[game_edu] FW: violent video games ~~ scholars brief opposing California law

[Ricardo Rademacher]

Hey gang, 

I was asked to forward this along. 
I've included the entire email exchange sans headers so I don't have to
paraphrase. :)

I'm sure there are better places for this than the Game Ed SIG but it's the
only one I'm on.
So feel free to spread this to other SIGs.

Sincerely,
Ricardo Rademacher, PhD physics
Futur-E-Scape, LLC founder

Email: ricardo at futur-e-scape.com
Website: http://www.TheVniversity.com 



>

> Dear Dr. Rademacher:

>

> I hope you are well.  I'm writing in relation to my research on violent

> video games.  The Supreme Court will be hearing arguments on a

> California law seeking to regulate the sale of violent video games

> (broadly defined) to minors.  Myself and a number of other scholars are

> concerned that the state of California (and some scholars) relies on a

> very selective read of the research on violent video games and fails to

> take note of an increasing body of research that indicates that, using

> well-validated measures, and controlling statistically for other

> important factors, the impact of video games on youth violence is zero.

>

> In accordance I am working with several colleagues on an amicus brief

> of scholars, essentially challenging the scientific basis of the

> argument "video game violence causes youth violence", and arguing the

> California law has no scientific merit and should not be supported.  I

> am concerned that the California law is a perfect example of the kind

> of damage media-based moral panics can do.  The state is pumping

> thousands if not millions of dollars into this bill that will not help

> any children, while simultaneously cutting social services to families

> and children at risk.  I would like to ask if you would be interested

> in signing the amicus brief once it is written.  Naturally I'll send

> you a copy of the brief once it's written before you give final consent

> for including your name.

>

> Also if you happen to know anyone else on the list who might be

> interested, please let me know (you could either forward this email to

> them, or send me their contact information).

>

> Best,

> Chris Ferguson

>

>

> Christopher J Ferguson

> Associate Professor

> cferguson at tamiu.edu

> Tel. (956) 326-2636

> Fax (956) 326-2474

> Department of Behavioral Sciences

> Texas A&M International University

> CH 302C

>

>

>




> Hi Chris,

> 

> Absolutely I would like to sign this!

> Would you like me to put this up on the IGDA listserve as well (if you

> haven't already)?

> 

> Sincerely,

> Ricardo




> Fantastic!  I'll send the draft as soon as it's written, about late

> august, early september most likely.

> 

> I haven't sent a message to IGDA, and you'd certainly be welcome to

> pass it on.  Folks can contact me at cferguson at tamiu.edu if interested.

> You might want to mention that we're particularly focused on scholars

> signing.  Someone with a background similar to your own (Ph.D in

> physics I see!, and written scholarly pieces) would be a great fit.

> Game developers without any scholarly connections probably would be

> less a good fit though.  Not that we wouldn't want them to agitate on

> behalf of video games but the brief is a "scholar's" brief.  I don't

> recall if IGDA is also doing one...I know a number are expected to come

> out against the California law.

> 

> Thanx!

> Chris