Two new laws proposed in New York is taking aim at violent video games.  Though neither will likely pass, it is interesting that lawmakers continue to attempt to restrict video games to minors.

State Representative, Keith Wright, has introduced legislation, which would keep games that include violent crimes, suicide, sexual violence, violent racism, religious violence, and illegal use of drugs and alcohol out of the hands of minors.

Proposal A02024, by Representative Aurelia Greene, also wants to ban sales of violent games to minors.  Representative Greene lists that this should occur when a game includes “adult images such as morbid violence, rape, alcohol and illegal drug use, as well as other malicious acts.”

Both representatives would like these types of games to be placed under lock and key and, anyone who looks under 30, will have to show ID to prove they are old enough to purchase such games.

The hypocrisy that video game violence is worse than violent movies and television, violent music, newspapers, magazines (which often have sexual overtones), and TV news is astounding.  Movie and television producers and directors are allowed an “artistic license” for what they produce, yet, video game creators are not given the same benefit of artistically creating a story, despite the fact that all three target the same audience.

The law is also worded in such a way that it prevents a minor from using maturely rated games, even under the supervision of a parent or guardian.  The government, however, allows movie theaters to ask for ID, after which a minor may enter a mature movie if accompanied by an adult.  It is also assumed that children watch mature television shows with the supervision of their parents.  Again, why are video games being excluded?

Also, why is there a need to segregate these mature games?  Any child can walk into a supermarket and browse through the beer aisles.  A child can walk through an retail outlet and look at the R-rated movies.  Neither instances require ID until you make a purchase.  Why are video games being excluded from the same benefits that alcohol and movies enjoy?  The point being made by legislators is that playing these games is what affects the children, so, why do they want to eliminate them from looking at a still image on the packaging?

The general description of violence and racism is the main problem in both of these laws.  What constitutes violence?  If you’re playing a WWII game, such as Battlefield 1942, will it fall under these definitions if the Nazis use racist comments towards the Jews?  How about superhero games like Batman Begins?  Superheroes commit violent acts while doing good.  What about fantasy games where the violence committed is against creatures that don’t exist?  Several fantasy games also kill these creatures while calling them names.

Super Mario Bros. could also be banned to the over 18 crowd because you can commit suicide in the game by jumping off the edge of a cliff.  It’s also violent.  As a matter of fact, you can, technically, commit suicide in many games.  There are also instances of sacrificing yourself for the good of the unit in military based games.  Will this be considered okay for minors, even though, technically, it’s glorifying suicide?

Why are you shooting people in a video game?  Is it because they are of some ethnic group you hate or is it because they are simply a character pointing a weapon at you and mean to kill you?

How do you define religious violence?  Does it only count if it’s against Christians?  Jews?  Muslims?  What about made up religions like the Protoss in Starcraft?  Does that count?

If the game is set in the future, how can you know if the drugs are not legal in that game setting?  If the video game is made in other countries, which they often are, will they now have to consult with New York about placing certain drugs and alcohol in their video games?  If a game has a scene inside a bar, even if it were to just gather information, it would be placed in this category.  How about a character walking down a street and passing a bar?  Is this going to get it banned for minors as well?  What about games where you use drugs as potions and elixirs for healing?

Ironically, America’s Army is a free video game that is extremely popular.  It was created and distributed by the US Army as a recruiting tool.  Under these two proposals, America’s Army would be banned.

It is more likely that these “lawmakers” are simply trying to make a name for themselves by appearing to be caring for the best interests of children.  They have to know that similar laws across the nation have been struck down as unconstitutional.  These proposals are merely ways for them to claim that they are doing good will for their constituents.  What it really amounts to is a waste of taxpayer money and an ass covering for a politician who wants to be re-elected.

Instead of proposing such legislation, why can’t our representatives be more active in trying to prevent a child from starving, being beaten, raped, and/or killed?  Why are they not looking out for the best interest of children by assuring that they all have access to free medical care and better education?  Where is the legislation to prevent child abuse and homelessness?  These conditions are infinitely more important than the violence depicted in video games and legislators should be mindful next election of creating proposals that do little, real good for the children of New York and the United States.