In a new report entitled "Player Haters" on Comedy Central's Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show, political satirist Jon Stewart examined the recent congressional hearing that took place on June 14 to address to the topic of video game content.
The hearing heard testimony from a number of key individuals involved with the debate, including Lydia Parnes, director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission; Gary Severson, senior vice president, merchandising, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; and Douglas Lowenstein, president, Entertainment Software Association.
During the hearing, Pennsylvania Republican representative Tim Murphy noted that "children who then are then involved in an interactive way with video games have an increased tendency to act aggressively."
Nebraska Republican representative Lee Terry also commented on the subject, noting that “as a father of three young boys, 11, 8, and 6, who are avid gamers, I am very concerned about the content included in the games." To which Jon Stewart retorted, mimicking Terry: "And as I stand there, watching them play these violent games, helpless to do anything about it, I can't help but wonder where the system has failed."
Stewart then turned to Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, a game which he labeled as "the committee's favorite whipping boy". Congressman Joe Pits spoke out on the game, noting: “It's safe to say that a wealthy kid from the suburbs can play Grand Theft Auto or similar games without turning to a life of crime, but a poor kid who lives in a neighborhood where people really do steal cars, or deal drugs, or shoot cops might not be so fortunate.”
The full video of The Daily Show's segment is available for viewing at Comedy Central's website.
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