July 15, 205
The popular video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" has been getting unfavorable reviews for it's intense violence and pornography. Some said it's getting into the hands of children, and now Senator Hillary Clinton is getting involved.
Prostitution, drugs, steal cars and cop killing is what the wildly popular "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" video game entails.
Although the gaming industries gave it an "M" for Mature rating and a consumer has to be 17 or older to buy one, critics said with a long list of offensive content, the game should be rated AO or Adults Only. The warning label cites that its content includes: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs.
"We've now had enough time for the industry to police itself," said Senator Hillary Clinton.
Senator Clinton wants a federal investigation into how the pornographic material got into the game. She is also proposing legislation that would prohibit the sale of inappropriate video games to minors. Stores violating the law would be fined $5,000.
"It effects their brain activity and that it makes young people, particularly young boys more aggressive," said Clinton.
Dr. Dewey Cornell, a UVa Psychologist agrees. He said studies show these games have a chilling effect on children.
"It has a callusing effect, a desensitizing effect as well as communicating the idea that violence against a vulnerable person, and against a woman is satisfactory," said Dr. Cornell.
Rockstar, the maker of "Grand Theft Auto" wouldn't respond to the proposed legislation but in a statement said "we fully support efforts to keep mature-related video game content out of the hands of children."
But, Clinton and others ultimately want to help parents with their struggle against the high-tech game world.
"The ratings don't provide enough information to parents for them to really understand and appreciate what their children are being exposed to," said Dr. Cornell.
Critics say the question is, will a multi-billion dollar gaming industry give up control and allow the government to step in?
