California Continues To Push For Violent Game Legislation 167
Back in February, the US Court of Appeals shot down a California law that banned the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. Shortly thereafter, State Senator Leland Yee petitioned the US Supreme Court to review the case. Now, along with California's Psychiatric and Psychological Associations, Yee has filed an amicus curiae brief with Court that elaborates on the reasoning behind the law. Within the brief (PDF) are some interesting quotes: "Parents can read a book, watch a movie or listen to a CD to discern if it is appropriate for their child. These violent video games, on the other hand, can contain up to 800 hours of footage with the most atrocious content often reserved for the highest levels and can be accessed only by advanced players after hours upon hours of progressive mastery. ... Notably, extended play has been observed to depress activity in the frontal cortex of the brain which controls executive thought and function, produces intentionality and the ability to plan sequences of action, and is the seat of self-reflection, discipline and self-control." The video game industry has filed its own amicus brief to dispute Yee's claims.
All bad? (Score:1, Interesting)
"Notably, extended play has been observed to depress activity in the frontal cortex of the brain which controls executive thought and function, produces intentionality and the ability to plan sequences of action, and is the seat of self-reflection, discipline and self-control."
I find this interesting because I grew up playing a lot of computer games (probably too much), yet I was, and am still today, basically the poster boy for self-reflection, discipline and self-control. To a point where it has actually hampered me and I've had to work on diminishing those traits so I can live in a better and more carefree way.
So if this statement is correct, perhaps computer games was a much needed way for me to take a break from myself, maybe other kids have the same need?
Re:All bad? (Score:2, Interesting)
"Notably, extended play has been observed to depress activity in the frontal cortex of the brain which controls executive thought and function, produces intentionality and the ability to plan sequences of action, and is the seat of self-reflection, discipline and self-control."
I find this interesting because I grew up playing a lot of computer games (probably too much), yet I was, and am still today, basically the poster boy for self-reflection, discipline and self-control. To a point where it has actually hampered me and I've had to work on diminishing those traits so I can live in a better and more carefree way.
So if this statement is correct, perhaps computer games was a much needed way for me to take a break from myself, maybe other kids have the same need?
I'd like to see how video games depress the frontal cortex but tv and movies don't. You pretty much have to actively be thinking and planning to play most video games, I'd expect them to improve these skills. Passive entertainment like tv and movies, not so much.
Re:You don't need every child affected (Score:5, Interesting)
Dreading Columbine [guardian.co.uk] by Mark Ames:
Re:What a load of Bullshit (Score:3, Interesting)
I blame Coke and Pepsi!
I blame American football, rugby, soccer, and any other contact sport. They have more real violence than coke or pepsi, and kids are being indoctrinated earlier and earlier.
I disagree with Calif, but... (Score:3, Interesting)
I have real issue with the federal circuit courts having any say whatever in what California can or cannot ban for sale in their own state. The distribution of authority in the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the United States has been shifting with ever increasing momentum to the federal level.
I think california is full of insane pollitics, but isn't that their right as a state under the constitution? I don't like my local and regional policies being dictated by californian pollitics and in order to preserve the rights of my own state I am willing to let california have their rights.
-SL
Re:California does not have the cash for a case th (Score:2, Interesting)
Ron Jeremy is a vocal feminist supporter and feels that most current pornography is degrading and unacceptable.