The Coffee Trip: Sex and Video Games

Kamikaze

Certified Public Asshole
Nov 15, 2006
898
4
Chicago, IL
Wii Online Code
1130-2954-1680-3052
I've asked to have permission settings to post in the article section, and it has yet to be granted. Anyway, I post these type of articles on my Myspace, which is www.myspace.com/abdoctor . It's usually updated every 2-3 days with a video game related blog, as a friend and I plan on opening up a website with our editorials:

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Well, yes...the caffeine additive into this beautiful drug we call coffee is involved in tonight's blog session, folks. Anyway, why is it that children(and when I say children, I mean the ages of 5-12) seem to wonder if even the most innocent games (i.e. Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, etc.) contain crude and sexual content? Even the most oblivious parent would come up to a service clerk and happen to hold a game that's based off Mario, and yet have the audacity to believe there's sexual humor involved when they're even pointed upon what the ESRB rating is for. In case you do not know the ESRB rating, it's pretty much how movies are rated, but instead of giving it a PG-13 or R title, it's spread into a more diverse section, in which goes from Early Childhood games (think Seasme Street and educational tools.) from E and E+10(Everyone;Everyone 10 and up)(Games based off cartoon shows, movies or even family friendly games.), T(which stands for Teen, basic fighting games, which contain more violence. Prime example is any fighting game, i.e. Tekken.) and M, (which stands for mature; i.e. Grand Theft Auto, God of War, True Crimes. Contain blood, nudity, drugs, anything you'd see in a R rated movie.) as well as AO (Adults only, although these games can only be found at black markets. Straight up porn.). With helpful and detail descriptions of how the game was rated, parents still happen to be skeptical with cartoon violence (TMNT), but rather have their own children listen to Three Six Mafia and watch South Park.

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Speaking of South Park, many parents need to really watch what children are watching. Now, don't get me wrong, I personally enjoy the show. But does the younger audience need to learn what a douche is or even know upon pedophilia and see it as comedic? In the beginning of the show, it clearly states that it's a Mature show for a Mature group. Now when has 5 year old children been able to watch mature programs and learn about masturbation and ejaculation? Not to top it off, parents then wonder where they're children are learning to revolt and cause chaos upon their own home. It's these same parents that have children being picked on and then going to school one day and causing something similar to Columbine.

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A child came up to me while I was at work today, and as I was on the phone with a guest, the child simply yells: "Does this game have sex?". With a shocked expression upon my face, I simply ask him why he wishes to have that type of content within a game, in which the father interupts me and claims that his son (who is between the ages of 5-7) has sex all the time. What truly makes me wonder, is when these two children get older, what else would they be asking? And why would Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have sex in it? Unless you're at some hentai perverted website, I highly doubt you would see anything to that criteria. As I told the father specifically that games rated with the E title contain no such graphic, he had a fake sigh of relief, as I assume it was for his own pleasure...but still...why did the father say his 7 year old son has sex all the time, and what is a 7 year old doing chanting out in a nonchalant way if sex is involved?

Apart of my job consists of giving parents advice if a game is suitable for their child or not. And apparently, parents believe I am restricting them from buying a game (let's say it's a Grand Theft Auto game). If there is an 8 year old with a parent as they're about to make the purchase, I would assure the parent/guardian that the game contains excessive violence, nudity, drug and alcohol use, blood/gore and anything you'd practically see in an R rated film and even in a pornographic film. If that doesn't change their mind, I'd let them know that this is like buying alcohol for your son/daughter to consume on. The deal with this is that this alcohol will continue to consume them into a bitter rage and having them use the profound words that happen to be in a particular game such as this.


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There's also another story on another parent (who will be nameless). She had let her son play a particular game that had been an M rated title (God of War). We've had conversations, but have yet to meet in person, only on the phone. She was telling me that she had no intentions of giving her son something so graphic, as I've told her specific details about the game and even suggesting to visit IGN.com to view screenshots of the sequel and decide if she truly wishes for her son to play something on a level too extreme for his own age. She had argued with me that it was her overall decision, in which I had no hesitation to agree with her, but just advised her before her son had even decided to get such a game (in which he hasn't yet, and I doubt he will.). Her son constantly comes in, begging for me to convince his mother to think otherwise, and I just don't see any use in doing so. I wouldn't let my own nephews and niece look at games like this, let alone, someone who's around their age range play and look at such a game?



All in all, it's the parents who decide on what games their children can have. I'll just simply advise the guardian if they are aware of what they're buying. And if their child turns out to be a Charlie Manson or John Gacy, apparently it's the video game's fault, but the parent won't get any blame, even with the warning that had been advised previously. If they will allow their children to view such content, why not buy them a handgun for their next birthday? Or even give them controlled substances as treats, and encourage prostitution in a way of getting money in time of need. As you're reading this, you may be thinking that this is completely insane and out of the question. But, if they're doing this as a simulation, what's wrong with having it as the real deal? It's a double standard, and many parents of course are contradictory to the series of questions I have asked. They'll even make an attempt to say it's the schooling's fault or even make an attempt to sue the video game company for having such a violent game, let alone, the salesperson themselves advised the buyer of the game's content. In reality, if anyone should be arrested for the murder due to any Grand Theft Autos, God of Wars or even Rainbow Six, it should be the parent. Maybe then, they'll realize that this is a more serious situation than they have previously thought...and maybe then, they can even save a life by preventing their child from playing something that can corrupt such a young mind. In the words of Smokey The Bear: "Only you can help prevent forest fires.". Although that has nothing to do with this...it's still one line to think about.
 
Something I thought was funny when I was working back at EB games, a customer walked in. (Some older ladie and I guess her young son) GTA san andreas was released not to long ago and he walked up to the counter where I was and he said, Im want Grand theft auto San andreas. I was like.........
Well I told the mom by rules that this game has this and that... She replied o it doesnt matter.. he will go to his friends house anyway and play it. I was stunned by this.. but what really got me was the kid agreed with it. He even repeted what the mother said. Pretty weird if ya ask me. I myself will not be in that position to let my kid over do me. I guess the parents could give a crap about that. O well nice post.
 
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Darkonix said:
Something I thought was funny when I was working back at EB games, a customer walked in. (Some older ladie and I guess her young son) GTA san andreas was released not to long ago and he walked up to the counter where I was and he said, Im want Grand theft auto San andreas. I was like.........
Well I told the mom by rules that this game has this and that... She replied o it doesnt matter.. he will go to his friends house anyway and play it. I was stunned by this.. but what really got me was the kid agreed with it. He even repeted what the mother said. Pretty weird if ya ask me. I myself will not be in that position to let my kid over do me. I guess the parents could give a crap about that. O well nice post.


I have a similar story, as when an 8-9 year old wanted Vice City, I told him he needed a parent to purchase the game. Luckily enough, he gets a man who can't speak any English what-so-ever, in which I tried explaining it to him the slowest and most efficent way possible. I was quite tempted to just break the disc right in front of them and tell them that we don't have it.
 
I love reading things like these about people saying...these kids today! When i was a kid!! When i have a kid! its always very amusing to me...

Well I'm 26 now and I remember when i was 10-12 i don't think most of you do...When i was 10-12 the internet was just getting started up(Just reaching local audiences) I was on a few BBS's back then...and i've got to tell you if i wanted to see Sex or violence there was basicly nothing my parents could do to stop me...i remember when mortal combat was concidered brutal...the kids that didn't have it would spend ALOT more time with the kids that did...I still have a friend today that i only knew because his parents were so permissive, also the first place i smoked or drank anything
This is the argument for sex education..if they don't learn it with teachers/parents around they'll learn it wrong on the street!

So I agree completely that if your selling the games it is you resposibility to inform the parents of what type of violence or sex there is in the game....but please realize that if this child isn't sitting home playing this game with mom and dad in the next room he's sitting at a friends house with god know who doing go knows what..next step is drugs!
 
I agree with your article. There is this one thing I didnt agree with you said that if all else fails you tell the parents that buying a mature game = buying your kid alcohol and cigarettes or drugs...c'mon that isn't true. I have been all sorts of games very violent and I have never been drunk, I don't smoke, never done any drugs so living proof right here (21 years old btw) I started my bigger gaming life with DukeNukem 3d that came with our first PC, so I was shoving dollars down strippers pants at a quite early age - ingame of course :p
 
With violent games, I think it also has to do if your a strong minded individual. I used to play all the violent games when I was younger. Mortal kombat, duke Nukem, 007 which really isnt that bad. Overall, I havnt killed anyone. I havnt suffered from any type of depression. I havnt contimplated to hurt myself or anyone else, nor will I ever will. If you have a strong set mind. A game will not effect you in any way. As for troubled kids and adults, they may see a game and think other wise. (just look on the news)

As for the kids talked about from Rideithme38, If you drank/ smoked at a friends house, thats your dicission. At a younger age, I was told that its not good for the body, bad for brain, etc.. I took it apon myself to not drink at an early age nor ever smoke because I see no reason to. I drink now at 22 whenever I want. Also, if ya wanted to see sex or vioelnce that was apon your decssion to watch. You just might not have been informed to possibly wait till your older to see if you want to be involved with that kind of stuff. At a young age, if you get comfortable with something, it will probably be with you for a long time. Just my 2 cents though.
 
Darkonix said:
With violent games, I think it also has to do if your a strong minded individual. I used to play all the violent games when I was younger. Mortal kombat, duke Nukem, 007 which really isnt that bad. Overall, I havnt killed anyone. I havnt suffered from any type of depression. I havnt contimplated to hurt myself or anyone else, nor will I ever will. If you have a strong set mind. A game will not effect you in any way. As for troubled kids and adults, they may see a game and think other wise. (just look on the news)

As for the kids talked about from Rideithme38, If you drank/ smoked at a friends house, thats your dicission. At a younger age, I was told that its not good for the body, bad for brain, etc.. I took it apon myself to not drink at an early age nor ever smoke because I see no reason to. I drink now at 22 whenever I want. Also, if ya wanted to see sex or vioelnce that was apon your decssion to watch. You just might not have been informed to possibly wait till your older to see if you want to be involved with that kind of stuff. At a young age, if you get comfortable with something, it will probably be with you for a long time. Just my 2 cents though.

I COMPLETELY agree with the whole "strong minded individual" point. I'm sorry but if a videogame "makes" you kill yourself or others you're a dumba$$ and obviously weak minded. When I was younger I played Mortal Kombat and guess what? It didn't turn me into some insane teenager w/ a thirst for blood. Games are NOT the reason for the idiotic morons we have running around today acting like a hot mess. Blame it on drugs if you want to but really it goes back to the PARENTS. Most parents teach their kids crucial life lessons like, "Ripping someones heart out of their chest is NOT good". Or "killing students at school is NOT a good way to get revenge". I'm just sick and tired of all these politicans making stupid laws to censor everything.
 
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bootstrap said:
I agree with your article. There is this one thing I didnt agree with you said that if all else fails you tell the parents that buying a mature game = buying your kid alcohol and cigarettes or drugs...c'mon that isn't true. I have been all sorts of games very violent and I have never been drunk, I don't smoke, never done any drugs so living proof right here (21 years old btw) I started my bigger gaming life with DukeNukem 3d that came with our first PC, so I was shoving dollars down strippers pants at a quite early age - ingame of course :p


That is your opinion. But let me elaborate a bit more upon what I said on how it's around the same as buying children alcohol and drugs. Some children (a lot of the time it can also be the parent's fault.) take things too seriously, such as the kids you see trying to immitate wrestlers followed by others committing other kinds of extreme. It's because they're overly influenced with the game/movie/music itself that they can't tell the difference between reality and what's being played, watched and heard. Many years ago, when the old Superman movie came out (with Christopher Reeves), many children tried putting a blanket on them as a cape and jumped out of windows. The result, serious injuries while some were resulted into death. You may not have been in this type of scenario, but others can be easily influenced without the intention of the product is meaning to. Some people just don't understand the differences between right and wrong.
 
MasterJedi2U said:
I COMPLETELY agree with the whole "strong minded individual" point. I'm sorry but if a videogame "makes" you kill yourself or others you're a dumba$$ and obviously weak minded.
I was gonna bust something similiar to the dumbasses out there but glanced that phrase.... I wouldt be too sure though.

Japan IS the video game mecca. Half of the violent games are in the US, Japans got the real deal there. And Japan doesn't maintain a leisurely lifestyle, people are busy with work, children are stressed in school, whatnot, almost ten fold compared to America, yet, they do keep their closure and you never here such acts of violence inspired by video games.

I have no real clue what is the spark, but America is a wildfire of violence, from where we do not know was lit.
 
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Japan may get 80 percent of the greatest games to never be played in the United States, but they are also open to unusual sexual humor (i.e. The DS will be receiving a teenage girl dress up game, while there have been some games that require male cross dressing.) that will remain controversal within the North American region.
 
i remember when i was six and bought mortal combat for sega,after playing for two-three hours i jump kicked my brother into the wall...
the moral of the story is let kids play wateva they want,video games in absolutely no way encourage violence.:devil:
 
Almo said:
i remember when i was six and bought mortal combat for sega,after playing for two-three hours i jump kicked my brother into the wall...
the moral of the story is let kids play wateva they want,video games in absolutely no way encourage violence.:devil:

i somewhat dissagree with you, to a certain extent thats true,i dont have a problem with children playing mortal kombat seeing as 1.most 5-10 year olds can not pull out your heart or kick you into a wall so that isnt a problem anyway. 2. there isnt really anything bad there except blood/violence. however i dissagree with you on "letting kids play watever they want", if i dont want my kid to virtually blow somones head off,mug somone,beat somone to death,have sex,or drink, then that is good parenting, by the way im 14 and i have better parenting skills than you....i hope you dont reproduce lol.
 
scubasteve said:
i somewhat dissagree with you, to a certain extent thats true,i dont have a problem with children playing mortal kombat seeing as 1.most 5-10 year olds can not pull out your heart or kick you into a wall so that isnt a problem anyway. 2. there isnt really anything bad there except blood/violence. however i dissagree with you on "letting kids play watever they want", if i dont want my kid to virtually blow somones head off,mug somone,beat somone to death,have sex,or drink, then that is good parenting, by the way im 14 and i have better parenting skills than you....i hope you dont reproduce lol.

lol the fact that your 14 and thinking bowt kids makes me worry...anyway i wasnt being serious,get a dictionary and look up the word sarcasm...
by the way letting your kids play video games doesnt mean you a bad parent,ur in no position to personally judge my parenting skills so get f**ked
 
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ocdan said:
I was gonna bust something similiar to the dumbasses out there but glanced that phrase.... I wouldt be too sure though.

Japan IS the video game mecca. Half of the violent games are in the US, Japans got the real deal there. And Japan doesn't maintain a leisurely lifestyle, people are busy with work, children are stressed in school, whatnot, almost ten fold compared to America, yet, they do keep their closure and you never here such acts of violence inspired by video games.

I have no real clue what is the spark, but America is a wildfire of violence, from where we do not know was lit.


From how I see it, Look at certain parts of America, Very popular spots if you will.. Cali. Miami, fl. NewYork, NY. All those hot spots are FULL of Different kinds of people. Different races/makes/models. All sorts of stuff. Of course like what was said about Japan, Many people live there but compare the mixture of cultures over there? Mostly japanese. In the hot spots in Japan, its mostly japanese also. Anyone from japan please correct me if im wrong but its just the way I think it is. When you clash many cultures together/ Poor/rich/ middle class. Different results accur. Just my 2 cents on that I guess. Laters all. =)
 
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