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The word "Xbox" could have been as interchangeable to him as "television" or "computer."
That's the entire point. Why single out video games (let alone xbox), when he's just talking about sedentary activities in general. There's no need for him to make comments like that when he could easily say the EXACT same thing without singling out video games.
That's the entire point. Why single out video games (let alone xbox), when he's just talking about sedentary activities in general. There's no need for him to make comments like that when he could easily say the EXACT same thing without singling out video games.
I bet if Bush or some other unpopular president made that same exact comment, this article would be completely different.
@DeusPayne "Why single out video games (let alone xbox), when he's just talking about sedentary activities in general."
Because video games are a very popular sedentary activity these days with kids. Do kids even watch TV anymore?
Because video games are a very popular sedentary activity these days with kids. Do kids even watch TV anymore?
The day the President of the United States has video games on his agenda is the day we gamers have a serious problem on our hands.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the gaming community needs to drop the persecution complex it has collectively developed.
Honestly, the defensiveness is starting to get up to the level of the furries for Christ's sake! Tone it the fuck down! Goddamn.
Also, over a year ago Miyamoto said more or less the same thing. No one called him anti-gaming or setting out to make gamers look bad.
Jesus Christ, people.
Honestly, the defensiveness is starting to get up to the level of the furries for Christ's sake! Tone it the fuck down! Goddamn.
Also, over a year ago Miyamoto said more or less the same thing. No one called him anti-gaming or setting out to make gamers look bad.
Jesus Christ, people.
"I understand that writing about Obama and Michael Jackson is a great way to exploit Google Trends"
Very clever, Mr. Sterling. Very clever indeed.
Very clever, Mr. Sterling. Very clever indeed.
I couldn't agree more. Every reference to video games I've heard him make has been in the context of a completely justified criticism on the state of parenting or children's health today.
And who wouldn't like more parents to be hands on? It would certainly help stem the tide of vulgar bastard children on Xbox Live.
And who wouldn't like more parents to be hands on? It would certainly help stem the tide of vulgar bastard children on Xbox Live.
"That's the entire point. Why single out video games (let alone xbox), when he's just talking about sedentary activities in general. There's no need for him to make comments like that when he could easily say the EXACT same thing without singling out video games."
"Parents need to stop children taking part in sedentary activities in general," sounds bit less snappy than "turn off the Xbox" or "turn off the TV." The Xbox is a recognizable cultural item now, hence why he used it. If anything, it shows you just how far games have come, that the President feels use of the word "Xbox" resonates with the general public so much.
"Parents need to stop children taking part in sedentary activities in general," sounds bit less snappy than "turn off the Xbox" or "turn off the TV." The Xbox is a recognizable cultural item now, hence why he used it. If anything, it shows you just how far games have come, that the President feels use of the word "Xbox" resonates with the general public so much.
Wait, isn't that second to last paragraph EXACTLY what THIS article is doing?
Also I'm disappointed that Obama is not a microshitting fagtart.
Also I'm disappointed that Obama is not a microshitting fagtart.
Do we really need to talk about this? Either you agree with Jim or not, but posting a story as a response to another posted story is relatively poor form, if you ask me.
"Parents need to stop children taking part in sedentary activities in general," sounds bit less snappy than "turn off the Xbox" or "turn off the TV." The Xbox is a recognizable cultural item now, hence why he used it. If anything, it shows you just how far games have come, that the President feels use of the word "Xbox" resonates with the general public so much."
Thank you Jim. That's exactly the point I was going to make. Back in the early 90's, culture used Nintendo as something to mention involving entertainment. Hell, Hudson Hawk even mentioned it (and don't be dissin' the Hawk). Then it became Sega, then it became Playstation.
The term changes with the times. There was even a time when people referred to television as *gasp* the boob tube--not because of breasts, but because it affixed people to focus solely on it than the world around them. Then again, you have to forgive them--radio did the same thing in the 30's and 40's.
Xbox is the leading console, and has the less goofy name compared to "Wii"--plus Wii actually has more active gaming than the others. Obama's not slamming the Xbox, he's not even bashing games. He's saying moderation is the key.
This proves an interesting counterpoint to the earlier article about the ECA lobbying gamers to raise Cain at Obama, and it's refreshing to see a site like Destructoid take a look at both sides of the "issue".
Thank you Jim. That's exactly the point I was going to make. Back in the early 90's, culture used Nintendo as something to mention involving entertainment. Hell, Hudson Hawk even mentioned it (and don't be dissin' the Hawk). Then it became Sega, then it became Playstation.
The term changes with the times. There was even a time when people referred to television as *gasp* the boob tube--not because of breasts, but because it affixed people to focus solely on it than the world around them. Then again, you have to forgive them--radio did the same thing in the 30's and 40's.
Xbox is the leading console, and has the less goofy name compared to "Wii"--plus Wii actually has more active gaming than the others. Obama's not slamming the Xbox, he's not even bashing games. He's saying moderation is the key.
This proves an interesting counterpoint to the earlier article about the ECA lobbying gamers to raise Cain at Obama, and it's refreshing to see a site like Destructoid take a look at both sides of the "issue".
Yeah, Jim, definitely true. I think many of us, including myself, in the gaming community are so used to authority figures bashing videogames in general, we automatically assumed the worst. But, that's not the case. I like Obama, although sometimes I wish he was a bit more radical...
Are gamers actually offended by this comment? I've seen articles about it, but I thought that they were supposed to be tongue-in-cheek. What Obama is literally saying is the same argument gamers always use whenever someone tries to blame gaming for how a kid turns out. HE'S TELLING THE PARENTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHILDREN. Seriously, how often do you hear gamers say that it's really the parents' fault whenever a kid does something fucked up and everyone cries 'video games'.
The way he uses "Xbox" is flippant. He clearly didn't mean for anyone to dwell on it. As Jim pointed out, the fact that he cited a video game instead of say Television just goes to show you how prominent gaming has become to the general public.
The way he uses "Xbox" is flippant. He clearly didn't mean for anyone to dwell on it. As Jim pointed out, the fact that he cited a video game instead of say Television just goes to show you how prominent gaming has become to the general public.
I think he's experienced the late night shenanigans of what some kids get up to when their parents are out on xbox live.
Well said, Jim. I definitely agree with Obama on this too. America is too stupid and parents should be blamed just as much as our education system.
Huh. I didn't even know people's panties were bunching up over anything. Shows how much I pay attention.
I didn't even know Obama made a reference to video games until now. I still don't get what the big deal is. I agree with Jim's article. He was just telling parents to be responsible when raising their kids. When my brothers and I were younger we used to be allowed to play SNES before going to school, but it caused so many arguments that my mom changed the rules. We were only allowed to play after she checked to make sure our homework was done and not in the mornings before school anymore. Things worked out just fine.
I don't understand why there's such a stigma over not liking something Jim's done. I like Jim, I respect Jim, but I think he shouldn't have posted this. I'm not trying to troll or anything, just voice my opinion, same as you.
More on-topic, though, is that I don't see this as "Obama said XBOX? RAGE!!!"
The problem I see is that Obama is more or less perpetuating the stereotype that gamers are fat/lazy. I'm fairly active, I play video games, and I weigh about 140. Hardly obese for 6'3". Obviously, there are fat gamers, but there are also fat non-gamers. I don't think Obama's message is bad, I just think he's doing it wrong.
More on-topic, though, is that I don't see this as "Obama said XBOX? RAGE!!!"
The problem I see is that Obama is more or less perpetuating the stereotype that gamers are fat/lazy. I'm fairly active, I play video games, and I weigh about 140. Hardly obese for 6'3". Obviously, there are fat gamers, but there are also fat non-gamers. I don't think Obama's message is bad, I just think he's doing it wrong.
Obama: "Be responsible with your kids."
The People: "How dare you tell us what to do! SOCIALIST!"
That's more or less how this whole situation presented itself to me when I first heard it. :-P
The People: "How dare you tell us what to do! SOCIALIST!"
That's more or less how this whole situation presented itself to me when I first heard it. :-P
Well since it's Barack Obama, its ok. If it was George Bush, why is he impeding our rights? Sterling, you are a moron.
"The problem I see is that Obama is more or less perpetuating the stereotype that gamers are fat/lazy."
Exactly the point I was making. It's not that it's singling out xbox, or that he has an agenda. It's that he's making assumptions about a type of people and their lifestyle.
And jim... so you agree that he's saying it as a publicity stunt, not as any real means of getting a valid message across? He's saying it because it's trendy to make fun of gamers for being fat and lazy. But I'll tell you this, any gamer does a HELL of a lot more activity than a bookworm, but you'll never hear him say that we should put down the books and go outside.
Exactly the point I was making. It's not that it's singling out xbox, or that he has an agenda. It's that he's making assumptions about a type of people and their lifestyle.
And jim... so you agree that he's saying it as a publicity stunt, not as any real means of getting a valid message across? He's saying it because it's trendy to make fun of gamers for being fat and lazy. But I'll tell you this, any gamer does a HELL of a lot more activity than a bookworm, but you'll never hear him say that we should put down the books and go outside.
Hell, the fact that he knows what an Xbox is, more or less, proves that he at least knows what he's talking about.
Put away the Xbox? Yeah, parents do have to do that. Kids don't grow up good by themselves. I know of many people (well, okay, I know of 2 people) whose ambitions and dreams were cut short or made much harder due to playing video games all day, every day. Got a tough university exam in 3 days? No reason to NOT play GoW2 for 7 hours. Need to get that assignment, which counts for 40% of your course done in a week? Well, why SHOULDN'T I play CoD4 till 3am! Need to get up and leave on time to get to work!? Ah who cares, I'm sure my Boss doesn't mind me calling in sick to play video games every week or so. It's not like he cares about his employees being on places ON TIME. Your girlfriend/boyfriend wants to spend time with you? Yeah yeah,, maybe later - maybe after I get that new TF2 unlockable. Does any of this sound familiar? I sure does to me.
Playing video games on weekends? Fine. Playing video games on the holidays? Fine. Playing video games for a few hours after work? Fine. Hell, what to play video games for six hours after work? Sure, knock yourself out, as long as you don't have a family to pay attention to.
But if you play video games to the extent that you:
1) Miss work frequently
2) Do poorly on exams and coursework
3) Can't remember what day of the week it is
4) Can't remember the last time you went outside
5) Can't remember the last time you had a conversation with your family that lasted more than 10 minutes and WASN'T about video games
6) Can't remember the last time you learned something important and new
Then you have a video game addiction. It is a real thing.
If someone spent most of their life just watching TV, never learning, never interacting, we would call that pathetic. Playing video games instead is LESS pathetic, because you still need to be mentally active (to an extent). But it's no substitute for a REAL life. Video games are a PART of a good life. They do not make up a life by themselves.
Put away the Xbox? Yeah, parents do have to do that. Kids don't grow up good by themselves. I know of many people (well, okay, I know of 2 people) whose ambitions and dreams were cut short or made much harder due to playing video games all day, every day. Got a tough university exam in 3 days? No reason to NOT play GoW2 for 7 hours. Need to get that assignment, which counts for 40% of your course done in a week? Well, why SHOULDN'T I play CoD4 till 3am! Need to get up and leave on time to get to work!? Ah who cares, I'm sure my Boss doesn't mind me calling in sick to play video games every week or so. It's not like he cares about his employees being on places ON TIME. Your girlfriend/boyfriend wants to spend time with you? Yeah yeah,, maybe later - maybe after I get that new TF2 unlockable. Does any of this sound familiar? I sure does to me.
Playing video games on weekends? Fine. Playing video games on the holidays? Fine. Playing video games for a few hours after work? Fine. Hell, what to play video games for six hours after work? Sure, knock yourself out, as long as you don't have a family to pay attention to.
But if you play video games to the extent that you:
1) Miss work frequently
2) Do poorly on exams and coursework
3) Can't remember what day of the week it is
4) Can't remember the last time you went outside
5) Can't remember the last time you had a conversation with your family that lasted more than 10 minutes and WASN'T about video games
6) Can't remember the last time you learned something important and new
Then you have a video game addiction. It is a real thing.
If someone spent most of their life just watching TV, never learning, never interacting, we would call that pathetic. Playing video games instead is LESS pathetic, because you still need to be mentally active (to an extent). But it's no substitute for a REAL life. Video games are a PART of a good life. They do not make up a life by themselves.
I'm glad other people saw his (Obama's) point. As an employee in the gaming industry and as a gamer I was not at all annoyed when he stated that. Sure it stuck out to me, but I got the message.
I think the ECA is taking it a bit far in their "call to arms" type thing they got going on. I agree with their main purpose, in stating the benefits but the form letter they are asking people to send is a bit much.
If anything these emails on the benefits should be going to those who are attempting to pass legislation in banning games or certain types of games. Not to the President of the USA who is saying to parents, take responsibility and don't let something you plug into the wall be the constant baby sitter for your child.
I think the ECA is taking it a bit far in their "call to arms" type thing they got going on. I agree with their main purpose, in stating the benefits but the form letter they are asking people to send is a bit much.
If anything these emails on the benefits should be going to those who are attempting to pass legislation in banning games or certain types of games. Not to the President of the USA who is saying to parents, take responsibility and don't let something you plug into the wall be the constant baby sitter for your child.
imOK: Read my post again. I specifically stated I AGREE with the overall message. I do NOT see his intentions as bad or malicious towards me or other gamers. I think his use of that example shows the prevalence of the stereotype. He could have used anything, you're right, but videogames aren't just the popular thing to have right now, they're also the popular thing to blame problems on.
My apologies, my post about agreeing with Obama was somewhere else. Point stands, however, that I do.
Eh, even if he was "condemning" games, I'd say consider the source before getting bent out of shape. The way this administration has screwed the pooch in the first 7 months, I couldn't care less what his opinions are. The man rarely knows what he's talking about, so just consider the source if he ever does go off on video games.
ImOK: You're taking my statements too far. Nothing I've said should be taken as a "anytime anyone does X action" kind of thing. It's specifically related to this, and you know it. It is completely ridiculous to say that anything negative said about gaming shows stereotype, and I know that, but when a POLITICIAN says it in relation to FITNESS and OBESITY, then the evidence is quite clear, as I see it.
It is apparent that Usetabe is completely oblivious of the presidency that existed within 2001-2009 years.
"fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
"fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."
I see that Im OK is a fan of reductio ad absurdum. We're not saying that he shouldn't be saying anything about video games. But that he shouldn't single it out. And that he's only doing it because it's the IN thing to do makes it that much worse. I'd have the same comments if he said television, books, or anything specific. He's talking about obesity and health issues, and using video games as an easy scapegoat. We're not offended, we're not bashing, we're just saying it was a poor choice of words, and he should be more careful. The EXACT same thing is being said about his word choice in the Gates arrest. I 100% agree that we have an obesity problem. I agree with 99% of what obama says. But to single out video games the way he continually does is just showing that he's jumping on the scapegoat bandwagon. Sure, it's not the 'murder simulator' scapegoat that we're all so used to now. But it's a scapegoat none-the-less, and we need to pay attention to it. We're not calling for a raid. We're not getting offended. He'll we're not even saying he shouldn't talk about video games. He just needs to be sure he doesn't cross the line, because he's standing dangerously close to it right now, and some people are a little more cautious about it than others. If you want to ignore it, fine. But I'll stick with the ECA on this one and request that he is more careful with his usage of video games in his speeches.
And for the record, I had the EXACT same feelings when presidents used to say 'turn off the TV and go outside'. Moderation is the key, not scapegoating. I'm just waiting for the time when games are as prevalent in our culture as books, radio, and TV. Obama's been real good about embracing new technologies (ie: internet), so I have faith that nothing that he's said about video games has been malicious. But it's not wrong to call to attention how very close he is to crossing the line. I'd rather make the public aware of it than have to scramble for support if the line is crossed.
And for the record, I had the EXACT same feelings when presidents used to say 'turn off the TV and go outside'. Moderation is the key, not scapegoating. I'm just waiting for the time when games are as prevalent in our culture as books, radio, and TV. Obama's been real good about embracing new technologies (ie: internet), so I have faith that nothing that he's said about video games has been malicious. But it's not wrong to call to attention how very close he is to crossing the line. I'd rather make the public aware of it than have to scramble for support if the line is crossed.
I just find it kind of hypocritical when he campaigned in video games trying to attract video gamer votes, and now he's saying this about video games. It doesn't seem right...
Wow, and here I thought everyone had gotten over that comment 6 months ago. Man, some people really just dont know when to let go, right Jim...
Wait a sec!!! I suddenly get the feeling I'm getting played while you exploits Google Trends. I mean, not only did you manage to mention videogames, Obama, and President in the same article, you even managed to include Michael Jackson in the article.
Shit...well played, Jim.
Wait a sec!!! I suddenly get the feeling I'm getting played while you exploits Google Trends. I mean, not only did you manage to mention videogames, Obama, and President in the same article, you even managed to include Michael Jackson in the article.
Shit...well played, Jim.
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