How Our Children Are Entertaining Themselves; Violent Video Games Getting Council Hearing

Weekly Gleaner, The; North American ed. › July 29, 2009

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In addition, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is "M" rated; it is not intended for sale to under-17 audiences. Contrary to what some may believe, it must be recognized that video games have evolved as an adult medium, not unlike literature, movies and music. The fact that the game is popular does not mean that it will encourage players to act out hatred or violence against any group or persons in the "real world." Certainly, this is not our intent, nor is it the effect of the game. "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released in October 2002. We believe that recent media coverage has taken certain statements made in the game out of context, and has blown it out of proportion by mischaracterizing the nature of the game played, as well as the actual portrayal of persons and groups in the game. As with literature, movies, music and other forms of entertainment, we have strived to create a video game experience with a certain degree of realism, which we believe is our right. Nevertheless, we are aware of the hurt and anger in the Haitian community and have listened to the community's objections to certain statements made in the game. Accordingly, we will remove the objectionable statements from future copies of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Councilmember [Yvette D. Clarke] said then that "The insensitive and racist nature of this 'game' continues to demean an entire ethnic group. It is certainly not enough to say 'we're sorry' when millions of dollars in profit have been made off 'fictional game warfare'.

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How Our Children Are Entertaining Themselves; Violent Video Games Getting Council Hearing

TOMORROW (MARCH 30), City Council Member Gate A. Brewer (D-Manhattan), Council Member Yvette D. Clarke (D-Brooklyn) and Council Member Eric Gioia (D-Queens) will join with Consumer Affairs Committee Chair Philip Reed (D-Manhattan) on the steps of C...

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