Mom Complains: "Video Games Were Created By Satan"
See Full ImageNow, before any of you freak out, bear two things in mind: we are talking about a woman who simply wishes to be a good mother and is concerned about what she hears in the press (and if you know nothing about the subject at hand, this is always a bad position to be in), and secondly, let's not give the impression that she might be right by getting all caustic and aggressive.
In a blog entry that's bound to rile many a gamer around the country, staff writer Marla Jo Fisher of The Orange County Register believes that video games can only have a negative impact on children. In her article, she complains that after playing video games at a friend's house, her son will come home "with a sickly pallor" and remains "testy" all day. This is after saying she thinks video games were created by Satan "to turn otherwise normal children into his drooling, glassy-eyed stooges." Then she cites the unfortunate news story of a kid who couldn't stop playing Grand Theft Auto IV; the obsession was to the point where two Boston cops had to step in. Now, considering what she has seen, I will freely sympathize with her and recall a simpler, gentler time...okay, a time before I was born, but I've heard about it, at the very least.
The point is this, and you will forgive me for creating an article that is part news and part editorial: as difficult as this will be for her to accept, this is simply passing the buck. This is seeking out a culprit when the only culprit that ever can exist is - get ready for it - the parenting. I grew up with video games. Everyone I know grew up with video games and still play them to this day. We're all over 30 now and we all have respectable jobs (I know everyone from teachers to programmers to former police officers and salesman), many of us are starting families, and oh yes, not a one of us have a criminal record. Lastly, we were always some of the smartest kids in class, although adulthood has a way of marginalizing those accomplishments to some degree. In the end, when you see a kid walking out of a library with his face buried in a Nintendo DS (as she cites in her article), that really isn't the DS's fault. And it sure isn't Satan's.
My parents were relatively strict about how and when I played my games. Other parents were as well. If my grades dropped (they didn't, but we're doin' a hypothetical, here), I can absolutely guarantee that my play time would've dropped considerably. Now, I have always been a proponent of the ESRB and I wholeheartedly believe that children of a certain age should never be playing something like GTAIV, for the same reasons they should never be attending a rated "R" movie. She's right in wondering why kids "don't think" anymore; they don't because they really are too glued to electronics. But while the pull of these electronics is indeed strong, what is stopping the parents from instituting and maintaining some discipline in the household? What's stopping them from opening the young eyes and minds of their children by introducing them to other aspects of life? Take them to the theater, take them on hikes, take them to the zoo and the carnival and the museum and the town green for a community get-together. Be a parent.
I know, I know. Not being a parent myself, I'm not allowed to lecture. But am I not allowed to use the example of my own parents, or parents I grew up knowing? Am I not allowed to look around me and see intelligent, well-adjusted, respectable individuals who once may have had a "sickly pallor" from playing a game a little too long? The point is, video games can be dangerous for a child, just as most all forms of entertainment can be. But keeping them away from it entirely is typically a bad idea; the curiosity of a child is second-to-none, so if you keep him away from junk food forever, the instant he goes off to college, he may live on junk food. So my advice to the mother here is this: get that Wii and just keep an eye on its use. When the kid goes to a friend's house, maybe he won't be so apt to dive headfirst into the "forbidden" leisure activity, 'cuz he has already experienced it in his own house.
Oh, and the museum and the hikes. Don't forget that. Please, help the child expand his horizons. Put a book into his or her hands before the kid even leaves first grade.
P.S. Read the comments below that blog entry. A bunch of really intellingent gamers have stepped UP.
1/6/2010 10:54:50 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (174 posts)
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:22:25 AM
Reply
:rolls eyes:
Where to begin? Ben, I agree with you 100%.
I am a parent, and older than you Ben, I remember a time before video games. This person is making a judgment that a child has a sickly pallor after a gaming session? I wonder whether he/she had the same pallor before the games were played? Because I've never seen anyone's pallor change that rapidly unless they were coming down with the 'flu or something. Sounds like hyperbole to me, and you know hyperbole is no substitute for thought.
I'm not going to doubt the religious views of anyone, but to content that all games are the work of Satan is rather an anachronistic thing to do. This is what happened with Radio, TV, Dancing, Rock and Roll, pop music, punk rock, heavy metal, role playing games, TV movies, color TV, etc... Hell, movable type was once considered the work of Satan, as was an English translation of the Bible. Perhaps this person should look at history before making sensational and frankly ill-considered comments. Yet another commentator who sees some aberration like a kid that commits a crime and blames a video game, or in this case a story about one who plays compulsively, and explodes in a wave of hyperbole.
As you say Ben, it's not Satanic influence on the production of games. It's downright lazy, incompetent and irresponsible parenting that is to blame. If parents can't keep their kids use of electronics under control, if they can't control what their child plays and watches, then they are not doing their job as a parent. That's no one's fault but their own. Parents want to abdicate their responsibility and blame everyone else. In the absence of a real physical person to blame, why not blame Satan, he's an easy target. It's hard to argue against Satan being at the root of bad things, whether you consider Satan a literal being, or simply a metaphorical figure for the very ambiguous 'they' that always screw you over.
However it still comes back to parental responsibility and accountability. Be responsible for your kids behavior and hold yourself accountable for any failures.
Your last point about putting a book into a child's hand is a wonderful point. You've said it before, I think I have, and I've certainly agreed with you reading books develops your brain and enhances your intelligence. Yes books can be educational, but they also exercise your imagination and intellect. Show me a child that reads books from an early age, and I'll show you a child that's likely to go to university and succeed in life.
Perhaps I am a Luddite, but I also think that books are best enjoyed as print on paper pages, and not using an ebook reader. That said, I cannot understate the importance of reading regardless of the media.
Last edited by Highlander on 1/6/2010 11:41:18 AM
28 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:47:19 AM
1 up, 0 down
rogers71
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:14:29 PM
Ben,
I have a 7 year old son that plays video games as much as I do. He also gets straight A's in school because he knows the wrath of dad will come down on him and the video games will be gone if he falls to C or below. It is always the parents responsibility and as in any other venue of life, there will always be people who want to point fingers and pass the buck. It could never be their fault. That kind of thinking really chaps my...well, you know.
Great article as always Ben.
12 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:43:34 PM
And I know there ARE good parents out there. We got some right here. :)
5 up, 0 down
St_Jimmy
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 6:45:27 PM
7 up, 0 down
Qubex
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 8:11:06 PM
Q!
"i am home"
1 up, 0 down
Jed
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:25:51 PM
I'm not a parent, but I can totally relate to
"...he knows the wrath of dad will come down on him..."
That made me laugh. Thumbs UP
3 up, 0 down
johnld
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 3:01:36 AM
2 up, 0 down
CaptRon
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:27:29 AM
Reply
3 up, 4 down
inkme101
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:34:45 AM
Reply
i am a father and I'll tell ya what. my son gets the winter blues bad. he mopes and "lurks about" with this woe is me attitude cause he cant spend much time outside when its 12 degrees. So,this year we got him a ps3 and the boy has never been happier. Now I don't wanna say we're using video games to replace physical activity, but its kind of what its done. he could care less about doing anything physical. Which in the winter is fine by me as long as his grades stay up and he doesn't get too zombified. I still have him read 1 chapter book every day and i feel like the video games are played in moderation. All that was to say this: video games are the BEST thing that ever happened to my son. why? you ask. because he loves that ps3 so much and is so afraid of being grounded from it that it has made him work harder at school, do more chores at home, and be all around a far more well behaved child. I'm serious, he has pulled a complete 180. He used to be kinda angry but now with the proper outlet for his "anger or what have you" he has become an absolute angel. So I say "thank GOD for video games". LOL
Last edited by inkme101 on 1/6/2010 11:35:38 AM
17 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:48:33 AM
7 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:13:24 PM
I agree with you, video games can be an outlet for frustration and aggression resulting in a calmer, well adjusted child.
16 up, 1 down
rogers71
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:58:47 PM
15 up, 0 down
MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 6:34:34 PM
5 up, 0 down
IronFace2
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:35:25 AM
Reply
4 up, 1 down
Gregory Freeman
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:42:55 PM
now days my dad works 24/6, so he spends his sabbath day playing online Poker, and Red Alert 2...
By that parent's logic, my dad would have been a Turtle Murdering Lunatic, and then later on, would rally the soviets and attack America..
XD in all seriousness, it seems through history, if something exists that you don't approve of, it's always Satan's fault...
3 up, 0 down
pillz81
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:23:35 AM
0 up, 0 down
Sunni_Boi
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:35:42 AM
Reply
10 up, 2 down
IronFace2
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:43:21 AM
and that was a disaster. Anyway, my grades became better and I got it back. :)
4 up, 0 down
MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:47:37 AM
Or perhaps you are trying to express yourself differently?
7 up, 13 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:03:11 PM
10 up, 11 down
fluffer nutter
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:04:30 PM
7 up, 1 down
SvenMD
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:04:35 PM
Better Luck Next Time.
10 up, 1 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:09:29 PM
Its what he wrote about and topic included that you should be worried about, not how its written out. I think you guys should re evaluate your sitiuation and see if you can re read it and look past what matters to you and see what matters obtaining to the subject at hand.
Great comment btw, Sunni_boi.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/6/2010 1:15:45 PM
8 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:27:52 PM
"Adjust What Games He Plays Based On His Behavior."
One of the best pieces of advice I've seen in this comments section.
7 up, 0 down
www
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:43:35 PM
9 up, 0 down
johnld
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 3:06:15 AM
Last edited by johnld on 1/7/2010 3:08:55 AM
1 up, 1 down
Alienange
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:43:40 AM
Reply
As for your lecture Ben, no, looking at parents is not the same as being one. Nevertheless, you make valid points. Kids will ALWAYS test you as a parent. Many weak minded individuals are not able to handle rejection, even from a child, so they allow their child to walk all over them. They in turn hate this situation they've put themselves into and point the blame at society.
13 up, 1 down
Hezzron
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:45:26 AM
Reply
I'm taking applications now.
9 up, 1 down
fluffer nutter
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:30:03 PM
2 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:17:16 AM
So, are we to be known as Satan's Slaves Or Devil's Disciples???
Oh wait, I know of 2 other motorcycle clubs that already own those names LOL.......
No, seriously!.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 1/7/2010 1:19:05 AM
1 up, 0 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:49:53 AM
Reply
And it kinda counters your point about the solution being "it's parent's responsibility to limit their child's use of videogames". Didn't affect me.
Last edited by WolfCrimson on 1/6/2010 11:55:20 AM
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jaybiv
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:19:23 PM
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pillz81
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:28:38 AM
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inkme101
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:00:37 PM
Reply
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WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:03:50 PM
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inkme101
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:07:35 PM
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johnld
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 3:11:23 AM
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Jawknee
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:01:03 PM
Reply
"satan created beer to turn us all into mindless, stinky, drunks". I love beer but I choose to drink it in moderation just like I tend to at games in my off time. Work first, play later. The kid needs to learn self control and she needs to teach it to him.
4 up, 0 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:02:45 PM
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Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:20:41 PM
Of course they say, YES! At which point I demand that they retract such a terrible accusation against Jesus. When the look of angry confusion appears on their face I continue, explaining that if alcohol is the work of Satan and wine is alcoholic, then it too is the work of Satan (as they just confirmed). Remembering that Jesus turned water to wine - as written in the Bible (like the one they're holding...). Logically speaking, they just accused Jesus of emulating Satan, or worse, they're calling Jesus, Satan...
It's usually a good time to flee the location at that point. It takes a few seconds for their brain to wrap itself around the logic.
9 up, 0 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:24:43 PM
Last edited by WolfCrimson on 1/6/2010 12:25:30 PM
1 up, 1 down
bridgera
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:30:18 PM
7 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:40:37 PM
Wine is an integral part of Christian belief, even at the last supper they drank wine, not water. I understand the point about alcohol in excess being a problem, but at the same time, alcohol in moderation is depicted as a healthy thing in th Bible. Which is why I always find it amusing when a 'Christian' tries to denounce alcohol as something horrible.
I was just pointing out a paradox in the behavior of some, and not making a value judgment about wine.
6 up, 1 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:46:02 PM
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bigrailer19
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:24:36 PM
-- Benjamin Franklin
Thats all I have to Say, or well all Benjamin has to say!
I do agree alcohol in excess isn't necessarily a good thing. I'm pretty much in agreement with Highlander as always.
I will point out, both alcohol and gaming should be respected and can be dangerous in excess. I'm 23 and can honestly say I've done my fair share of drinking, but I lost interest in it. I dont go to the bar because a $40 tab, and a hangover isnt my idea of a fun night out, or money well spent.
But on the flip side alcohol is and can be good when monitored, certain beers go good with certain foods. And games well as long as the parent monitors a childs hobby then it shouldn't reflect negatively. Games can still be a hobby and a part of your life, but when you stop respecting that then it can consume you, as does alcohol.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 1/6/2010 1:35:12 PM
4 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:47:20 PM
3 up, 0 down
Arvis
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:26:06 PM
Mature people know how to use their time wisely. If you have an obligation to take care of, nothing frivolous (video games, parties, drinking, etc) should keep you from fulfilling it. Once you allow the unimportant things to take precedence, you've failed. Period.
-Arvis
2 up, 0 down
Shams
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:23:55 PM
And Benjamin Franklin was probably a bit tipsy himself when he made the quote. That, and not having alcoholism in his family. I've seen what it does to families. And if there's a God (my personal belief in him aside), I'm sure He has, too.
0 up, 2 down
johnld
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 3:14:47 AM
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Andysw
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 10:44:45 AM
The word wine may not literally refer to wine that we have now. More so grape juice in the days.
I know I'm off topic, but thought I tell you that.
Last edited by Andysw on 1/7/2010 10:51:10 AM
0 up, 1 down
Highlander
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 11:01:28 AM
Until there is a 100% reliable and completely un-spun translation of all biblical (and other holy texts such as the Qur'an) - that is a translation from the languages on the earliest manuscripts available without a western, eastern, christian, islamic or any other spin, bias, weighting, or leaning, I'll leave the arguments over specific meanings of words to the academics. What I do know is that in the bibles I have seen in my life Jesus drinks wine, and miraculously turns water into wine. Contextually speaking it was not uncommon for weak wine to be drunk with means and at large gatherings because potable water (as in drinkable) was not always reliably available. So dilute wine was used because even in ancient times humans realized that something in the wine (the alcohol as we now know) made the water/wine blend safe(r) to drink. So until someone comes up with a translation that is reliable as I described above that says that it wasn't wine, but grape knee-hi I will continue to understand the word wine to mean wine.
@Shams,
I trust you're being sarcastic, because otherwise you're indulging in rationalization based in today's context and a specific viewpoint of Christ.
As for Ben Franklin, I like this quote which is strangely applicable to the suject of this thread... "Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society."
Last edited by Highlander on 1/7/2010 11:07:46 AM
3 up, 0 down
Andysw
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 12:00:55 PM
Last edited by Andysw on 1/7/2010 12:05:18 PM
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Radiohead
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:25:09 PM
Reply
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bridgera
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:26:22 PM
Reply
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WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:38:37 PM
1 up, 0 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:49:01 PM
1 up, 0 down
bridgera
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 2:11:56 AM
Faulty parenting will always exist, and it does need to be addressed, but giving attention to the crazy lady isn't productive.
0 up, 0 down
jaybiv
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:29:36 PM
Reply
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frostface
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:38:53 PM
Reply
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Sunni_Boi
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:39:10 PM
Reply
5 up, 2 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:45:55 PM
There are so many ways in which the ability to use language can be different from person to person. People may have a different style, a different educational background, they may not speak English as a first language (or even a second or third language) or they may face some other difficulties such as dyslexia. But, the point is not everyone expresses them self in the same way. It's not like you posted in all lower case using texting shorthand is it?
I had no trouble reading or understanding your post.
5 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:11:45 PM
3 up, 0 down
G8GTdriver
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:14:25 PM
1 up, 1 down
MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 7:08:50 PM
Sunny, no offense intended. I find your "style" of typing distracting. Perhaps I am not hip. No, it is true, I am not hip.
3 up, 3 down
Naztycuts
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:42:39 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Sunni_Boi
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 12:57:32 PM
Reply
Last edited by Sunni_Boi on 1/6/2010 1:00:10 PM
8 up, 3 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:10:36 PM
Welcome to PSX.
Last edited by Jawknee on 1/6/2010 1:12:50 PM
3 up, 3 down
Banky A
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:18:20 PM
0 up, 1 down
www
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 6:26:22 PM
3 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:02:31 PM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
Hezzron
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:39:57 PM
That's a hen-house in need of a good rooster.
3 up, 0 down
pillz81
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:37:53 AM
1 up, 0 down
nogoat23
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:06:40 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:33:07 AM
LOL to that one!!!!
As for myself.......I'm sure some cock-a-do-dude'le will do with those View gals, but I'd just have to go find some pills to "KILL" off my libido,
(except for a few hours with Young Blondie)
Last edited by BikerSaint on 1/7/2010 1:35:29 AM
1 up, 0 down
G8GTdriver
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:08:09 PM
Reply
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Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:23:34 PM
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BikerSaint
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:45:15 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:17:56 PM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:37:17 PM
Reply
Does this happen to anybody else as well?
Last edited by WolfCrimson on 1/6/2010 1:38:46 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:45:49 PM
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bearbobby
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:39:41 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
WolfCrimson
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:02:32 PM
4 up, 1 down
Madmanonfire
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:32:41 PM
0 up, 2 down
bearbobby
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 8:30:26 PM
You're absolutely right and I apologize. Religions and superstitions are never "stepping on people's toes" and people spouting their dogma never come off as arrogant.
Sorry, I'm tired and cranky, but it's 20-frickin'-10, we need to move on as a people. The way I see it people should believe in themselves... and we should have jetpacks.
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 8:40:50 PM
Last edited by Jawknee on 1/6/2010 8:43:24 PM
2 up, 1 down
WolfCrimson
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 12:53:14 AM
2 up, 1 down
pillz81
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:43:07 AM
Last edited by pillz81 on 1/9/2010 11:43:56 AM
0 up, 0 down
BTNwarrior
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:46:16 PM
Reply
Last edited by BTNwarrior on 1/6/2010 1:46:38 PM
3 up, 0 down
therabbitkinge
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:52:09 PM
Reply
Well when it cames to games my mom taught me the value of a buck by making me earn cash to rent a PS1 and games from my local blockbuster and man oh man did it work.
Simple stuff working with my old man was fun and I learned a lot about how gaming didn't need to be my only outlet for education and entertainment.
Now as a proud father (im suprised how man of us there are btw lol) I hope to be able to impart similiar methods on my son because simply "passing the buck" as Ben put it is unacceptable.
Hopefully this concerned parent will change the focus of her concern at a more feesable issue instead of blaming the things she and/or her family buy for her child.
2 up, 0 down
Darwin1967
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 1:53:44 PM
Reply
I wish more parents actually took the time to talk with their kids, to understand what it is that they are playing or want to play, and to make it a family thing...not just something to throw at your kid to make him/her happy.
6 up, 0 down
Alienange
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 9:20:25 PM
2 up, 0 down
MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:48:57 PM
2 up, 0 down
fuk u
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:02:47 PM
Reply
3 up, 0 down
Riku994
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:10:02 PM
Reply
3 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:14:53 PM
You're a good person, a good student have a stable relationship, don't smoke, drink to excess or do drugs, therefore something else *must* be wrong. What're your hobbies...oh, you play video games!? Those foul, degrading, filth ridden, murder trainers? Excellent...er, I mean disgusting. Spawn of Satan, how dare you play those things!? They are the things of Satan, you must be cleansed. Call a priest we have an exorcism to conduct!
I don't understand why it is that some people act like this, it really is like they just can't accept people as they are and have to find something wrong with them. I guess games make an easy target because when you want a rent a quote there are plenty of politicos ready to make generalized statements of doom about violence and sex in games.
*sigh*
2 up, 0 down
Banky A
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:16:04 PM
Teehee.
+1
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MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 7:15:16 PM
0 up, 0 down
Riku994
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 7:21:25 PM
Last edited by Riku994 on 1/6/2010 7:22:14 PM
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:58:15 AM
You had Res 4 when you were five?
Heck, when I was 5, Mom only gave me Grandma's stick....
.....a stick!
"BOOM"
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Sir Shak
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:11:13 PM
Reply
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Cuetes
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:28:45 PM
Reply
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bigrailer19
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 2:50:54 PM
Reply
It goes to show just how uneducated some people are not to mention she never cited one thing. Everything of hers was pure opinion. The problem with opinion is its hard to sway peoples decisions unless you can somehow prove your point. She can not do this. She mentioned he kids skin color changing after playing vids. Well then i'd see a doctor cus he might be sick. Theres no logical explanation why that would happen unless a problem existed elsewhere. I know my skins never changed colors and trust me i've played my fare share of vids, as well as everyone else here.
Gaming is a great hobby, and it seems from reading previous comments that everyone is well off with gaming being either a family thing or a personaly hobby. There have been a ton of comments pertaining to games actually making there child more focused because of worry the system may be taken away if grades slip for instance. There also have been comments pertaining to how it made a family come together more so because of gaming. It gives them time together. I know that gaming has nothing to do with what i do with my life. it certainly is a hobby of mine, and i hope i love and respect gaming as much as i do today in 20 years. I not only enjoy the time i can game, but its my distraction from the world. Its its my drug or alcohol i guess you could say. But i dont let it distract me from everyday life neither.
3 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:06:53 PM
Reply
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Banky A
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:14:20 PM
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dante_zero
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:25:02 PM
Reply
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tes37
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:47:10 PM
Reply
This woman may be so strict that it causes the kid to hate having to go back home. She may look for something or someone to blame other than herself.
1 up, 0 down
Kr3sn1k
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 3:51:06 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:21:39 PM
Last edited by Highlander on 1/6/2010 4:23:32 PM
1 up, 0 down
Hezzron
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:31:27 PM
The answer is no, because Satan doesn't make video games. Santa and his little helpers do.
6 up, 0 down
tes37
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:32:31 PM
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:43:40 PM
=P
Last edited by Jawknee on 1/6/2010 4:46:15 PM
6 up, 2 down
Naga
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 5:19:24 PM
0 up, 0 down
pillz81
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:52:06 AM
1 up, 0 down
gumbi
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:42:12 PM
Reply
Highlander and the rest of you have all made great points, and there's not much more for me to elaborate on.
Suffice it to say, I have two children and there's no way I'll be denying them the joy of video games. I grew up with video games and by golly I turned out alright. That's the key though, I grew up WITH video games, not ON video games. So shall my children.
Parents who are unfamiliar with video games really need to educate themselves, you should always have an active involvement and good understanding of your child's pastimes. I'm not saying parents have to take up gaming with their kids, but they do have to moderate it intelligently.
2 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 6:40:58 PM
Man, I remember when I was a kid, and I got in trouble, I was forced to stay indoors and not play with my friends. That was torture. There's nothing like being outdoors but watching a good story or playing a video game does have its rewards.
2 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:27:35 PM
1 up, 0 down
Darwin1967
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 4:42:34 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Naga
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 5:16:35 PM
0 up, 0 down
556pineapple
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 5:18:34 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Nerull
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 5:23:46 PM
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If Satan created videogames, well it just proves that anybody can have a good day. I'm far more inclined to believe that Satan is responsible for the way all those A's become so marginalized the second you step into the workforce.
1 up, 0 down
FlyingKickPunch
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 5:59:04 PM
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damn ignorant parents.
i cant wt til my kid's old enough to play games with me...until they beat me...
0 up, 0 down
rogers71
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 6:01:31 PM
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Instead of creating blogs and, no doubt, doing interviews with the media, this woman needs to be spending more time with her child to address his chameleon like abilities. 'Nuff said.
3 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 6:17:25 PM
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Very nice!
By the way, Satan doesn't exist. At least not the one referenced in the bible.
Last edited by Scarecrow on 1/6/2010 6:18:07 PM
2 up, 3 down
Kowhoho
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:44:44 PM
2 up, 1 down
Scarecrow
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:47:09 AM
Religions are as real as any fairy tale
Heh, who knows how high people were in those days anyway?
Seriously, the possibility that there could be an evil "power" is possible. That I believe
But the idea that we know it's some guy underground it's freaking hilarious. Where's heaven in the vast universe anyway? It's surely not in the clouds....
And if not believing in religion is so bad, will "god" really damn the 1 billion + in China who don't believe in Christianity?
Anyway
1 up, 3 down
bigrailer19
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 2:01:39 AM
You may believe what you want thats your choice. But there is nothing wrong with believing and having faith so I ask again please leave it be if you dont have that faith.
To put this on a gaming perspective and on topic, this lady is looking for a scapegoat. She's a nut job to think anything like that. She hasn't provided one solid fact in that blog, everything was pure opinion.
5 up, 0 down
Sunni_Boi
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 7:34:05 PM
Reply
3 up, 0 down
MyWorstNightmar
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 8:20:25 PM
Unless you are trying to be different again... =)
2 up, 1 down
Sol
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 7:51:34 PM
Reply
The key words that caught my eye:
Kid... and GTAIV.
Enough said.
I don't think I really need to expand on this one.
Last edited by Sol on 1/6/2010 7:51:54 PM
3 up, 0 down
Cholo Gamer
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 9:45:14 PM
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Also, parents should have a time limit for their children if they surpass thelimit diconnect it and hide it. That kid really had some problems if the cops had to step in.
2 up, 0 down
Jed
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:40:13 PM
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By the time GTA 3 came out, they didnt have to worry about what I saw in video games, they knew that I wasnt some kind of school shooter or something likt that.
If you are so dissconnected with your kids that you are worried about them becoming evil or stupid vecause of video games, then you should probably take the weekend off and just spend some time with them.
2 up, 0 down
pillz81
Saturday, January 09, 2010 @ 11:59:02 AM
0 up, 0 down
Jed
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:40:59 PM
Reply
By the time GTA 3 came out, they didnt have to worry about what I saw in video games, they knew that I wasnt some kind of school shooter or something likt that.
If you are so disconnected with your kids that you are worried about them becoming evil or stupid because of video games, then you should probably take the weekend off and just spend some time with them.
0 up, 0 down
Kowhoho
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:41:47 PM
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Just kidding. So I took a look at the blog and read most of the comments and I got a few good lols. Although not as good as the Black Looks blog post about RE5 in Africa!
0 up, 0 down
___________
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 12:55:12 AM
HELLO!!!! IT IS SET IN AFRICA!
last time i checked theres not many white people in Africa, well in comparison to black people.
its like creating yakuza and saying its racist because 99% of the characters are Japanese.
2 up, 0 down
___________
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 12:46:27 AM
Reply
i remember when i was young me and my father every Sunday would take a hike to a national park, or take a drive to the blue mountains and take a walk through the Forrest.
i remember one day going to burning palms, the most beautiful place i have ever been.
a really REALLY steep walk down a cliff almost but once your down there crystal clear water and pure white sand greet you.
O and you can go rock climbing and theres rock pools, nice and warm and crystal clear.
good to keep you fit, really relaxing and well the funnest thing ive ever done.
shame we dont do them anymore.
all ill say is this.
if a parent is too lazy to watch what her kids do to entertain themselves its her fault.
there is more than adequate warnings on lables of games saying if there suitable for kids or not.
why are games always the scapegoat?
i mean seriously i have seen some seriously sick stuff in movies and no one says boo, someone takes half of it and puts it in a game and the sh*t hits the fan!
people like here are the ones i have to thank for half our games getting banned.
THANK YOU!
Last edited by ___________ on 1/7/2010 12:53:09 AM
1 up, 0 down
eLLeJuss
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:34:02 AM
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1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 3:28:28 AM
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Video games are not the problem....but bad parents are!!!!!
It's most usually the very same kid's parents who complain all the time, who are the real blame...
yup, those same parents who "throw" their kids outside for 15 hours a day with little to no supervision at all.
Or those very same parents who think nothing of turning on the TV & VCR & giving their kid the remote & controller from the moment they awaken, till it's they go to bed at midnight.
WAKE UP, A PIECE OF ELECTRONICS IS NOT YOUR PERSONAL SUPER-NANNY!!!!
Or parents who don't have, or even care, enough child-rearing skills(or no backbone, or even just plain laziness) to not give in every single time their kid starts complaining about something they're told to do, like I see every time I'm going down the supermarket candy & Ice Cream aisles.
I'll bet that the mom who had to call the police on her kid playing GTA, had bought her kid that game the very moment he first whined about wanting it.
Another bad side-affect about neglectful parenting is that a lot of their own kids are going out & having kids themselves at a super young age.
So now we have more kids that are forced at 14 to suddenly grow up as single-parents and without parenting skills too, or even any kind of supervision or guidance either.
And if these new new children can't get the skills from their own teenage parents, then just how, & where are they supposed to learn them????
A few quick thoughts on the writer of this gaaarrrr-bage....
1. Why didn't she go meet the other parents & explain that her child isn't allowed watch movies or games that weren't rated for his age.
2. Where is the father in this whole story?
It's odd that there's no mention of a dad or any male figure at all, so maybe could that also add to at the very least, part of her overall problem too????
3.She needs to set logical rules & responsibilities for her child so he'll make it in the real world, and not brainwash him so he winds up fearing life later on.
4. I'll bet she's so overbearing that she's actually stunting any real growth potential & creativity her child may have had.
5. I'll also make bet that Ms. Frumpty actually believes she a real live journalist.
6. Satan needs to brand her in the a** with a nice red hot flaming pitchfork!!!
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 11:49:50 AM
"A PIECE OF ELECTRONICS IS NOT YOUR PERSONAL SUPER-NANNY!!!! "
Excellent advice.
BikerSaint FTW!
1 up, 0 down
Robochic
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 4:11:14 AM
Reply
With me I have a 5 year old with Autism which is difficult in it's own ways especially since hes 5 but acts like he 10 his brain processes things differently. For some reason games are his outlet they get him out of his world and into ours with playing certain games with me and my husband since autistic children don't like to socialize this way playing tetris or Peter rabbit JK-SK or even racing games like GT he's at least socializing with us.
Honestly if parents just be there for their kids, teach them right from wrong and distill self control and only let them play games that are for their Rating group then their would be no problem playing games, but unfortantly their are some parents that want to be a friend not a parent and I have met alot of those parents.
Ben I agree with you 100% and highlander same goes for you! Reading is the best thing for a child I love reading and love reading books to my kids to get their imaginations going it's amazing what a book can do once you sit and read it and how many place you can go without leaving you're couch!
3 up, 0 down
Highlander
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 11:48:22 AM
My son is autistic also, and has significant challenges due to very, very severe ADD. Games have allowed him to participate in activities that are age appropriate and that give him a common context with his peers.
Playing games has helped in so many ways, the hand eye coordination improvements have been awesome. Games like Ratchet and Clank have improved his spatial awareness and hand eye coordination out of all recognition. Of course my wife and I play games, so it also gives him a common frame of reference with us. That gives us something to talk about with him.
It's not just the games of course, we are very active with interventions of all kinds from physical and occupational therapy to home schooling and working constantly to improve his ability to handle social skills and interaction.
I could probably write 20,000 words on this topic but I won't. PM me on the forum if you want to discuss further. All I will say is that with active and loving intervention by parents, doctors and therapists, Autism can be coped with and to an extent overcome. There's no cure, you can't magically rewire the brain, but you can help the brain help itself.
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 3:47:10 PM
Amen to both of you, well spoken & well thought out.
BTW, my grandson is mildly Autistic too, and playing games with, and reading books to him has helped his social skills along too.
0 up, 0 down
Snaaaake
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 6:31:13 AM
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I have a cousin who was 7 years old when he was exposed to GTA and I taught him how to play.
Guess what, he is now naughty but not crazy and violent, I didn't even said things like you shouldn't do this and that. It was his parents that disciplined him well(maybe not good enough but it's enough for him to stay naughty rather than violent).
It's the parents fault for not teaching their children properly.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 1/7/2010 6:32:56 AM
1 up, 0 down
Blink182Fan99
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 12:32:02 PM
Reply
2 up, 2 down
CptGreedle
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:11:18 PM
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Parents like her are the reason there is evil in the world today.
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 1:37:48 PM
Don't give her what she wants by visiting her site.
2 up, 0 down
kaufdaddy21
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 4:47:53 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 3:53:38 PM
I bought my daughter a "Speak & spell" when they first came out.
And I swear, Satan never came out and said a word to us, even once.
0 up, 0 down
Doomsquirrel
Thursday, January 07, 2010 @ 7:34:51 PM
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also, let me reiterate what Ben said, pay attention to the ratings, but don't always write it off as preverbial porn if its higher than Teen, it may be mature for the use of drugs and alcohol, turn the box around and see why its rated T or M or what have you.
and if your kid is playing a game for TOO long, if they are on a 360, set the family settings, if its any other console, put in the living room, the kid will have to leave there sometime.
also, don't go writing off games as the work of Satan, i mean, look at what they sed about Heavy Metal, and look at it now, stronger and livelier than ever, don't be a bible thumper, you'll just be written off as crazy
0 up, 0 down
Ricochet
Friday, January 08, 2010 @ 1:38:36 AM
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Now video games are created by Satan.
Now kids, what have we learned here today?
Answer: Technology evolves, yet human perception has not.
Last edited by Ricochet on 1/8/2010 1:39:23 AM
2 up, 0 down
MyWorstNightmar
Reply
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 @ 11:22:13 AM
My son goes next door, and it ticks me off that I find out he has played T for Teen games or M games. I talk to the adults over there, and make it clear what I expect for my son when he is over there.
I walked in on my son playing Super Mario, stomping on Goombas saying "Die Die Die!". Ahhh, the joys of parenting.
Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 1/6/2010 11:26:31 AM