Step Away From The Controller

[capnjack]

Step Away From The Controller

Is Obama on an anti-gaming crusade?

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Great article. For a second I thought you were going to go the wrong direction and be annoyed by Obama's comment, but it's good to see someone accepting the reality that gaming is a massive time waster and it wouldn't hurt to have other hobbies.

As someone who loves games, I know I can spend half a day playing them if I were given the chance. And you're right, it's not any worse than web-surfing or even watching television. All these things can have value, but it's the excess that is a problem.

I agree that to some extent; kids should be active and have normal social lives. However, it's not easy by any means for kids to meet someone who has similar interests and the like if it doesn't involve some sort of video game.

The article isn't saying you shouldn't play video games. But taking heed of Obama's remarks and finding other hobbies as well can only hurt you.

My point is: we shouldn't force kids out into the world expecting they'll pick up a football and become the next John Elway. It's simply not going to happen. Supporting a healthy lifestyle is great and all, but name one insecure, overweight teenager who will WILLINGLY walk into a gym and struggle with a fourth of his weight on the bench press.

Again, you're missing the point. This isn't about obesity or playing sports. It's about excellence. It's about achieving as much as you can, and not using gaming as an escape from reality. I may very well be a hypocrite here, because I'm the key example of an escapist and I understand your dissatisfaction with reality quite well, but I also realize the harm that such lifestyles can have.

I don't know about you, or your life, and I won't pretend like I do, but anyone I know who plays games too much does so because they're dissatisfied with their own lives, and they can change that. Personally, if I waste too much time, I begin to feel lethargic. It's what escapism does, and it can happen with any medium.

I don't think Chalk or Obama are discouraging gaming in any way - they're discouraging excess. Put down the controller and take a walk, read a book, learn to play a guitar or xylophone or a damn recorder if you like it, but do other things you enjoy.

 

[capnjack]

[didn't mean to double post]

 

[Redingold]

GAH! While I understand what he's saying, he's foolish to pick on gaming. The same could be said for watching TV, or reading a book. He should have simply said that people need to get off their fat asses (not in those words, of course).

 

[Stryc9]

I don't agree with 90% of the stuff that comes out of Obama's mouth but I do agree with what he's saying here. He's not saying don't let your kids play video games at all, he's saying limit the amount of time they do get to spend playing games. He's also saying limit the amount of time your kids spend watching TV. He's not trying to pass laws that would make limits he's just trying to get parents to do their damn jobs and raise their kids instead of relying on the schools and the TV and video games to do it.

I mean seriously I've seen parents just turn on the TV, sit their kids in front of it and walk off. When you ask them if they think that's good for their kids they say, "It keeps them quiet and that's all that matters to me." That's not good parenting and these people wonder why later in life their kids are so damn stupid it's not funny. Seriously most of the people I went to school with couldn't grasp simple concepts or even make simple decisions on their own, but they could sure tell you what happened on every episode of their favorite show on TV, (video games weren't exactly popular in the hillbilly school I went to)

I've seen parent's bribe their kids with video games to do simple chores the kids should be doing anyway too. Once I was in a GameStop just browsing when this lady and her husband and one of their kids walked in, she was on her cell phone with another of her kids saying she would buy the kid the games he asked for, then buy him three more if he would clean his room, and asked him for the titles. I would be willing to bet that by the time they got home that kid hadn't done a damn thing and he still got all his games without having to lift a finger.

Obama isn't on an anti-game crusade, he's on an anti-bad-parenting crusade.

 

[Jiki]

I find it funny how Obama and deception are mentioned in the same article. Deception's used rather poorly though since the context doesn't indicate deception, but more like stupidity and blind fanboyism, hence the inability to see ones' dearests' less positive traits.

 

[Giraffle]

I agree with this completely, yes, kids should be out doing productive things, and playing outside, its genuine fun. But if a kid wants to play video games, why not let him? Things are okay as long as they stay in certain degrees, for instance: if a kid like videogames, and plays them quite a bit, then sure its okay. Now if a kid plays video games pretty much all the time, and refuses to do anything else, then it starts being a problem.

I will admit, ive basically been a gamer all my life, ive never been too much of a hardcore gamer though, but when I was a kid, I used to complain and whine when I wasnt near my video games, but now im different, i'll put down my game and go and do anything else. I play a lot of video games, and sit around the computer all day, but if my family or friends want to go out and do something, I wont hesitate to go.

Basically my point is that games arent bad as far as anti-socialization. Its just how much of their life gamers devote video games to. Its un-healthy for someone to neglect everyday activities and play video games all day, but its not un-healthy to play video games.

 

[tex2790]

Honestly, just about everyone in my age group, teenagers, play games all day everyday. Even if I wanted to go outside like you did when you were kids, I couldn't go out unless I felt like being alone. So the few kids now a days who still go outside and play are just a small handful of our nation's kids. We are growing up with these games and technology, I,being one of those "fat,lazy,kids", know, that its a new age and you need to get over it. Every single one of my friends play games all day everyday, but it doesnt mean we are fat or lazy. It is just what we do for fun, and there is nothing wrong with it.

 

[shaderkul]

I don't really agree with this article... I mean, yes, obesity and poor health choices, along with kids spending hours of time devoted to a videogame character probably isn't the most wonderful thing of all, but it's certainly not the worst.

I agree that to some extent; kids should be active and have normal social lives. However, it's not easy by any means for kids to meet someone who has similar interests and the like if it doesn't involve some sort of video game. The term "gamer" has broadened and even become an umbrella for new sub-cliques like casual and hardcore gamers. Heck, even MMO fans of a feather stick together, and the FPS crowd will always be chatting it up about that amazing frag they got last night.

I speak as a person whom Obama is trying to jettison into the real world with only a handful of D&D manuals and a few dice as protection from the hordes of humanity. Am I particularly healthy? Actually, yes. Aside from procrastination, I've been able to easily breeze through high school, oftentimes calling on knowledge I learned from the very games that nurtured me through my youth when I was the kid everybody picked on and hated "just because".

My real-life buddies are very much alike, and it's not really our fault. We do try and get out to experience the world, but every attempt we make at getting into a party scene, or going outside to play sports, it crumbles into the same old prejudice of the First-Grade playground. We're outcasts, so we turn to one another. Because we aren't common, we connect with people online because they share the same stories as we do, and it's nice to know that you're not the only person who happens to be on this miserable little world who had their school bully beat the snot out of them just for existing.

Sure, you can send kids out to go play and the like, but chances are if they've already gotten into gaming, they're more likely to sit on the sidelines and end up chatting about their favorite titles and epic stories of pwn than to be called into the game without a roll of the eyes or an exasperated sigh that "that kid" has to be on their team.

I guarantee you that anybody who's been through what I've described probably feels the same way I do: an underlying hatred for humanity because you've become the outcast for no other reason for existing, and that videogames are a place for them to escape and live out their fantasies because the harsh reality of the world... well, sucks!

I agree that kids need to do their work and that they should at least try to keep themselves healthy enough that they don't risk having a heart attack at age 30, or a waistline of triple digits. I agree that having a close social network of friends is a wonderful thing. However, there's no say that you can't do these things alongside, or even through videogames. Brain Age, Wii Fit, My [insert subject here] Coach, and even to a lesser extent, Guitar Hero and Rock Band all have at least tried to get gamers out of their reclusive shells and into being more healthy and not speaking 1337 to the manager of the job you're applying for. They didn't exactly fail, either. It also opened a window for the old bullies and bigots that shoved us around to see what gaming really was; something beautiful and artistic, a free expression of oneself through a virtual medium. Well, in some games at least... you know what I mean.

My point is: we shouldn't force kids out into the world expecting they'll pick up a football and become the next John Elway. It's simply not going to happen. Supporting a healthy lifestyle is great and all, but name one insecure, overweight teenager who will WILLINGLY walk into a gym and struggle with a fourth of his weight on the bench press.

Sorry if I sound like I'm ranting here, but this is why the fat, nerdy gamer image was made. It's hard to let go of something where you feel you belong.

I'm sorry if I sound harsh here, but don't u think you are blaming everyone else for your problems?

"I guarantee you that anybody who's been through what I've described probably feels the same way I do: an underlying hatred for humanity because you've become the outcast for no other reason for existing, and that videogames are a place for them to escape and live out their fantasies because the harsh reality of the world... well, sucks!"

Wow,I think we should all get a grip and face challenges of life like any other human being. My point is, whether you are a nerd or not,a school kid or a full grown man working in a company, a pauper in the slums or a heiress with a silver spoon in your mouth, there will always be bullies and bigots and jackasses who will want to make your life miserable because they can. Its up to you to decide whether you allow them or not, and not use gaming as a cry teddy, period.

All the more reason why kids should get of their pale bums and go out. Like many have said here: Moderation is key.

 

[zilek]

I generally disagree with him in so many games. I feel this focus of video games in general is wrong because it is all entertaintment... not video games specifically. It is also the environment and person who is playing and taking part/being entertained which is apart of any such problem.

I personally use the computer a lot, but the amount of time I spend playing computer games and such is often less, but usually the same amount of time that people use to watch TV every evening. Many people get home from work, school or such and watch TV for a few hours or more, but some of us happen to go play a few video games. Essentially both are the same, entertainment, but to me video games are more interactive and I have learn a lot from playing them.

Yes encourage people to become more healthy or vary what they are doing, but dont focus the blame on video games. And if you cant manage that, then people obviously need to be given entertaining ways to do these other activities.

 

[hortez the champion of the frozen wastes]

Obama has alienated himself from the gamer crowd by repeatedly suggesting that too much button-mashing is making the kids these days fat, lazy and stupid.

I think this reporter must have misheard Mr. Obama. Because he later suggests that Obama isn't saying that gaming is making people stupid, but merely suggesting we don't do it as much. Due to the above I have the lost the last of my respect for the president.

 

[hortez the champion of the frozen wastes]

I don't really agree with this article... I mean, yes, obesity and poor health choices, along with kids spending hours of time devoted to a videogame character probably isn't the most wonderful thing of all, but it's certainly not the worst.

I agree that to some extent; kids should be active and have normal social lives. However, it's not easy by any means for kids to meet someone who has similar interests and the like if it doesn't involve some sort of video game. The term "gamer" has broadened and even become an umbrella for new sub-cliques like casual and hardcore gamers. Heck, even MMO fans of a feather stick together, and the FPS crowd will always be chatting it up about that amazing frag they got last night.

I speak as a person whom Obama is trying to jettison into the real world with only a handful of D&D manuals and a few dice as protection from the hordes of humanity. Am I particularly healthy? Actually, yes. Aside from procrastination, I've been able to easily breeze through high school, oftentimes calling on knowledge I learned from the very games that nurtured me through my youth when I was the kid everybody picked on and hated "just because".

My real-life buddies are very much alike, and it's not really our fault. We do try and get out to experience the world, but every attempt we make at getting into a party scene, or going outside to play sports, it crumbles into the same old prejudice of the First-Grade playground. We're outcasts, so we turn to one another. Because we aren't common, we connect with people online because they share the same stories as we do, and it's nice to know that you're not the only person who happens to be on this miserable little world who had their school bully beat the snot out of them just for existing.

Sure, you can send kids out to go play and the like, but chances are if they've already gotten into gaming, they're more likely to sit on the sidelines and end up chatting about their favorite titles and epic stories of pwn than to be called into the game without a roll of the eyes or an exasperated sigh that "that kid" has to be on their team.

I guarantee you that anybody who's been through what I've described probably feels the same way I do: an underlying hatred for humanity because you've become the outcast for no other reason for existing, and that videogames are a place for them to escape and live out their fantasies because the harsh reality of the world... well, sucks!

I agree that kids need to do their work and that they should at least try to keep themselves healthy enough that they don't risk having a heart attack at age 30, or a waistline of triple digits. I agree that having a close social network of friends is a wonderful thing. However, there's no say that you can't do these things alongside, or even through videogames. Brain Age, Wii Fit, My [insert subject here] Coach, and even to a lesser extent, Guitar Hero and Rock Band all have at least tried to get gamers out of their reclusive shells and into being more healthy and not speaking 1337 to the manager of the job you're applying for. They didn't exactly fail, either. It also opened a window for the old bullies and bigots that shoved us around to see what gaming really was; something beautiful and artistic, a free expression of oneself through a virtual medium. Well, in some games at least... you know what I mean.

My point is: we shouldn't force kids out into the world expecting they'll pick up a football and become the next John Elway. It's simply not going to happen. Supporting a healthy lifestyle is great and all, but name one insecure, overweight teenager who will WILLINGLY walk into a gym and struggle with a fourth of his weight on the bench press.

Sorry if I sound like I'm ranting here, but this is why the fat, nerdy gamer image was made. It's hard to let go of something where you feel you belong.

I'm sorry if I sound harsh here, but don't u think you are blaming everyone else for your problems?

"I guarantee you that anybody who's been through what I've described probably feels the same way I do: an underlying hatred for humanity because you've become the outcast for no other reason for existing, and that videogames are a place for them to escape and live out their fantasies because the harsh reality of the world... well, sucks!"

Wow,I think we should all get a grip and face challenges of life like any other human being. My point is, whether you are a nerd or not,a school kid or a full grown man working in a company, a pauper in the slums or a heiress with a silver spoon in your mouth, there will always be bullies and bigots and jackasses who will want to make your life miserable because they can. Its up to you to decide whether you allow them or not, and not use gaming as a cry teddy, period.

All the more reason why kids should get of their pale bums and go out. Like many have said here: Moderation is key.

You clearly did not understand his post at all.

 

[Gerazzi]

Yeah...
I don't like where this is going.
I'm going to buy a small island from the U.S. and set up my own government there, who's with me?

 

[insanejigsaw]

Yeah...
I don't like where this is going.
I'm going to buy a small island from the U.S. and set up my own government there, who's with me?

ME and i dont care until they put the ban on some games

 

[SomeUnregPunk]

I talked with a few older teachers about Obama and the same idea popped up with them. A bunch of new age style teaching where everybody wins and no one loses and the loss of workshop classes{woodworking, metalworking, etc} in the elementary to high school has created a serious problem for America. There is still some schools across America that still has those type of shops and they seem to create a better student than kids who went through schools that only had one written test after another. In one the student can create something and acquire skills that is useful in the outside world and in the other the student can learn how to be goth through Edgar Allen Poe.

A bunch of technical schools in NY closed their engineering classes due attendance problems. It is like no one has the motivation to do anything other than the medical, lawyers, accounting or sit in front of a computer all day. The mayor of NYC has made it a requirement for kids to graduate public schools to participate in community service {never-mind that half of us know how to cheat our way through that just like how we can cheat our way through reading comprehension tests and still being unable to read past an preschool level}. I understand the approach that he and the president is trying to reach but I don't think it's enough.

I know of a technical college that had to alter one of their basic tool understanding courses to fit in the "comprehension of rulers." Kids leaving high school were unable to read a rulers, or even understand basic geometry to pass basic technical courses that barely changed since the fifties. This college had to add to their curriculum basic math, reading & writing courses because the caliber of students they were receiving from high school dropped as the years went by. Half of the older teachers here blame the Baby Boomer generation for creating this mess. Forcing kids to participate in community service might combat this, by instilling in them to do other things than to sit a home and acquire the useless skill of sniping an pixelated enemy across the map while jumping off a ledge.

 

[robinkom]

He's right, of course. And I concur with many previous replies as well that this "Lost Generation" has grown up in this incredibly wired (and wireless) world with all kinds of info and generally are a lot of aware of things they shouldn't be thinking about yet (a lot more than I was at that age anyhow).

When I was a kid, video games only tended to fuel my creativity and imagination. On the playground, I and the other kids would role play as the characters from them... Mario, Pac-Man, etc. I wasn't pants-on-head retarded like some children a lot later on that would mimic games like Mortal Kombat and actually hurt someone. Just good clean make-believe and a lot of chasing one another. We got out activity in, everything was kosher.

There was no internet, no cell phones, no MP3 players, just healthy non-dehumanizing social interaction. There was no online-multiplayer, you wanted to play a complete stranger, you went to the Arcade for your head-to-head competition and to maybe knock a few of those High Scores down to make room for yours.

 

[Aptspire]

I'm not fat, lazy and stupid. I'm just lazy and stupid
Big difference ;-)

 

[Jenx]

I'm as gamer as much as the next nerd, even more in some regards. (For example I don't spend that much time into gaming, yet I still play weird and complex games like roguelikes)....and I absolutely fucking agree with Obama! I feel sick when I see kids doing nothing but wasting their time in WoW or GTA. Fuck it when I was a kid we had to use our fucking imagination and THAT is what got me into gaming in the first place.

 

[Jumplion]

THANK YOU Malygris! I do not understand why people are grasping and snarling at this one aspect of what Obama has been saying. People are jumping the gun so early on some of that stuff that they end up crashing through the window behind the gun. How many times have you heard your parents say "Get off the damn TV and move your ass!" or "Quit your stereo crap and come with us to grandma!" or "Stop with your gameboys, we have a roof to shingle!"? A lot of the damn time.

Obama is just using "video games" as a broad term for entertainment. He is absolutely right when he says "Put down the controller, it'll be there when you get back", there's nothing wrong with doing less video games and getting more active. Too much of anything can be harmful, and video games are no exception, and it's so annoying to see everyone's knee-jerk reaction be "OMG HE TEH AGAINZT GAEMZ!@#!" because he's right. And don't you dare make this into a political thread, it doesn't matter who says it.

 

[FinalHeart95]

snip

Well yes and no, honestly i think that as a gaming community we tend to hype up if not embellish all the "blame video games" stories that come out, maybe cos we normally get so little attention. Are games the scapegoat? Its possible, though thats not to say other negative factors havent been brough up ad nauseam such as fast food and lack of physical education in schools. As for the family thing, i clearly remember Obama making points geared towards strengthening the family nucleus. Sure we arent the only country with the obesity problem, but, like everything else our actions are magnified on the world scale because we pride ourselves in being the most important country. Yes this issue has many sides to it and tackling just one wont solve the problem. Honestly though the rest is up to the individual. It should be enough that we get a warning about the state of our children, the rest is up to the parents (both of them).

This, and also games are more relevant these days than say television or music. You have a better chance of finding a kid playing his xbox rather than watching TV or listening to music. That's just the way it is.

 

[similar.squirrel]

I agree wholeheartedly.
I doubt games companies care much about the well-being of their consumer-base, aside from the mandatory epilepsy warning screen.