After hearing all the bickering and debate about video games and gun
control and how there is no system in place to make sure that kids
aren't playing these games. I don't think that's the problem. We have a rating system in place. No one can say that games have no effect on us, just as no one
can claim alcohol or intimacy doesn't. But here's the thing. The ESRB
rating system is in place to keep kids from being able to play these
games. It then falls to the parents to make sure they are abiding by
said system.
As I am not a parent I am not presuming to tell people how to run
their homes. That would not only be foolish but arrogant. I will say
that if your going to complain about the fact that young people today
have no accountability and are violent, well maybe take a look at your
teen's game cabinet. I have no doubt that most of you will find at least
one M rated game. Call of duty was designed to be played by adults.
Just as there is an age limit on alcohol or adult reading or movies. The
difference lies in the enforcement.
While I was working for Blockbuster I denied a young man, (thirteen
years old) the rental of a new M rated game. The young man looked
discouraged but left without buying anything. I was advised by my boss
at the time that I needed to let him rent the game because we were
losing revenue if he left without buying anything. Mind you that would
have been me breaking the law. I refused and got an official warning
that stated that I was being insubordinate.
Some time later that evening the young man returned with his mother
and again attempted to rent the game. When I pointed out that this was
an M rated game and was inappropriate for this young man his mother
became upset and demanded to see my manager. As I was the acting manager
I informed her that it was my duty to insure that these games were not
getting into the hands of young people. She demanded that I put a note
on the account to insure that her son could rent M rated games.
So here's the issue, I was attempting to do what was right. I tried
to follow the law, it was a parent that superseded my decision. So
liberal and conservative parents alike, remember something. When you
teach your children that the law doesn't matter and you allow them to go
around the law like this, Do you think you or the game has gone further
in teaching your child that they can break the law and get away with
it? Where does the blame for tragedy really lie? Its a hard question
because it forces us to look in the one place we hate to. Ourselves.
The answer, I believe, does not lie in the legislation of an anti or
pro gun law, nor does it lie within the government anywhere, I
understand how unpopular this statement may make me.It lies instead
within ourselves. So that being said here's what I promise to do.
1. I promise to not be an enabler to these horrible practices. I will
not support the buying or playing of any game for anyone that is not of
age.
2. I promise to call my friends and family on this. I will no longer
allow this to be a non issue, its time that people stood up for whats
right and good.
3. I promise to report any organization, Church, business what have
you. That is allowing children and young adults get their hands on these
games.
4. And lastly I promise to attempt to make this world a better place
by leading by example. I will limit my time playing violent video games
and instead focus more time on my family and personal growth and
development.
It is my sincere hope that some of you will read this and join me in
this. Parents, I hope you will take a stake in your child's future, and
even if your kid can "handle it", realize that maybe some of his friends
can't. Please obey the law. To all my friends without kids. Please be
willing to report any underage gamers on any system. And if you know
someone who is allowing this in their house, maybe show them this. And
last I ask of especially the youth groups/daycares/businesses, please
stop allowing this. Its time we took responsibility for our actions.
Thank you,
Derek
