Video Game Corrupts Youth?

Dan Hawryluk, The Projector (Red River

College)

WINNIPEG (CUP)—Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the newest release by Rockstar Games, has been turning heads across the world. Not even on shelves more than a week, it has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide. Released Oct. 26, the garfie has already come under heavy fire, criticized for its extreme vio- lence, coarse language and virtually every other aspect it has to offer.

San Andreas is set in the early "90s, when organized gang warfare dominated much of America. In it, players are expected to carry out such missions as taking a group of fellow thugs to “rub out” some rival gang members, or sneak quietly into someone’s home and steal all of their worldly possessions, easily earn- ing the game’s mature rating.

American lawyer Jack Thompson has long been against the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series. Since the first GTA was released in 1997, Thompson has been very vocal with his opinion that the game is nothing more than a program that shows young teenagers how to commit crimes and kill people.

His most recent evidence is a young Massachusetts boy, who was recently

arrested for plotting to “mow down” a number of his fellow students and teach- ers. The student had been quoted saying Grand Theft Auto was his “favourite game.”

“The technique of killing civilians and then first-responders when they get there

is the primary scenario to win in all the Grand Theft Auto games,” said Thompson to several newspapers.

He said gangs and terrorist groups use these types of games as simulators to train their members to be more effective killers.

ENbErboinMent

Thompson has also been trying to bring Rockstar Games to court over the death of 14-year-old Stefan Pakeerah last year, which he claims was linked to the video game Manhunt, where the player must murder as many people as possible in bru- tal fashions.

Video game retailers across the coun- try have been trying to cut down on the number of minors gaining access to this type of game.

“We've been really trying to crack down on this,” said Chris, a Winnipeg Blockbuster employee. “Children should- n't be able to view this kind of material without explicit parental consent. It’s our job to make sure that the rules are carried out.”

Teens, however, are taking a much more relaxed approach towards the situa- tion.

“T love the game. It’s just a shame that my folks don’t like the idea of having it in the house,” said Katie Moffat, a 17-year- old student. they’re coming from though, since it’s so

“T can understand where

violent. I guess they don’t want me cor- rupting my young and fragile mind.”

NIGHTCLUB

The original “ Thirsty $2 cover & $2 Drinks!

Foreplay Fridays $3 Hiballs

Cheer Factor Saturdays Check out our Giant Twister

board and much much more

Student special no line no cover before 10:30 with your student I.D.

54 - CHURCH ST. NEW WEST. 604-525-1932

Thursdays”

november § 17/2000

OUNEPPPESS | 1B