Inspired by a co-worker who will remain nameless... until now (Gary), I've decided to introduce an all new segment to my Blog, which I have titled "What He Said - What He Meant".
Last night, during a victory speech in Houston, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama made the following statement in regards to improving our nation's educational situation. This, in case you were wondering, falls into the "What He Said" category.
"We’re going to have to parent better, and turn off the television set, and put the video games away, and instill a sense of excellence in our children, and that’s going to take some time."
Rut ro. GameStub crys salt tears of woe. Or I would have, if this had not been what he meant:
"Television and video games should not be a replacement for parental involvement. But they are still pretty awesome. And I'm going to play some Guitar Hero as soon as I finish this speech."
In case you think I made that up, I actually have photographic evidence to prove it. Take a look at this screenshot, taken of Master Chief by our friends over at IGN.
Looks pretty standard right? Well I thought so too... until I placed the photo under our ultra-high tech magnifier here at Stub Enterprises...
This was taken right after Obama, according to his campaign advisers, "pwned some noobs". And with a phrase like that, it couldnt possible be made up.
In all seriousness though, I think the game reference in last night's speech shows that even in an election that is built on the idea of change there are some things that have have remained the same. In this case, the popular belief that gaming as a whole is something that takes time away from education as opposed to a tool that could encourage or support it. It is especially unfortunate, given that Obama's campaign has embraced many other technologies that might have been dismissed in the same breath as video games - including Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, text messaging, and even Second Life.
Ah well. If nothing else, it reaffirms the importance of my own personal "campaign" to continue to try and explain the positives that video games can offer, and break the stigma that they are little more than mindless entertainment.
And I suppose it just goes to show you that no one is perfect. Not even the O-bomb ;-)
Images from xbox360media.ign.com and whoisbarackobama.name
Last night, during a victory speech in Houston, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama made the following statement in regards to improving our nation's educational situation. This, in case you were wondering, falls into the "What He Said" category.
"We’re going to have to parent better, and turn off the television set, and put the video games away, and instill a sense of excellence in our children, and that’s going to take some time."
Rut ro. GameStub crys salt tears of woe. Or I would have, if this had not been what he meant:
"Television and video games should not be a replacement for parental involvement. But they are still pretty awesome. And I'm going to play some Guitar Hero as soon as I finish this speech."
In case you think I made that up, I actually have photographic evidence to prove it. Take a look at this screenshot, taken of Master Chief by our friends over at IGN.
Looks pretty standard right? Well I thought so too... until I placed the photo under our ultra-high tech magnifier here at Stub Enterprises...
This was taken right after Obama, according to his campaign advisers, "pwned some noobs". And with a phrase like that, it couldnt possible be made up. In all seriousness though, I think the game reference in last night's speech shows that even in an election that is built on the idea of change there are some things that have have remained the same. In this case, the popular belief that gaming as a whole is something that takes time away from education as opposed to a tool that could encourage or support it. It is especially unfortunate, given that Obama's campaign has embraced many other technologies that might have been dismissed in the same breath as video games - including Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, text messaging, and even Second Life.
Ah well. If nothing else, it reaffirms the importance of my own personal "campaign" to continue to try and explain the positives that video games can offer, and break the stigma that they are little more than mindless entertainment.
And I suppose it just goes to show you that no one is perfect. Not even the O-bomb ;-)
Images from xbox360media.ign.com and whoisbarackobama.name
I'm a little nervous to post this link; a site on the internet that is dedicated to politics & video games might be too much for you to handle at one time...but here goes:
http://gamepolitics.com/2008/02/20/obama-campaign-theme-video-games-as-metaphor-for-underachievement/
As the post states, video games might be a short-hand for underachievement in general in Obama speeches. I think your overall assessment of the comments is correct. I also think BO is likely an awesome guitar hero player.
You are right, though, this stance does not seem to be in keeping with the campaign's embracing of other technologies.
I am placing this in the "best. post. ever." category for its insight and humor. One thing I imagine Mr. Obama is actually trying to say is that none of this stuff is terrible in moderation -- except for solid parenting. Oh, and maybe some of the new Stubbs Enterprise "Extreme Baby Toys" you were describing today.