Take Two's Strauss Zelnick to Testify Before Congress Today - Watch Live
Take Two's Strauss Zelnick to Testify Before Congress Today - Watch Live
September 25, 2007
As GamePolitics reported last week, Take Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick will testify today before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection.Committee chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) is investigating the portrayal of stereotypes and degrading images in the media.
Expect Zelnick to be quizzed about the Grand Theft Auto series.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10AM Washington, D.C. time. A live webcast is available here.
UPDATE: Today's Los Angeles Times has more, including a profile on Rep. Rush. There's also this quote from music exec Danny Goldberg:
I probably agree with Bobby Rush on about 99 out of 100 things, but whether you think hip-hop or video games are elevating and illuminating or creepy and immoral, you can't change the evolution of culture by a Congressional hearing. All you get is a climate of fear.
UPDATE #2: What About Our Daughters? will be live-blogging the hearing.
UPDATE #3: Karen Dill, PhD of Lenoir-Rhyne College (Hickory, NC) will be testifying as well. Prof. Dill has been a critic of violent video games for some time.
Comments
Im glad I didnt miss Zelnick. Will be interesting to hear him.
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Or are they all just there to hand out a good load of bollocks for their campaigns? I'm betting on the latter.
You can't know the sweet without having tasted the bitter.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
"Video games and music need to be legislated."
Rails against “filthy derogatory, offensive language.”
Children are assaulted daily with garbage under the guise of the First Amendment.
There is a right to free speech, but there is also a responsibility to refrain from denigrating a race and black women in particular.
Black women are embarrassed and humiliated by depictions on television and in videos.
“Rights without responsibility should be labeled ‘anarchy’.” Congress should insist on responsibility and force the FCC and FTC to take action.
Thanks for keeping the live updates going.
Parents don’t want to believe that child playing violent video game would have a negative effect. She says that response of video game players who maintain “I’ve played violent video games for years, and I have never shot anyone” misses the point. The point is that entertainment creates a culture, and you cannot turn off our culture.
There is freedom of expression, but there is no freedom from consequences of that expression.
Calls for more research on impact of media violence and images and a media education curriculum in schools.
Now to Q&A
I dunno, you?
Yes they could. But by doing this they can sleep at night by distracting themselves from the depressing reports and millitary jargon, no they want to try to reafferm that they dislike the videogame indestry and will skapegoat, and pidgenhole it at every chance they get.
But who knows maybe im just being to negitive. Mayhaps good things, and understanding will come of this, Instead of this being a more or less onesided hatefest.
(Im all for the solders but not the war. There is a lot I could say about the war none very of it kind, nice, or fair.)
And a congressional committee with a webcast setup? I'm impressed.
Geez, talk about scrapping the bottom of the barrel. :/
Luckily, there hasn't been a lot of work lately so I might be able to actually get to hear this.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
But for gods sake here folks, Enough already. We don't need it brought up every day on these boards. The media does that enough as it is.
Lets stick to the topic at hand ok?
On that topic, I hope Strauss just comes out and tells the whole group that if they bad mouth rockstar he'll sue them for slander.
Shut them up finally.
But the first few minutes will be the committee members making statements...
Nothing yet.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Right now, that's ok. Not everyone is there yet.
Sheez! No wonder the US is so screwed up! Can't anybody in government tell the freakin' time! :)
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
/facepalm.
"Not a head hunting hearing."
Uh uh, yeah, right.
"I'm not blaming anybody."
Yet, the media industry is there to testify for it's role.
THAT is "blame".
Once again, another politician refers to GTA as allowing players to "rape" women. Clearly, her argument, being so segregated based on gender, is uninformed and meant to misinform others.
The gentleman from NC makes a good point about this being a circular issue. The media reflects what's going on in society to a large degree. Much of what is being focused on right now is music.
It's interesting that they have yet to mention the effect of other aspects of society (such as religion) on society as a whole. So, so far, they DO appear to be blaming the media rather than other aspects of society.
I wonder how many times the lady from TN will use the word "filth" today.
I also agree with the gentleman from CA(?) that mentioned the PSA for TV ratings. I do like those commercials. :)
The guy from NY ROCKS! I'm sorry, but he is rather intelligent in his comments. His opinions are rather well thought out and he's making some great points without being abusive about it. Dennis, if you're reading, can you direct us to more info on him?
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Because of the jumpy sound, I missed where the next guy was from, but this one is a git. Blaming Columbine on music. Blaming Domestic violence on the media. Clearly, this guy is totally uneducated on the overall issues at hand. "Blame stuff I don't like" seems to be his thing. Even the trafficking of Humans in present day society.
Music is taking a much more serious beating here. But it may be partly because there are actual "artists" there, not just industry people.
Bloody Hell! Frozen transmission.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
She's also in favor of not restricting speech, but rather promoting "positive" messages to counter negative ones.
"We understand that with influence comes responsibility. We take this seriously. We have a responsibility to entertain, because if we're not entertaining, we have no business. We must engage our audience, which is no small task."
"We seek a balance of entertainment, between entertaining and informing. Not every show is for everyone."
"We rate blocks of videos so parents can be informed about the content and either block the content, or merely turn the tv off."
Now he's talking about social responsibility, and how they engage youth to get involved in world issues. BT will air a discussion on Hip Hop and it's impact on American culture. He's showing a clip.
Same responsibility blah blah as Viacom.
He's talking about how some artists push the controversy angle in order to bring it into the spotlight. And how some controversy can be offensive, but that offensiveness is a moving target, because everyone is offended by different things.
He's talking now also how even wide-spread offensiveness "line" have changed. Elvis, jazz, the blues, and other music were in the past considered highly offensive, but no longer are.
"Our aim is not to create or censor."
They rate content using RIAA standards, and even provide edited content to those distributers who want it. He also talks about how the line shifts depending on who you are, you age, upbringing, profession, culture, your religion, etc.
We don't deny that music doesn't influence culture. But who draws the line?
Not everyone will like or appreciate every work or every artist.
Artists push us to consider things we wouldn't necessarily consider.
Rap holds up the more disturbing elements of the human condition for scrutiny. The words used by some (B, H, and N words as he calls them) are prompting dialogues.
Someone else take over for me, I gotta run. :)
Thanks for the play by play, I missed a bit of the beginning and Doug Morris' segment.
Also, I just wanted to say that I'm pleasantly surprised. I was totally expecting this to be a big witch hunt, but it turns out that a lot of the committee members seem to have a level head. In particular the two from New York and the guy that brought up the TV Boss commercials.
They all seemed very reasonable and well informed. They were all concerned about kids being exposed to inappropriate content, as any parent should, but took the opportunity to talk about parently controls and responsibilities, rather than legislation.
Also, this is what I love about coming here. I've never watched or listened to a Congressional Hearing in my life...yet here I am at my desk with my headphones in and waiting with baited breath. I just wanted to say thanks to Dennis for providing us with all the news and the updates, and the forum for concerned gamers to talk about them.
I wish I was good as Jabrwock with the play by play. But for that, I have to be able to review and go back to verify things. I'll try to keep it up, but if someone is better at it and watching, I'll happily give over to them. Plus, I'm constantly suffering from freezes and hiccups with the sound.
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Oh, the next witness isn't Zelnick, but the President of Radio One.
It has to be a strong argument that because of this, it's difficult to make a fair balance between what the government deems "appropriate" versus the needs and desires of the community at large. Not all those in the community agree as to what is or is not "appropriate" for adults or children.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Hey! That's MY line!
I want money!
:)
Just kidding. :)
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
He pointed out that he, too, is a Parent and he's concerned about what his own children are exposed to.
But he also points out that there are things that children are exposed to that aren't a part of games, music, TV, etc.
There were other good points, but I missed some of them because I thought Jabrwock was listening. Not a big problem because it was only the opening statment.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Rep from Florida: You are saying you would not ban any word?
Ans: It depends on the context.
Rep: Here's some lyrics from 50 cent, with the F word, S, descriptions of explicit sex, is this free speech?
Ans: Yes, this is free speech, it's not my place to tell him what to say.
Rep: You let him use those words which everyone in this room would be appalled to hear.
Ans: That's correct, I believe he has the right to say whatever he wants.
Rep: You said you don't believe in absolutes. Everything has to be framed in context. Is this true?
Ans: It is difficult to draw an absolute. This content to which you refer is stickered.
Rep: Is satellite radio censored?
Ans: Satellite radio content is controlled by someone else.
Rep: So we'll edit it on radio, but if it's on satellite it's ok not to censor?
Ans: We don't tell the radio stations what to censor, if they use our edited stuff it's up to them.
Rep: do you consult with your artists about words they should not use in their works?
Ans: varies, some do, some don't.
Merely asking the artist if they feel certain language is necessary to the product is not the same as telling them that no one will like them using it and, therefore, they can't use it.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Ans: We review our standards to reflect cultural norms. We feel we've reached out to youth to impact them with global issues. Gives "Darfur is dying" as example. He admits that some things slip by the reviewers, but with hundreds of thousands of hours of programming a year, stuff slips by.
Rep (addressing Warner): You say your aim is to not censor, but make artists aware of issues. What do you do when artists don't care?
Ans: It's very difficult to answer a hypothetical. We review the context. Very hard to determine what impact a record would have at the time
Rep: are there artists who don't care
Ans: most are concerned with their art
Rep (at UMG pres): We have advisory labels to give consumers a heads up on content, but what more can be done to educate children about the consequences of the message in the music?
Ans: We strive to inform parents. And it's up to the parents to use that sticker to be aware of the content.
Huge thanks to Jabrwock and Nightwing for the coverage!
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Your standards are based on your core values. How do you facilitate that? How do you choose your content (either produced or distribute), how do you vet this content within your company? Are you just money whores or do you consider the consequences?
Are you pressured by the internet, or affected by blame for unauthorized cuts making it to YouTube?
She's not letting them give much in the way of answers.
Zelnick: we review quarterly, because our products take 2-3 years to develop.
They can, if someone records them...
I also HATE this limited time to answer. She prattled on, asking several questions, then expected EVERYONE to answer within 1 minute and 10 seconds.
This isn't a serious information seeking committee but just something that the committee can throw out their opinions, put the witnesses on the spot, then leave without actually answers.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Is it really an issue of artistic expression? Do you seriously consider this a first amendment issue.
Do you factor the fact that we no longer have control over what youth can view, in an age of so many ways to access content?
Is it all about the money? What are your guidelines?
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Warner: We are away that our products are available everywhere. We are aware that some distribution methods are illegal, and so sometimes our content gets into places where we have no control.
UMG: Going on a rant about Limewire and illegal downloads. Linking illegal downloads to child porn.
Out of time
He's not sure that either congress or the producers should be deciding what content should be censored. Seems pro-market decision.
He's wondering why there isn't an internet industry rep with regards to content distribution. "Is there anything to stop the artist from just releasing their uncensored content on the internet?"
Ans: nope
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
UMG: Thinks this was a good opening to discussion.
Radio One: Markets tend to self-regulate. Tastes change. Hip Hop is waning, and it's not due to regulation, but rather the consumer getting "sick" of hearing the same stuff. The internet has taken away the ability to police or shield kids from images. Schools talking about pop culture would be a better place to start than trying to shut the internet 'barn door'. Discuss Britney Spears or songs like "F the police". Focus on education instead of bans.
And that's pretty much true of ALL stereotypes. Stereotypes wouldn't exist if people didn't segregate certain groups of Humans and espouse their NEGATIVE aspects as they preceive them. And that's true of the stereotypes about various media formats.
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
If Hip Hop and Rap (and other forms of media) vanished, the problems would STILL be there.
If you're offended by the music, DON'T BUY THE MUSIC, TURN THE RADIO OFF!
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
"Why is our content not merely deemed 'horror' music? Why is it merely deemed 'offensive'?"
"I can admit there are problems in Hip Hop, but they reflect society. Hip Hop is sick, but that is because America is sick."
I wish he's prepared something. He seems to be jumping all over the place. I'm not sure what his point is.
He admits it was all about the money, and that no-one ever told him as an artist growing up about the consequences, and he wished there had been that discussion. But the executives are not the problem.
He seems to feel that they need a union to control the music... control the money, and artists will change...
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Fix the problem, and the music will follow because preceptions and feelings will change as the problems do.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
He asks what responsbility the Hip Hop nation has regarding that. But Banner points out, and rightly so, that the Hip Hop nation has NO responsibility to it. That indivdiuals (Men he says, but I'm saying individuals in general) have a responsibility to deal with issues in the community and to respond to those issues how they feel is best. Close enough anyway. It is a good point. Everyone expresses themselves differently and the chariman can't expect that everyone should express themselves HIS way. And the way to deal with issues is to do it en mass as individuals. While the media allows us to express what we feel, only the actions of individuals will change ANYTHING.
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Ans: Crump/Banner: They have, and he has a problem with that. Because sometimes they go overboard with censoring the music and videos. Sometimes they don't consult the artist before bleeping or editing.
Miller: rambling, but basically yes, they do, although he wishes the artist have more input into the decision
Rep (to Crump): are you responsible for the initial content?
Ans: yes, UMG does not come up with the initial content. a lot of times, the lyrics don't change. it has to be a large impact for them to come to him and tell him to censor. (like 9/11, or a similar shocking current event)
Ans (Miller): lyrics reflect what he experienced
Rep (to Dyson): can you clarify the quote on Tupac wanting to combat anti-intellectualism
Dyson: anti-intellectualism is a deep-seated problem across the board. Tupac was trying to combat this through discussing imporant issues.
The two senators from NY, David Banner, and Dr. Dyson all seem to be the most intelligent people there. Not to dish on Take Two, but the artists are giving the best discussion points out there.
The senators from FL and TN are the big idiots on the panel.
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Ans: you use the words to describe your pain. context is important. yes in some way it's derogatory, but in other ways it's a form of comradery.
Rep: Asks if she just doesn't "get it" when it comes to what she sees as derogatory terms.
Dyson: Society in general promotes the same derogatory values towards women, but it just doesn't use the words that rap does.
Have they discussed other media besides music?
Its the same for a the N word. It's okay for an African American to say it, but God forbid a White man should say it.
The TV industry was there too.
Shouldn't be long before the "experts" panel comes up.
I agree about the double standard. And that's been argued in and out of government and society for a long time.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Ans (Crump): In most cases you don't listen, so you don't know what's actually in our music. He made the effort to promote positive message, but his sales dropped. People were looking to his music to reflect a certain mood, not to change their mood. I like his rant about cheerleaders...
Rep: So it's really all about the almighty dollar?
Ans (Crump): When it comes down to it, regardless of what we want to say, if the public doesn't like it, they won't buy it, and so it doesn't matter what we say, positive or not.
They occasionally bring up other media, but it's mostly "why do you promote bad black stereotypes in hip hop music?"
It's a great point that negative expression does get people talking more than positive expression. Well, that's what I got out of it.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Oh boy. This should be interesting. It's the so-called experts.
nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Quite frankly, this whole hearing has been primarily devoted to Hip Hop is bad and blacks and women are the only victims of stereotypes and discrimination.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Not a problem. Wish I was better at it.
The first "expert" really just blathered on in her opening statement. Giving us all sorts of history, even blaming Thomas Jefferson and his love for a slave girl, for the stereotypes over the centuries against black women. She went pretty fast, but eventually got to the point of blaming Hip Hop for the continuation of the stereotype, while pointing out numerous positive advancements for women and black women in particular.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
I leave work at 4pm, so I'll be out of touch then (and I'm... uh... well... having financial difficulties so I may loose my internet connection at home in the near future, if not today so I don't know if I'll even be on tonight, wel'll see).
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Anyone else wanna take a crack at play-by-play?
Nightwng2000
NW2K software
Have a great afternoon/evening and supper. :)
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Can’t tell the players without a program.
Here’s the list of subcommittee members: http://energycommerce.house.gov/Subcommittees/ctcp.shtml
The chair is Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Chicago).
The Florida rep is the ranking Republican member (and former subcommittee chair) Cliff Stearns.
The member who was asking what David Banner was doing to make his messages more positive was Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). He brought us the V chip.
The rep from Texas is Charles Gonzalez (D).
The NY reps are Anthony Weiner (D-Queens) and Adolphus Towns (D). Weiner is the younger one who made the pop culture references.
The member from Tennessee is Marsha Blackburn (R-Nashville) and the female rep from California is Mary Bono (R-Palm Springs).
He talked about the social science regarding stereotypes.
“Don Imus did not coin the phrase” that got him in to trouble. Image was planted in his mind.
Largest audience for hip hop is white. Plays to subconscious images. It’s “catnip” for audience. Black experience provides vicarious thrills for white audiences.
They won't legislate books. They are protected under the first amendment. ;)
You have the right to say what you want, but we'll punish you if you say what you want?
Her organization is dedicated to countering negative media images, particularly among children of color.
Real issue is that media conglomerates are gatekeepers of content and determine what people can see and hear. They do not represent diversity of society. What best serves the public interest and what serves the bottom line of corporations are not always the same thing.
Media conglomerates use freedom of speech to defend use of the n, b, and h words, but these same corporations censor anti-war speech, criticism of the government’s response to hurricane Katrina, etc.
She recommends a research study on the impact of degrading images on children.
Put someone in a room and play depressing music and after a while they will feel depressed. Put a person in a another room and play cheerful music and they will become more cheerful (if they don't go out of their minds first that is ;) )
I think the same could be said of games. We just can't measure it using current methods.
Such a study would have to be longterm over the course of decades to fully understand. I beleive there has been one on TV for the past 30-40 years and the results are still relatively inconclusive.
So dismiss such worries as "I haven't shot anyone" does miss the point.
Dr. Sharpley-Whiteling: Need to explore what masculinity means in America. There is a trend towards hyper-masculinity and, as a consequence, hyper-femininity. Hooters is just as offensive as certain aspects of hip hop culture.
Need to teach our daughters healthy self-images and what it means to be a woman.
Q from Rush: What do you mean that black cultural products provide “vicarious thrills” for white audiences?
Dr. Rojecki: It defines “coolness.”
Q from Rush: You say largest audience for hip hop is white, not urban blacks?
Dr. Rojecki: Yes. 50-70% of market for hip hop music is white. It has created a demand for images of black stereotypes, which black entertainers provide, and large corporations market.
Q from Rush: What can we do to counter images?
Faye Williams: We need to speak out about positive images in our culture. We need to hear voices of women. Men need to stand up and defend women.
Stop blaming parents. Many parents don’t know what to do. They have to work and cannot supervise their children. “It takes a village to raise a child.” We must all take responsibility.
Mass media has a responsibility to show positive side, not just put as down.
Need to look at the harm these images are doing.
Lisa Fager Bediako: It’s about marketing. Getting on MTV or BET is the key. Get on them and the record sales will follow.
Kanye also benefits from being controversial.
Q from Rush: You say that violent music videos and lyrics lead to aggressive thoughts and feelings. Does this contribute to real world violence?
Dr. Dill: Well documented that that there is a clear effect between violent imagery and real world effects. (Mentions video games but doesn’t focus on it.)
Q from Rush: What about contribution to drug and penitentiary culture?
Dr. Dill: Definitely link between stereotypical images and aggressive behavior. It’s all about power and marginalizing others to empower oneself.
Q from Rush: Explain the power dynamic.
Dr. Sharpley-Whiteling: Message from rappers is that women can be “sacrificed” to make larger points about their experience. [She was all over the place on this. Hard to follow.]
Need to get into power relationships. Need to instruct young women not to accept disrespect by men.
These are serious issues we have been addressing. They are tearing the fabric of our community apart. Committee needs to engage in becoming part of solution.
Committee adjourns.
This was an "oversight" hearing; that is, it was looking at an issue generally, and not considering specific legislation.
This was an “oversight” hearing; that is, it was looking at an issue generally, and not considering specific legislation.
There's definitely going to be one result. Everyone there is going to spin the results to their next audience and nothing good will come of it. Not that I'd expect anything else from a Congressional hearing on what's essentially the applicability of the first amendment to hot-button topics.
I just pulled up that "What About Our Daughters" and see I'm already proven right.
Thanks! Great work, both you and Jabrwock!
Again, it was point the finger at whoever they wanted to. Men, whites, Hip Hop, music, video games, media in general, etc.
So much for not having the hearing for blaming anything in particular.
John Bruce,
If that really is you, the answer is:
You and that Demon-Pretender-To-The-Throne-Of-Heaven you worship.
I see you had nothing intelligent to offer regarding the discussion, either here or the hearing's discussion.
So... which committee member or which witness do you want to claim you prepared for this hearing? After all, everyone knows you want to take credit for someone, ANYONE, else's work. You always do.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
What about your claims that you would be testifying at this hearing as well?
Oh thats right - you weren't invited to be a witness.
This hearing was for people who are relevant to the issues at hand.
Please go back to your corner and continue to file your useless lawsuits that provide all of us with countless hours of entertainment. Tell me - how did Rock* respond to your deadline you imposed?
LOL
I know what you're implying and you're wrong on more than one account. Jealous is minding Hell, not Satan. Satan is also being punished, is he not? I don't think your god is stupid enough to let Satan choose his own punishment.
??…Ace beats Jack?
Happy to pinch hit. And thanks to you and Jabrwok for your coverage.
That was a new experience for me, and it's tougher than it looks. I have a new appreciation for live bloggers.
He HAS been. He's not on the computer all day googling his name to see where he pops up like the real JT does. Dennis actually has a life. When a post from the real thing shows up, he simply edits it to note it as such to the other readers, sometimes writing a rebuttal to his claims in lieu of just saying 'Yeah it's him, have at him.' When it's not the real thing, he just deletes the post completely.
good point.