Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


Former Nintendo exec says that dumb parents shouldn't have sex photo

Perrin Kaplan, former Nintendo vice president of marketing, shared an interesting thought at a panel on sex and violence in games at PAX this year. Kaplan said, “Parents who use videogames as a babysitter shouldn’t have sex to begin with.” Kaplan’s statement inadvertently set the tone for her announcement that she is returning to the videogames industry after quitting Nintendo in June.

What exactly will Kaplan be doing in the industry? Spong is reporting that Kaplan has set up her own company keyed towards “connecting brands and consumers,” which is decidedly more tame than calling out parents who think Kirby is a better caregiver than a 14-year-old girl. Although, I think one could argue that sitting down with Brain Academy is a better experience than watching Power Rangers: Ultra Megaforce Time-Traveling Super Secret Spy Robot Godzilla Action Fest Extravaganza.

Even though Kaplan doesn't work for Nintendo any longer, at least she didn't mention breaking her wrist or introduce Carrot Top equipped with a Balance Board to the panel. I'll just take her statement as a very indirect step in the right direction for Nintendo.


Continue: More Parental Settings stories





prev next

28 comments | showing # 1 to 28

randombullseye's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 10:51
randombullseye
Some people just shouldn't let their powers combine.

Like Tom Arnold and Roseanne Barr.
AwesomeToph's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 10:54
AwesomeToph
“Parents who use videogames as a babysitter shouldn’t have sex to begin with.”

Also, cockblocked.
Cartman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 10:57
Cartman
Maybe nintendo could come out with a new game, Wii-sit, the motion controller enabled baby-sitting game.

And you could you the nunchuck controller to slap the baby sitter if she starts mouthing off again.

Id buy it.
eternalplayer2345's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:04
eternalplayer2345
How dare she criticize my upbringing
MuddBstrd's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:11
MuddBstrd
Here, here. It's woefully unconstituional and violates many a human right, but I really want there to be some sort of test you have to pass in order to keep your reproductive organs.
ace of knaves's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:14
ace of knaves
Haha, fantastic. Couldn't agree more...well, yes I could, but not too much more.
Poopface Morty's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:27
Poopface Morty
“Parents who use videogames as a babysitter shouldn’t have sex to begin with.”

Holy shitballs, that is about as true as it gets. Or at least, those same individuals should be educated on contraception (unless they're fundie-catholics, then nevermind), and then they can have sex to their hard-ons content.

Truth be told, the industry needs a few people who are willing to be this blunt in their rebuttals on the "side-effects" of gaming.
Zen Albatross's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:31
Zen Albatross
Here, here!
Timmeh's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:34
Timmeh
I can see why she isn't in marketing any more
aaronf's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:35
aaronf
Considering there's 7.5 billion people in the world right now, we definitely need to slow it down as a species. I think most people probably should not be reproducing at this point.
foxhound009's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:38
foxhound009
I totally agree... Nintendo get's me.. it just understands me so well...
MisterMingo's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:42
MisterMingo
I knew there was a reason I always liked her.
F Whipple's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 11:50
F Whipple
her bluntness...i love it
Corak's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 12:28
Corak
"I can see why she isn't in marketing any more"
Lol so true.

But I applaud her bluntness as well.

"Been around the world and found that only stupid people are breeding, the creatins cloning and feeding." Pretty much sums it up.
atastysammich's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 12:37
atastysammich
I'd connect her brands and consumers, if you catch my drift.
Gameboi's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 12:45
Gameboi
I see what she's saying, but this is no different than having the kids sit around and watch DVDs all day. If anything, at least games are interactive, and make you think a little.
Syn's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 13:22
Syn
It's hilarious but it's true. Families that struggle more financially have more children than families that don't. That's not to say intelligent people have less children because they're INTELLIGENT...but it sure looks that way.

Children piss me off, and stupid parents piss me off more.
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 13:26
Sharpless
Couldn't agree with her more. Technology is not a replacement for parenting.
Daxelman's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 13:29
Daxelman
Stupid People Holocaust?

I'm all for it.
Electro Lemon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 13:48
Electro Lemon
My daddy, Pac Man, said he's going to kick your ass, right when he gets home from pellet hunting.
Rifter01's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 14:06
Rifter01
I'm in agreement with Gameboi.

-------
And, in addition, I had a long comment brewin', but I'll just say I think what she is saying SOUNDS good, in theory ..
But, I think it isn't good that she comes back to the video game industry if that is really how she feels, since in many households, parents are the ones that truly have the money to buy the games, and if she offends parents they may not offer her much (if any) support to her is basically my long point shortened, IMO.

Also, anyone remember this pic of her? It is like night and day (or comedy and tragedy) difference now.. LOL
Syn's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 17:56
Syn
Well before I say this, I acknowledge that no one cares about respect or honor or any garbage like that anymore

But I can't respect someone who is solely motivated by that almighty fuckin' dollar. And the parents that ARE offended by this can go ahead and be offended because they're trash that needs to be put to burn.
TrailerParkJesus's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 18:20
TrailerParkJesus
Pull out method
Cube's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 18:35
Cube
I love this woman.

Is she going to kick the new chick ass that took her place and broke her wrist on the snowboard.
Rifter01's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 18:56
Rifter01
In some ways I think we agree. Let me say a few things, maybe clarification of my position will help prompt more discussion, or maybe not..

Besides her current hot topic statement(s) on this current story, I think I remember some of her (Kaplan's) previous statements being fiercely negative as well. I don't want to dredge all of it up, (as I'm sure there is alot of matlockery to do on this one though). But I will provide a couple of examples below, and anyone feel free to express them here or PM me with your thoughts.

First, I personally don't think she should care only about the money either, I agree with you. But, since we know how easily offended we've seen some parents becoming, I think if she really cares about the health and longevity of the video game industry, she will try and not "stir the pot" or make too much shitstorm over "nothing"* so to speak. [*nothing that we as individuals can change in others without at least a major education/abstinence kinds of efforts, yadda, yadda.]

In essence, I think she may be trying to just make more waves and/or to draw more attention to herself, NOT genuinely addressing anything besides a lip service (since she doesn't provide any help or solution to this cause that "dumb" or "lazy" parents should stop having sex or children). Bottom line is I think she is just echoing something that she thinks people "want to hear" for +15 points.

Secondly, and lastly, after I RTA (read the orig. article) I learned two things, A) she was and is the messenger behind the announcement that the gamecube was dead, and B) in that same article she went on to say "...for people who are hardcore gamers nothing can ever come fast enough for them, ever. I mean even when we announced a mass market price... hardcore gamers even complained about that.”

So, basically, I'm still somewhat annoyed by her (and I wonder what else she thinks or would say about hardcore gamers) since I think what she is saying in this last article is just B.S. from P.R./Sales, which is just business as usual, in a way "nothing to see here" or to effect any change, except "damage control".

I'm not smart enough to 'figure her out' nor do I care to read anything else into it. I just want to present the possibility that before I rush and agree with her here, that she actually may only be making waves without suggesting any solution.. And that is lazy in of itself, to me. And I don't think she has alot of room to change minds after her previous statements in interview(s) and on the record is all. Now I will STFUJPG. Esp. since it is Labor Day and since I'm a lazy bastid alot. lol
mastershredder's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/01/2008 23:48
mastershredder
Straight up. So what are you going to admit that you are a stupid parent and complain about that? Stupid parents, is not intended to mean that the child is going to be mentally challenged. This is about parents that have no business being parents in the first place. Lack of reason, irresponsible and self centered. How are they supposed to "parent" their child, or children teach them the basics of right and wrong. This is a well deserved shot right back at those parents that let their 8 year olds play GTA4 and other Mature rated software (present or not), and then blame the gaming industry when their kid gets tangled up in trouble (regardless if the crime is related of not).

Crap man, I went to see HellBoy 2 this summer and there were 3 single parents that brought their kids into the theater to see HELLBOY. I mean did the name not trigger the idea that there may be some content that may frighten young viewers? And that a fact that it is numbered 2 would suggest that they were familiar with the content, thus this act of film viewing was a conscience and planed decision.

About 15 minutes into the film at least 2 from each family was bawling as the movie content and thunderous sounds was disturbing to them. These folks just told their kinds to cover there ears and eyes until scary parts were over. The thing is that this continued throughout the entire movie. Sure, I went with my folks to see some scary flicks before and I too was told to duck and cover, but the movies were reasonable. The point is that the movie content, while entertaining to kids and adults alike, was terrifying these toddlers. The parents were simply selfish and would rather make their children and others uncomfortable for 2 hours just so they could geek out and watch a stupid movie.

These are the stupid people were are talking about. They are not grown up, they don't think like grown ups, they don't reason or truly think about their kids BEST interests. TV, games and movies are not they best way to interact with your kid, because you yourself are not interacting with them, just pacifying them. It is straight up irresponsible and I say that as a gamer and a parent of a gamer.

I work in multimedia development and I have content from all platforms strewn about my office and into my living room (fat chance of my kid not becoming a gamer), but I am familiar the content that my child plays and if there is something that may be for a mature audience I am right there to ensure that content is not extreme and to answer any questions or point out reality from gaming.

Don't pacify your kids with games, sure it is a great way to kill time or to just enjoy a kick ass game, but it certainly does not hurt to play with your kids (and no, you don't have to just play Wii or kiddy games). ;)
The-Excel's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/02/2008 00:41
The-Excel
A-freakin-men.
DryvBy's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/02/2008 06:03
DryvBy
This is a common theme of filthy rich people. Eugenics. After looking that up, I officially hate filthy rich people. And Ted Turner.
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 

   Got news?   tips@destructoid.com   |   Dtoid Twitter

New Videos

more videos


Reviews & Previews
BioShock 2 review
Dante's Inferno review
Chime review
Hustle Kings review
iPhone Review Round-up: January review
more reviews
Dawn of War II Chaos Rising
Metro 2033
A trip to the racetracks Days of Thunder Arcade
Double the pleasure, double the fun with Darwinia+
Wizarding world in plastic Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4
more previews


- The Dtoid Army is 56723 strong -

Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

Call for entries: the Areas of my Expertise

New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide


 Originals
Jim Sterling: How Aliens are blatantly better than Predators





















More Destructoid Originals




We are Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
Nick Chester
Editor-in-Chief
Niero
Founder, Big Boss
Jim Sterling
Reviews Editor
Hamza Aziz
Community Manager
Dale North
News Editor
Rey Gutierrez
Destructoid Video EIC
Anthony Burch
Features Editor
Brad Nicholson
Managing Editor
Tom Fronczak Colette Bennett
Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
Conrad
Zimmerman
Chad Concelmo
Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
Brad Rice Jordan Devore
Will Maddock Matthew Razak
Josh Tolentino
Joseph Leray
Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
     
  Adam Dork
Daniel Lingen
Hollie Bennett
Joe Burling
Mikey Turvey






 
 
  get involved

register or login
post a blog
post a forum
enter a contest
contribute a news tip
suggest a feature
be a guest editor
support

new member's guide
login assistance
tech support
report abuse
email our editors
read our dev blog
nuclear crisis?
keep in touch

RSS feed
Twitter
Facebook
Myspace
Flickr
Game nights
Meetup+play online
seriously

about Destructoid
advertising
terms of use
privacy policy
jobs at MM
buy our crap
our network

Tomopop
Japanator
Despingation?




Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
living the dream since March 16, 2006