Case in Point: GTA San Andreas

[Martin_Bashir]

This is in Politics because i believe it highlights a cultural oddity in the US that is quite alien to me, just thought it would be interesting to discuss.

This game is a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of early 90's LA gang culture; you play the lead protagonist 'CJ'.

Heres the paradox; CJ and his gang through the course of the story murder loads of people, police, and even hit their rivals at funerals.

Now here's what i dont get; it being the early 90's there is crack about as well as weed. Apparently in order to get the game published, ROCKSTAR NORTH (the developers) had to make sure that the lead character refused ALL drug consumption at every opportunity and that his gang worked AGAINST crack dealing.

So let me get this straight; wanton gun violence against everyone from civilians to police officers is ok, but drug use isnt?

i really dont get this, especially in a piece of entertainment software written for adults.

[budda]

I'm guessing the reasoning is that they are more likely to try drugs if they are glamorised than they are to try murder.

[Martin_Bashir]

i thought that, but more Americans have DIRECT access to guns than drugs.

i just think that the way in which his character rejects weed and then happily goes out on drive-by-dates with his girlfreind (yes this does happen) is slightly skewed in terms of social perspective.

it aint just murder either; hand to hand violence, burning houses down...think of the children :p

(but then again its an adult piece isnt it)

[budda]

Reminds me somewhat of the old qoute;

"Never have sex with a methodist standing up it could lead to dancing."

[Martin_Bashir]

thats about the size of it

[budda]

That was Wilde I believe, dam I'm cultured.

[Martin_Bashir]

'i suppose i shall have to die beyond my means'

top bloke :D :thumb:

[Whowhere]

Games have been around for years showing the player how they can disembowel people.
But most people don't take it too literally.

Drugs use is different and is prevalent in society. A company, even one like Rockstar would be crucified for showing stuff like that.

[Martin_Bashir]

hmm true, but they can show pot smoking protagonists in the movies:confused:

[Whowhere]

Showing someone smoking pot is slightly different to showing someone gunned down after purchasing a load of crack cocaine.

[Martin_Bashir]

which does happen in the game strangely enough:confused:

[Whowhere]

No idea then :lol:

[stargalaxy]

Originally posted by bongbudda
That was Wilde I believe, damn I'm cultured. Which Wilde was this? :confused:

[budda]

Which Wilde do you think?

[ShyBoy]

I'm sure in vice city there's a guy who's taking cocaine, and the main character doesn't seem to mind...

[stargalaxy]

Originally posted by bongbudda
Which Wilde do you think? Well, I don't know for certain. You could be referring to any person with the surname Wilde. Are there any that use these forums?

[budda]

Do any of you remember those old computer games where the 'Say No To Drugs' message would come up?

[budda]

Originally posted by stargalaxy
Well, I don't know for certain. You could be referring to any person with the surname Wilde. Are there any that use these forums?

Oscar?

[Renzo]

Originally posted by TheShyBoyInTheCorner
I'm sure in vice city there's a guy who's taking cocaine, and the main character doesn't seem to mind...

At one point Vercetti does tell Rosenburg to get off the drugs.

[Blagsta]

Originally posted by stargalaxy
Which Wilde was this? :confused:

Kim, who did you think?