In yet another instance of politicians pretending to be tough on shallow issues just to make themselves look better, Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright has proposed a new bill in New York aimed at restricting the sale of games with "racist stereotypes" and oh-so naughty language in them.
Bill number A01474 "Prohibits the sale to minors of certain rated video games containing a rating that reflects content of various degrees of profanity, racist stereotypes or derogatory language, and/or actions toward a specific group of persons."
As is so often the case, this seems like a rather pointless and redundant bit of cuddling up to parents by a politician who doesn't really know what he's talking about and offers no solution of substance. So, it's politics as usual.
This isn't the first useless bill to come through NY. In 2008, one was actually passed which demanded that videogames display their ratings and that consoles offer parental controls. Of course, that's like demanding Activision to start milking franchises dry -- the games industry was already doing the things that New York ordered it to do.
One day, a politician will tackle things that actually matter. In the mean time, just remember that during a financial recession, our money is being wasted on bullsh*t like this.
[Thanks Powerglove]
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
12:20 PM on 01.13.2009
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My new year's resolution to be like a little beam of happy sunshine on the internet is not going as well as I had hoped.
It reminds me of all the "rid the world of the plague called anime from the dark land of Japan" nonsense a decade ago.
Not really worth getting your feathers ruffled over. It's just some politician trying to build up his name with pointless legislation.
If NY didn't have all of its eggs in one basket sucking off the teat (okay dick) of finance, NY wouldn't be in dire straits. If NY would have developed a solid video game industry, it would help soften the blow with tax dollars from that.
Instead we get more money wasted on useless legislation. Murders, robberies, assualts and rapes are up all over the city. Unemployment's antiquated computer system went down due to the large number of jobless. Bernie Madoff still isn't in jail, but under house arrest in his mansion. Living in NY is like living in the Twilight Zone; the last thing I'm worried about is a video game.
The last thing I want MY elected official to worry about is a video game.
I may not agree with this assemblyman (or the legislation proposed), but games ARE saturated with stereo-types. Many sheltered suburban kids (lacking experiences with cultures outside of their own) are influenced by the images and characterizations found in games. If you don't think so, spend five minutes on Xbox live asking teens what their opinions are of various cultures.
I many cases, the individuals making the games are simply grown up versions of the culturally shallow minds they are now polluting. I can't wait for the Mind of Mencia future we are headed towards here in the US (queue the Mencia defense force that will totally miss the lager point I am making). If you don't want idiots like this trying to pass even more idiotic legislation, then stop portraying cultures using the same tired racist undertones people have been railing against for 40 fucking years. It really isn't that hard....nor does it take that much brain power to figure out.
I've never been to either (the reference to the "tag" was just preamble).....what's your point?
My point: while the proposed legislation is asinine the stereotypes present in many games draw exactly this type of foolishness. If you want it to stop…be more responsible about what you are putting out there. If as a gamer you want your pastime to be accepted then the pastime (as a whole) will need be able to withstand scrutiny and criticism. Now, please go back to not commenting to me...
You do realize that something like this would restrict games like Gears of War, Dragonball Z (believe it or not, Goku is supposedly a stereotypical white man, I can give further examples if need be), Final Fantasy (VII, Barrett, he's even the only black character I can recall off hand, or the more recent stereotype of the androgyny of Japanese people), Grand Theft Auto, all Football games, Basketball games, (just because they're actual people doesn't mean that they don't fit the stereotype of the big black muscle head).
There is of course more, but it is plain to see that this whole thing is a waste of time. If we're going to overcome a problem as a people we're going to have to do it as a people, and not have the Government force us. We need to evolve past the base and disgusting creatures we are into a more intellectual species.
Yea, believe it or not many people subscribe to Mencia's notion that racist epitaphs and concepts are simply silly and do no actual damage to the psyche of Americans (those using them or those who are victims of them).
Do I realize "something like this" would restrict games? What is "something like this" exactly? As I said, I think the bill is asinine, but if developers didn't rely on stereotypes so heavily and actually raised the bar they would be immune to these sorts of issues.
This bill would not actually affect me and after hearing many culturally insensitive teens yelling out n#gger on live or spouting off about Mexicans.....I have to wonder what my favorite pastime is doing to hurt or to help.
I am an adult, so I can still buy these games based on this bill. I also know that many kids simply lack the life experience needed to avoid making generalizations about the cultures stereotyped in games. As a result, I don't think children should be playing many of the titles available online.
As far as your examples...these stereotypes are much broader than "big black muscle head"...that actually made laugh and I don't think you have full grasp on the entire scope of what games have portrayed nor do you seem to be aware of how different cultures have received them.
There is one thing we seem to agree on. If we are to become more intellectual and less banal, then it is ok to expect more from developers in the way of characterization and cultural depiction. If gaming is going to become an art form respected by those outside of its fanbase, then these trials are simply growing pains. Not some clandestine effort to censor creativity. You want to evolve?........I agree, lets start by expecting developers to mature with regard to the way they craft their characters and stories.
no harm no foul...the bill is stupid, but game makers need to start making themselves more stupid-proof!