Seriously, the game is not the problem!

Teenager describes becoming addicted to playing computer games

Another fine example of the mainstream media presenting one point of view and ignoring the real reasons behind game addiction.

Why is a child playing an 18 certificated games when they are not emotionally ready?

And why have the parents not limed his access to and time spent on his games console?

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if people are allowed to play highly intense and engaging games unabated for long periods of time then the effects are not likely to be good.

A2: BBC's Panorama gets it completely wrong!

Article from the Guardian about this evening's Panorama: Panorama discovers games addiction: did we really need to be told this?

Watch the episode here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wlmj0/Panorama_Addicted_to_Games/

A2: Australian Government adds Wikileaks to list of banned websites...

Short article about the Australian government's decision to add the website 'Wikileaks' to its list of banned websites!

http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/australian-government-adds-wikileaks-to-banned-website-list-585894#ixzz16e93gJ1F

I didn't even know they had a list of banned websites. Makes me ask the question: Does our government have a list of banned websites? Worth looking into me-thinks!

How do different countries compare on their regulation of the World Wide Web?
Who has the right to regulate it?
Is the WEB taking the place of Video Games in the age old argument over 'effects' and the impact on Media to do good/bad?
What are the implications of political websites like 'Wikileaks' being targeted in this way?

[Update] Wikileaks is banned in school. Should it be?

Get to work!
Mr. M.

A2: Contemporary Media Regulation - Links!

Don't forget that you should be doing as much wider reading as possible during this unit. Here is the site you used in Mrs. Neale's lesson last week: http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/amk/index.html


There is a wide range of articles discussing Kubrick's films and the controversies that have surrounded them, including The Clockwork Orange.


For further reading please make sure that you are making full use of the SBBFC site: http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/


It has an interactive timeline of Film/Video Games regulation and censorship; as well as case studies, articles and essays - including an fabulous range of info about The Clockwork Orange as well.


Remember - you need to offer a critical understanding in your response so you must read both popular and academic criticism around the case studies that Mrs. Neale's shows you. Watching the clips and disucssing them in class is only the beginning...

A2: "Violent video games harmless for most kids"

Well timed article on the effects of video games on children.  Click on the 'MSNBC' logo to read the article. Perfect to keep the topic fresh as you prepare for your exam.


Don't forget that we have lesson tomorrow: 12:20 in Room 72.

A2: "The Armchair Assassin"

Click on the picture below for some some must read material on video games and violence, particularly the controversy surrounding 'Manhunt'.

A2: Porn star Ron Jeremy says violent video games are "worse" than porn!

Read the article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8453043.stm

A2: Homework - Censorship & China & Google!

Reminder - tomorrow's double is the last lesson on Media Regulation & Censorship. You will be moving onto Media & Collective Identity with Mr Ford next week.

Please make sure you read the rest of "Electronic Child Abuse" by David Buckingham from the book: Ill Effect, BARKER et al, 2001

Then read / re-read the Google Blog Post here: "A new approach to China" and answer the following questions:

• What issues / moral implications are raised by China’s “Internet Firewall”?
• What do you think about the Google Blog Post: “A new approach to China”?
• What links can you make between this form of censorship and the forms of censorship we have encountered in the unit so far?
• How would you feel as a British citizen if our government imposed similar censorship upon us?

You could also look at the following website (thanks Sehb / Sophie!): "Great Firewall of China".

You also need to read "Video Games" from the book Censored, MATTHEWS, 1994

See you tomorrow and well done to those of you who made in today, inspite of the snow!

Mr. M.

A2: Xmas Homework

Homework 1: Watch / Play a Film or Video Game and make notes analysing both the "surface reality" and "verisimilitude" of the text.

Homework 2: Read the articles in the previous post here: http://chalfontmediablog.blogspot.com/2009/12/a2-more-articles-about-video-game.html and make notes.

Homework 3: Make sure that your quote sheet is complete and fully referenced.

Have a very merry Christmas - Mr. M.

A2: More Articles About Video Game Regulation & Censorship

Here are 4 more useful articles about video games:

"Video games don't create killers..."

"Violent Video Games: Myths..." 

"Could violent video games reduce..."

"Kids unaffected by violent video games..."

Please read them over the Christmas Break do develop your understanding further!

Merry Xmas!

Mr. M.

Y13 Cover Work from Mr Michie - Monday 30th November

Video Games - Regulation and Censorship

Read the following articles and make notes:

SBBFC: Games - Timeline

SBBFC: Games - Case Studies

Gamers crave control and competence, not carnage

Violent video games won't corrupt anyone

Labour Mps clash over Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game

Mps, come play a video game with me

Don't forget to help complete the 18 cert / banned video game wiki on the VLE.  Don't know the enrollment key, ask a class mate.

Mr. M.