Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Opinion

Fear "M rated" video games. They promote stupidity in politics.

In the last two years, lawmakers in eight states attempted to pass laws that would restrict the sale of "M rated" video games to minors and punish retailers that did not comply. Such failed silliness included a Utah bill that would classify violent games as pornography and a Minnesota bill that would have the buyer fined. All of these laws have failed in court on the grounds that they are unconstitutional. Meanwhile, both California and Oklahoma have passed similar laws, currently being challenged in court.

Sadly, a lot of time and money has been wasted on such a pointless controversy often highlighted by the media. Are violent video games harmful to children? Does it accelerate aggressive behavior?

That's hard to determine. Violent crime statistics in the U.S. have dropped and maintained a steady decline since 1994 according to U.S. Department of Justice. That was only two years after the release of "Mortal Kombat," a game that gives the player the thrill of drawing gallons of blood from the enemy, followed by a decapitation. Since then more mature and violent games have been introduced to society including "Doom," "Manhunt" and "Grand Theft Auto."

Perhaps our society needs more violent video games.

Unfortunately, Democrats who fear losing the apple pie vote, often introduce these laws. Many rationalize this by reminding us of the so-called "video game influence" of the Columbine massacre (ignoring the bad parenting), the "Hot Coffee" hidden sex game found in "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" or the other vile examples of "M rated" games on the market.

Perhaps these politicians are reaching out to soccer moms, barbers, teachers and Mary Poppins. These targets do not understand the aesthetic value of an interactive fictional world built from imagination, the nontraditional storytelling elements or not recognize the artistic nature of sex and violence.

Maybe these politicians hope to reach parents who are ignorant of the parental controls on the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. If parents would put aside their technophobia they would not need the government to help raise their children.

Meanwhile, many adult gamers will have to buy their "filth" behind the counter, or show their identification while Harlequin romance novels and "Saw" sequels remain unchecked.

And who is to say that "M rated" games are marketed toward children? The media?

The only reason the "Grand Theft Auto" series sell so well is not the beat-the-prostitute-run-over-the-cop option, but the well-made interactive crime fantasy story it presents.

Is "Grand Theft Auto" the next "Catcher in the Rye?" Is "Mortal Kombat" animated art? Are "Resident Evil" games selling because they are well written or do people enjoy killing zombies too much? Can children tell the difference between sensationalist garbage like "187 Ride or Die" and "Narc" or will they spend their money on the next "Zelda," "Madden" or "Pokemon?"

Sadly it seems only the people who play video games can truly answer those questions, and those who do not, present false assumptions, so fear violent video games.

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