Living in Australia comes with its perks; Beaches, sun, attractive people. It also comes with its disadvantages; backwards politicians who can take two very positive steps forward, then turn around, get in a fast car and drive way past the starting line.
Earlier this year, the Australian Government released a discussion paper on the non-existent R 18+ rating for video games. The response was fantastic. With petitions from EB Games and GAME retailers, the word was out about this and 59,678 responses were retrieved. An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents were in favour of an adult rating.
Well, that’s where we went wrong. According to those in charge, further research needs to be done before they can even start discussing the idea. Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Conner tends to agree because of “interest groups” who had made submissions. These interest groups include 34 community churches.
Censoring games doesn’t make themes disappear and it doesn’t make games more “playable” for young people. It’s probably doing more harm than good. Censoring what isn’t good for the kiddies, doesn’t take away the themes implied.
I even wrote a letter to Michael Atkinson (when he was in power) saying that the adult rating was needed more than ever. A well researched, well written and quite logical argument was sent off to his desk. He sent me back the same form letter that was given to everyone who wrote to him.
In an election year, something that could sway thousands, if not millions, of votes, is probably not something you want to take too long thinking about.
It wouldn't be this way if we had the right to bear arms.
ReplyDeleteIf we had the right to bear arms, there would be a lot of stupid people with weapons.
ReplyDelete