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Obama Calls for Study on Media & Violence
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
United States President Barack Obama announced his 23 executive actions to combat gun violence on Wednesday, including a study on the relationship between violent video games or media and "young minds."
The President asked Congress for US$10 million to fund a study by the Center of Disease Control. “We don't benefit from ignorance. We don't benefit from not knowing the science of this epidemic of violence,” Obama stated.
Entertainment organizations such as The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), and Independent Film & Television Alliance issued a statement saying they "stand ready to be part of the conversation and welcome further academic examination and consideration on these issues as the President has proposed.”
Vice President Joe Biden is making his recommendations on the issue on Wednesday, after meeting with representatives of the game industry on Friday.
In a separate development, Diane Franklin, a Republican Representative from Missouri, is proposing the HB0157I bill that would put a 1% sales tax on the sale of video games rated Teen, Mature, or Adult-only by the ESRB. Revenue from the tax increase would go towards mental health programs and law enforcement. "History shows there is a mental health component to these shootings," Franklin said.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) responded that taxing First Amendment protected speech is wrong. Similar attempts to tax violent video games failed in Oklahoma in 2012 and New Mexico in 2008.
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