Quote:
From the Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA):
The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear the State ofCalifornia’s infamous ‘violent video game case,’ Schwarzenegger v. EMA. That means that this year, or early next, the Court is going to decide whether to agree with the lower federal courts or not. Agreeing would mean that they believe that video games are, and should continue to be, First Amendment protected speech; just like books, movies and music. The court disagreeing would mean that they think video games should be treated differently. This could lead to new bills and laws curtailing video game access in states across the country.
It is no exaggeration to state that their hearing represents the single most important moment for gamers, and the pivotal issue for gaming, in the sector’s history.
Over this summer, we’ll be drafting and formally submitting our amicus brief, which will be included with the other official court documents related to the case. Separately, we will also attach a petition signed by you, the American public, which –by its very existence – will publicly define who the consumers of interactive entertainment are and why we care enough about the issue to take the time to make the effort to speak up and make our voices heard. The petition establishes an authoritative collective position which cannot be redefined by detractors nor co-opted by others. And it enshrines each and every signatory’s participation in the court documents and in the U.S. National Archives’ official records related to the case.
If you’re an American gamer, and you care about gaming and your rights, stand up and be counted; sign the petition today!
The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear the State ofCalifornia’s infamous ‘violent video game case,’ Schwarzenegger v. EMA. That means that this year, or early next, the Court is going to decide whether to agree with the lower federal courts or not. Agreeing would mean that they believe that video games are, and should continue to be, First Amendment protected speech; just like books, movies and music. The court disagreeing would mean that they think video games should be treated differently. This could lead to new bills and laws curtailing video game access in states across the country.
It is no exaggeration to state that their hearing represents the single most important moment for gamers, and the pivotal issue for gaming, in the sector’s history.
Over this summer, we’ll be drafting and formally submitting our amicus brief, which will be included with the other official court documents related to the case. Separately, we will also attach a petition signed by you, the American public, which –by its very existence – will publicly define who the consumers of interactive entertainment are and why we care enough about the issue to take the time to make the effort to speak up and make our voices heard. The petition establishes an authoritative collective position which cannot be redefined by detractors nor co-opted by others. And it enshrines each and every signatory’s participation in the court documents and in the U.S. National Archives’ official records related to the case.
If you’re an American gamer, and you care about gaming and your rights, stand up and be counted; sign the petition today!
http://action.theeca.com/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1781
My personal opinion on the matter is that it is completely ridiculous.
America is supposed to be a free country. Video games hardly make people violent - people make other people violent. An example would be people with disturbed childhoods who never sought help and/or people who have experienced or witnessed severe trauma(s), especially in their childhood or teen life. Moreover, those who have never been able to voice what they have seen or experienced are more apt to become violent by example or frustration.
Then there are those who are naturally prone to violence despite their upbringing, things they have seen or experienced. It is human nature to be violent. There are simply some people who have no conscience and commit unspeakable acts.
Neither the California nor US Government has the right to limit access to video games; there is already a rating system on video games. Parents should be smart enough to limit their children's access to adult content in video games if it's really such an issue. America, Land of the Lazy? Come on now.
If a law as frivolous as this is passed regulating access to video games, what next? It would be yet a step closer toward becoming a dictatorship or communist country.
To the California & US Government; Focus on something that actually affects the world, instead of frivolous topics, why don't you? There are plenty of issues to focus on that actually matter.
