Video Games Need Exorcism, Says Pope

A week ago we reported on New York state politician Aurelia Greene's attempt to ban violent video games for anyone under 30.  The comment boards lit up that day with 20 somethings pretty ticked that a long-time and respected representative could come up with such an idea.  It would mean a 25 year old could buy booze, porn, and die in battle, but couldn't have a little deathmatch fun in Gears of War.  Now, another very public figure is lashing out at video games.  Pope Benedict XVI recently called any title that exhibits violent or sexual content a "perversion" and "repulsive".

It might not be surprising that the head of the Roman Catholic Church would have such views.  The Pope made these comments during an address for World Communications Day, where the theme was "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education".  Apparently today's greatest battle is against the dastardly Tommy Vercetti and the like.

The Pope weighed in on the topic with this blazing comment:

"Any trend to produce programs and products--including animated films and video games--which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray antisocial behavior or the trivialization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive when these programs are directed at children and adolescents".

The Pope then called upon the video game industry to take responsibility for ensuring "human dignity" and "respect for the needs of the family."

Man, I can't wait for Grand Theft Auto IV.

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2 comments
Posted by mattys on January 26,2007 at 10:12 AM
The more I think about it the more I wonder where our culture is going (and where it has been). A keen interest in violence is nothing new to humanity. Pretty much throughout history we've shown a love for bloodshed (public executions, gladiator games, etc.). But I can't help but to wonder what our culture would be like if we rejected violence, not just in video games but across the board.
  With that said I can't wait for GTA4 too!
Posted by me on January 25,2007 at 3:27 PM
stupid ass blame the parents