“Given me Liberty, or give me Death!” words from the famous Patrick Henry. Today, the Supreme Court chose to give the American people liberty.
Monday, June 27, 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to prohibit minors from buying violent video games in the United States. The court ultimately decided that video games have the same legal security as movies, books, and music etc. Meaning that they are a form of free speech and can not be banned from reaching the hands of minors. The decision was 7-2 which upheld the status quo and throws out the ban that was placed on California’s youth.
The Video Game Voters Network(VGVN) has been following this case from the very begging and elicited the gaming community to sign petitions and establish protest against the court. Today, it was a huge victory for the VGVN. They had this to say,
“Today’s ruling is a big victory for game players, parents, and all who value free speech and creative expression…..
As an American citizen first, I wholeheartedly support the Supreme Court ruling to protect games as free speech, like any other form of creative expression.
I will defend these rights against attempts to subvert or manipulate the spirit of the ruling through legislative loopholes.
I will defend against any attempts to restrict the sale of computer and video games, which are nothing but aggressive attempts at censorship.
I will support continued efforts to fight for free speech of computer and video games, a right now recognized by the highest court in the land.”
One of the very reasons that video game sales could not be banned from the hands of minors was because there was a lack of evidence that it was harmful to minors. A study by Professor Scott Cunningham from Baylor University and Professor Michael R. Ward from University of Texas at Arlington recently suggested that violent video games do not increase youth to preform violent acts.
I say let the gaming industry keep it out of the hands of the youth, they have been doing a great job thus far. Since no other news source has pointed this out I will….
First off the industry created a ranking system called the ESRB which puts ranks on video game boxes. This informs the consumer of the age level that in intended for this type of gameplay(i.e. Rated M, for Mature). Second it is many companies polices such as Walmart’s, and Target’s, not to sell M rated video games to minors. Essentially you have the industry regulating itself without the need of government intervention.
Lastly, parents need to take care of their own damn children. When did it become the governments responsibility? If you don’t want your child playing violent video games then don’t let them buy/own/or play violent video games, plain and simple. Yes, the free market might not always work but in this instance it has very well. So lets keep it that way.
Crime rates are decreasing and the video game industry is increasingly growing. Lets blame someone else for our violent youth, I would target the parents first. I am sorry but someone had to say it.
After today’s ruling we can put all this behind us as focus on creating intelligent, creative, and outstanding video games to inspire children. Next goal for the industry is to finally show Roger Ebert that video games are art.
And yes bitches, WE WON!
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