Gen. is apparently the primary proponent against an R18+ rating, with the others pretty much being on board. If one aging coot fucks this up, I'm gonna be really pissed off.
Much in the same way as this story, South Australia being against it is similarly ironic. There are two states in Australia in which you can buy hardcore porn; ACT (AU equiv. of Washington D.C., a state basically to house the nations capital) and... South Australia. So again, crazy old people: Totally cool with chicks getting choked and pissed on, not so cool with digital violence.
Sigh.
Well, they have nothing to fear, as it all helps protect those kids, right? What the porn industry obviously fear, is perhaps, that they too want their own similar rating for films (which I assume by their grand standing they don't have either, correct if wrong). So they are waving the 'what's right them, is right for us too' arguement. If its not that, then its sure an odd alliance.
I hope those aussies get their R18 for games alone. Only then will the porn etc film industry, known and feel the pain of ridiculous unfair double standards, games have been under fire from for years.
what makes it funnier is besides the natives it was used as a prison. maybe crime games is australia is like the germans and anything nazi.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/ministers-fail-to-agree-on-game-rating-change/2008/03/28/1206207383592.html
Yes, it's all Michael Atkinson's fault
Fucking wowser
For example just recently "BELLADONNA'S BUTTHOLE WHORES 2" was banned and aparently they arent too happy with "RAMSAY'S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES" either
*sigh*
Truer words have never been spoken. Maybe if they can get homeless people and African AIDS babies to play Manhunt 2, Christians would pay more attention to them.
Totally agree with both of you guys. This move by that Australian Christian lobby and the AU porn industry smacks of hypocrisy (on BOTH sides) and is related to one thing: MONEY! The porn industry wants the refusal of an extra game rating simply because it means fewer games will be allowed to be rated, and hence sold. That means less competition for the porn industry to deal with.
....These groups are spineless. It would be nice if these two groups teamed up and made a snuff porno where they're all humping box jellyfish.
PS: I'm so glad there are sites like Gamepolitics.com and blogs like this that bring these things to light and call the situations like they are. Adults, mature teens and responsible parents who know anything about games know more about their hobby and what's appropriate than these spineless, avaricious lunatics.
I import all of my games anyway, so Australia can go fuck itself and it's stupid rating system and laws. They are not getting my money anyway.
(Fire up BitTorrent!)
This is the problem in western countries; if religious people don't want it to be accepted, it most likely will not be accepted. Get over it you dick heads. Nobody wants your religion polluting our country but we have to deal with you idiots preaching your fairy tales to us, door knocking all of us, etc.
Also why must people refer to Australia as a penal colony or as an undeveloped country all the time it is all history seriously
GDD
Anyway look on the bright side, you have great weather and hordes of fine women.
I hope you get your rating, because you are being deprived of a lot of games, through shear ignorance.
I get the feeling the film industry down there fear the popularity of games, thing is rating or not, games popularity will continue to grow.
Not as far as I can tell. Like I said, a couple states legally sell hardcore porn (which technically exceeds the film R18+ rating). Bizarrely, because these few states legally carry it, it's totally fine to then have it privately shipped between states to those that do not carry it.
Likewise, the same could happen with an R18+ videogame rating if that moronic old jackass from South Australia continues his ridiculous stand.
The discussion between the ministers was just that, a discussion. It was basically done so the issue could be brought up, and seen whether or not a change needed to be made.
Because of the disagreement between the ministers, the issue will be brought to the public to see our opinion. Going by polls and statistics mentioned in many articles, the chances of finally having an R rating in Australia might eventually come to fruitation.
I'm going to have to say that I love my Victorian minister, as well as the ACT and QLD one. ^_^
But seriously, I guess getting another rating would be a good thing for Australia.
i am cristian i play violent videogames i have cristian friends who do the same so fuck of jerk we are not all like the dumb ass ultra conservative freeks of natures
Do you and your friends all have the same grasp on spelling and capital letters??
I think what Crumpet Lips was saying was that the vocal few inevitably ruin it for the rest of us. Which is true if you think about it for a second rather than take everything as an insult.
@Aussies Jump the Tasman and come to NZ. We have R18 games, and many movies with BANNED IN AUSTRALIA proudly emblazoned on them.