NRA Likens Videogames to "the Filthiest Form of Pornography"

[Fractured Silhouette]

The NRA wages war on interactive entertainment while citing titles such as Mortal Kombat.

In its first official statement since the recent shooting in Connecticut, the National Rifle Association predictably diverted any talk of additional gun restrictions in favor of citing the rest of society's ills. And, in a time of crisis, what better scapegoat than the videogame industry to take people's minds off of real, actual guns and make them instead focus on fake, virtual guns?

"And here's another dirty little truth that the media try their best to conceal: There exists in this country a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry that sells, and sows, violence against its own people," the organization claims. "Through vicious, violent video games with names like Bulletstorm, Grand Theft Auto, Mortal Kombat and Splatterhouse."

Then, after spending some time bashing the movie industry for films like American Psycho and Natural Born Killers, the statement takes a slightly more accusatory tone. "But is that what it really is?" NRA Vice President, Wayne LaPierre asks of violent media. "Isn't fantasizing about killing people as a way to get your kicks really the filthiest form of pornography?"

Well, that's certainly an interesting way of putting it.

LaPierre goes on to insist that guns in the hands of "good guys" are a saving grace, and that gun-free zones are simply red flags for mass murderers who use them as killing floors, knowing that they can inflict the most damage against unarmed citizens.

This particular debate is, of course, far from over, and responsible gun owners will continue to struggle to find a voice between the two extremes. But in the end, it's up to you to decide whether attacks on interactive entertainment deserve a larger platform than arguably more important issues such as mental health.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/121240-NRA-Likens-Videogames-to-the-Filthiest-Form-of-Pornography

Fuck the NRA. More idiotic statements from idiotic American parties who are ignorant to gaming culture. Honestly I have no idea what to say about this anymore. How do these people even become politicians?

[OrKing]

Haha, at least they've moved on from blaming Rock N Roll or Rap Music.

[Lost in the Echo]

They're fucking idiots. They think they know best, but they don't know shit.

[Inventor2]

They're fucking idiots. They think they know best, but they don't know shit.

Yeh these people that dont know shit are multi millionaires and protect YOUR rights. They are also nation wide and have the most political power over firearms, weapons, and hunting. Not to mention the 1,000,000+ people that follow and agree with them. Might wanna think about what you say

[Lost in the Echo]

Yeh these people that dont know shit are multi millionaires and protect YOUR rights. They are also nation wide and have the most political power over firearms, weapons, and hunting. Not to mention the 1,000,000+ people that follow and agree with them. Might wanna think about what you say

You might wanna think about what you say. They want to put a ban on violent video games, because they think that violent video games cause crime.
You have to admit, that does sound pretty stupid.
Anyone with common sense knows that there is a difference between video games and reality.

Violent video games do not influence crime.

[Inventor2]

You might wanna think about what you say. They want to put a ban on violent video games, because they think that violent video games cause crime.
You have to admit, that does sound pretty stupid.
Anyone with common sense knows that there is a difference between video games and reality.

Violent video games do not influence crime.

Maybe it sounds stupid, but that wasnt the point. Point is just because they said one thing wrong dosnt mean they dont know anything. You have bean wrong in your life, and so have i, but that dosnt mean we are clueless

[Lost in the Echo]

Maybe it sounds stupid, but that wasnt the point. Point is just because they said one thing wrong dosnt mean they dont know anything. You have bean wrong in your life, and so have i, but that dosnt mean we are clueless

Oh Ok, I see what you're saying.
I agree with them about putting security guards in schools though.
I think that's a smart move on their behalf. :)

I just don't think them wanting to put a ban on violent video games is right.

[TheMatrix]

There's unregulated capitalism for you.

[Inventor2]

Oh Ok, I see what you're saying.
I agree with them about putting security guards in schools though.
I think that's a smart move on their behalf. :)

I just don't think them wanting to put a ban on violent video games is right.

Yes i totaly agree! I tried to give you rep but it wont let me haha

[Jupiter]

i'm going to play grand theft auto and then go hardcore bang with lots of guns and whips and knives. bye.

[TigerBoy]

Yeh these people that dont know shit are multi millionaires and protect YOUR rights. They are also nation wide and have the most political power over firearms, weapons, and hunting. Not to mention the 1,000,000+ people that follow and agree with them. Might wanna think about what you say

FYI the membership figure the NRA claimed was around 4M but the Huffington Post disputed this and reported they believe it was nearer 3M. So 1% of the US population. By contrast, 56% of US households own a gaming console. (http://statspotting.com/2012/03/gaming-statistics-56-percent-of-u-s-households-have-an-advanced-gaming-console/) The membership size of the NRA is irrelevant in democratic terms in those figures.

How does being an expert in deer hunting make you an expert in human psychology and media influence? Since when does being a millionaire with political influence and thus being versed in the language of greed and power automatically mean you have everyone's best interests at heart and complete objectivity?

Even if they had any academic authority to comment on the matter, their proposal is predictably biased. Republicans are twice as likely (http://www.statisticbrain.com/national-rifle-association-nra-statistics/)to own a firearm. The NRA are notoriously shy about publishing any sort of demographics but this does imply that all else being equal, there will be twice as many republican members as democrats. Of course an organisation that has a majority conservative membership is going to call for conservative measures.

Bo was almost right first time, on the topic of video games, the NRA are unqualified and irrelevant, and simply trying to deflect attention onto a scapegoat issue.

I just posted a thread here (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=161821) that shows if anything video games reduce violence, and plenty of other studies show they have other more provable benefits such as they can raise IQ and be educational.

[Inventor2]

How does being an expert in deer hunting make you an expert in human psychology and media influence? Since when does being a millionaire with political influence and thus being versed in the language of greed and power automatically mean you have everyone's best interests at heart and complete objectivity?

Even if they had any academic authority to comment on the matter, their proposal is predictably biased. Republicans are twice as likely (http://www.statisticbrain.com/national-rifle-association-nra-statistics/)to own a firearm. The NRA are notoriously shy it publishing any sort of demographics but this does imply that all else being equal, there will be twice as many republican members as democrats. Of course an organisation that has a majority conservative membership is going to call for conservative measures.

Bo was almost right first time, on the topic of video games, the NRA are unqualified and irrelevant, and simply trying to deflect attention onto a scapegoat issue.



First off who said i hunt deer? Second who said i was an "expert", Im 14. The NRA has the most power over the firearms and laws and if you think otherwise your twisted. The NRA is completely relivent when it comes to firearms. You just wont except that because you are to fed up with what you think is right and WAY to black and white. Maybe you should try and look at both sides and then pick somewhere in the middle. And if you where paying attention i already said the videogames this was irrelevant. But the NRA being unqualified, you are completely wrong. If anyone is unqualified its you. You dont have a say in anything here because you dont even live in the United States, if you dont live here then you probably would know what goes on around here. Because all the shit they put on the media is false. Lastly, if you think video games can give you a higher IQ, then thats sad, just sad. You would actualy think sitting infront of a television in your room alone makes you smart, then thats fucked. Cause i can tell you one thing and that its i have two people in my family like that and they turned out like crap.

[Mirage]

This is such a comedy.

People seriously don't understand- if you don't like video games don't play them...

[TigerBoy]

First off who said i hunt deer? Second who said i was an "expert",

Who said I'm talking about you? I was referring to the NRA, who are the subject of the thread and whom Bo was talking about.

The NRA has the most power over the firearms and laws and if you think otherwise your twisted.
I didn't say anything about the NRA's 'power', so perhaps you're being twisted to think I did? And perhaps the New York Times are twisted too? They think that private equity firms (http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/wall-street-invested-in-firearms-is-unlikely-to-push-for-reform/) are "expected to play a central role in pushing back against any [gun] reform effort.” Or as this source (http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/wall-street-giant-dumps-gun-maker)puts it "Move over, National Rifle Association: another powerful player is (literally) invested in the gun industry". But those are their views, I didn't mention anything about the NRA and its awesome power.


And if you where paying attention i already said the videogames this was irrelevant.
I don't think you have been paying much attention to what you've said, actually. Show me where you have clearly stated that video games are irrelevant in this thread so far. And when you have, they will still be relevant, because that was what the thread topic is about.

The NRA is completely relivent when it comes to firearms.

But not video games, which was my point. That you obviously didn't get and / or read.

You just wont except that because you are to fed up with what you think is right and WAY to black and white. Maybe you should try and look at both sides and then pick somewhere in the middle.

I'm 'fed up' with facts. Its called research. I provide reasons for my opinions. If you want to change my mind, provide some facts and try to put your points more rationally.

if you dont live here then you probably would know what goes on around here. Because all the shit they put on the media is false.

Ah ok, and you'll kindly point me to some NRA approved literature I'm sure.

Lastly, if you think video games can give you a higher IQ, then thats sad, just sad. You would actualy think sitting infront of a television in your room alone makes you smart, then thats fucked. Cause i can tell you one thing and that its i have two people in my family like that and they turned out like crap.
While that doesn't surprise me, here is some research data that shows that this is an established view. Please feel free to contact the people concerned to tell them they are sad, if you wish.
Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5041690.stm)
Source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_6950000/newsid_6959600?redirect=6959630.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1)
Source (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/3680.php)
Source (http://www.uproxx.com/gammasquad/2011/11/is-gaming-responsible-for-rising-iq-scores/)
Source (http://classroom.wsj.com/cre/2012/01/20/qa-videogames-and-iq/)
Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6950000/newsid_6959600/6959630.stm)

Now instead of getting heated over things I didn't actually say, try reading and responding to what I actually do say.

[Mortal Coil]

I was going to try and type out a well-supported argument but I am just so shocked that I have no words. This is so stupid. Have the NRA guys even played a videogame? If that analogy was accurate, I'd masturbate to my tetris game and go out into the real world as a neat freak who needs everything to be lined up. Yeah. No.

[Inventor2]

Who said I'm talking about you? I was referring to the NRA, who are the subject of the thread and whom Bo was talking about.


I didn't say anything about the NRA's 'power', so perhaps you're being twisted to think I did? And perhaps the New York Times are twisted too? They think that private equity firms (http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/wall-street-invested-in-firearms-is-unlikely-to-push-for-reform/) are "expected to play a central role in pushing back against any [gun] reform effort.” Or as this source (http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/wall-street-giant-dumps-gun-maker)puts it "Move over, National Rifle Association: another powerful player is (literally) invested in the gun industry". But those are their views, I didn't mention anything about the NRA and its awesome power.


I don't think you have been paying much attention to what you've said, actually. Show me where you have clearly stated that video games are irrelevant in this thread so far. And when you have, they will still be relevant, because that was what the thread topic is about.


But not video games, which was my point. That you obviously didn't get and / or read.


I'm 'fed up' with facts. Its called research. I provide reasons for my opinions. If you want to change my mind, provide some facts and try to put your points more rationally.


Ah ok, and you'll kindly point me to some NRA approved literature I'm sure.


While that doesn't surprise me, here is some research data that shows that this is an established view. Please feel free to contact the people concerned to tell them they are sad, if you wish.
Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5041690.stm)
Source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_6950000/newsid_6959600?redirect=6959630.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1)
Source (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/3680.php)
Source (http://www.uproxx.com/gammasquad/2011/11/is-gaming-responsible-for-rising-iq-scores/)
Source (http://classroom.wsj.com/cre/2012/01/20/qa-videogames-and-iq/)
Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6950000/newsid_6959600/6959630.stm)

Now instead of getting heated over things I didn't actually say, try reading and responding to what I actually do say.
I did say that video games was a bad thing to bring up on this thread, i cant look for the post now. And i know the thread is about the video games, but in another post i quoted someone on something else other then the video games so i think you are getting mixed up. The first post you quoted me on wasnt about video games, it was about another topic. This isnt really a heated argument, and if you think it is try living my life for a week and youl figure out what is. And i bet youl give me a bunch of crap for saying that like you said about everyother thing is said, so here you go, have at it.

[TigerBoy]

I did say that video games was a bad thing to bring up on this thread, i cant look for the post now.
LoL.


And i know the thread is about the video games, but in another post i quoted someone on something else other then the video games so i think you are getting mixed up.
Which other post? What was it you were quoting? How is that relevant?

The first post you quoted me on wasnt about video games, it was about another topic.
You were emphasising the authority of the NRA in relation to this topic. This topic is about video games.

And i bet youl give me a bunch of crap for saying that like you said about everyother thing is said, so here you go, have at it.
I'm truly and genuinely sorry you see it as giving you crap. What I'm trying to do is to get you to think rationally, open your mind to facts and other opinions, and support your opinions in a debate with your own facts. That way we'll both learn something and one or both of us might even change our views.

[shadymc]

Ok, dont get me wrong, i love to waste people in video games, but, my nephews are 10 a 7 and 3, and my sister lets them play things like army of 2 and shit, and they think its all cool to kill people and shit, and they dont even understand what death really is, I've known people that have been killed by shootings (mostley due to gang affillation) and its not "cool" or fun, like people make it look in games, i dont think they should be banned, and i dont think gun laws should be tightend, i think people should stop being stupid and shooting people for stupid reasons, or no reason at all.

[Inventor2]

I dont have time to argue now, ill respond to you after christmas.

[FreeFall]

I'm too shocked. I can't even formulate a response that can...no I just...no.

Videogames = Filthiest form of Porn? I can see that as a bumper sticker. On the other hand I'm currently playing Epic Mickey 2. If Oswald suddenly gets into an S&M suit and comes at a bound and gagged Ortensia and Mickey with whatever is involved in the filthiest form of porn, I'm going to fly to Atlantis.

[TheBigUnit]

"There exists in this country a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry"

Isn't the NRA talking talking about themselves?

[chrisawesome]

Oh Ok, I see what you're saying.
I agree with them about putting security guards in schools though.
I think that's a smart move on their behalf. :)

I just don't think them wanting to put a ban on violent video games is right.

I am part of the Republican party and I see half of the NRA's comments to be a crock of shit. Putting guards in schools is just rediculous. I think children need to be protected but this is an outrageous suggestion. What are elementary schools turning into, Alcatraz? I mean come on, really. The reason this news is so widespread is because it dosnt happen in every day senerios. Hiring security guards at every school will not stop one or two people every year from going on mass shootings at schools. What if that security guard gets shot in the head and behind his back is the killer. What will we do now? Our only form of protection is dead.

Some people need not to be allowed to play violent video games. How can you explain what death really is to a 5 year old. I dont think that shooting someone shouldnt be banned in video games, just government needs to stiffen the ratings and parents should take those rating seriously. I couldnt play a video game that was rated M when I was 12, so why should a 5 year old be playing one? No, I am not jealous because I could care less if someone gave me the latest version of "Kill the First Person that Gets in Front of You" Just that people need to play by the rules.

And also bullying may have a huge factor in this also, If people arent bullied in school and they become popular with many friends they will not return and kill everyone they see in order to get revenge. Its always the quiet ones who do these kind of things, You dont see someone like Justin Bieber doing this. No because he is popular and well respected by his favorite type of people

These may seem like stiff or harsh measures, but whether you like it or not, some things need to be done to prevent another or prevent more of these tragedies from happening!

[Sugaree]

There's unregulated capitalism for you.

>NRA
>unregulated capitalism

Do you even into basic economics? The NRA has nothing to do with the capitalist system in America. They do, however, play a major part in the lobby culture of Washington.