Peaceaholics protest Bully, Best Buy
by Kyle Orland 
{ Aug 28th 2006 at 9:55AM }
Oddly-named protest group Peaceaholics, a longtime opponent of Rockstar's Bully, staged a protest over the game outside a New York City Best Buy Friday. An intrepid YouTube journalist going by the even odder handle of "The Software Pirate" took some video of the event, which included hand-made signs and catchy chants patterned after modern songs involving bananas (I wish I was kidding).The group seems to have its heart in the right place -- one member talks of witnessing youth violence in DC -- but talk calling Rockstar "worse than terrorists" seems a little overblown to us. The group also seems to be under the mistaken impression that games are rated by the FCC and that selling violent games to children is illegal. But hey, who needs facts when you have catchy chants?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fuzz @ Aug 28th 2006 10:03AM
These people realy need to find somthing better to do with their time. How many of them do you think have kids who were sitting at home during this, playing GTA? My bet is more than 1. It is not societies' job to parent your children. Its your job. Stop looking for the easy way out, and teach your kid what is and isn't apropriate. Let me repeat that. It is your job, not the governemnts to look after your children.
herman_munsters_stunt_double @ Aug 28th 2006 10:06AM
Yes, because all that will definitely cause Rockstar to pull the plug, and seas to boil etc. etc.
And "worse than terrorists"? Don't be so bloody stupid.
Another case of 'heart in the right place, head shoved firmly up the arse".
mrdowns @ Aug 28th 2006 10:10AM
It's always nice when the fringe right and the fringe left can find common ground.
Ken @ Aug 28th 2006 10:13AM
The Hot Coffee affair may have turned into a PR fiasco, but this is nothing but free publicity. I am sure Rockstar doesn't mind in the slightest.
Martin @ Aug 28th 2006 10:16AM
I think the government should tell these parents that it is wrong to force your kids to not eat meat!!!!! They should also not allow kids to participate in any kind of religion even if their parents find it acceptable!!! There should be rules!! Parents shouldn't have any say in anything their kids do, say, watch, or anything!!!!!
Tom @ Aug 28th 2006 10:18AM
Watching it, it seemed a major point was that it was sold before it was rated. However surely that is an issue with the retailers? Im sure rockstar didn't tell them that they could now put the game up for pre-order. I imagine they did what they usually do and as soon as the date was released put it up.
I think its funny the hassle over this game though, there are thousands upon thousands of worse problems and yet for some reason people take this on as their objective. It's especially funny when Jack Thompson says how studies have shown this game will increase bullying when we don't even know the contents yet. I mean so far it actually looks like the point is to stop the bullies. I mean couldn't the game actually decrease bullying as it will probably show that the side of the people who get bullied to others who have never seen it.
Jay @ Aug 28th 2006 10:17AM
The definitely won't mind when people realize that it's no where near what Jack Thompson has told these people it is ... and, it's too bad they're going to look foolish when it comes out that the game isn't near the evil it's portrayed to be. I'm just still waiting for the rating ... if there's no blood and no killing, it might be a T rating. Then again, the ESRB will prob go overboard and automatically give them an M.
Ransom @ Aug 28th 2006 10:18AM
You know, if they were to ever look at some cold, hard facts, none of this would ever have happened. The Game Informer article essentially broke the story on this game. There is NOT ANY BLOOD. There is NO CURSING. There are NO GUNS. Your character passes out at 2 A.M., for Christ's sake! It is GTA Lite, with no violence or adult themes.
Dave @ Aug 28th 2006 10:18AM
Why do so many of my fellow Americans believe that peace and intolerance are compatible. Also, why do people feel the need to express their opinions on subjects they know nothing about?
dsub @ Aug 28th 2006 10:18AM
first of all...Bully is rated Teen. It is nowhere near as violent as other Rockstar Games like GTA. Infact, the game has actual classes in it that you must go to where you do things like word scramble mini-games in english, and pa-rappa style mini games in chemistry. Essentially, you are not really a "bully" in the game in terms of the big kid that beats everyone up. You are a new kid who is having trouble trying to fit in to a new school. Bad behavior gets you punished if you are caught. The game is more of a comedic story of a high school mis-fit than it is a violent "columbine simulator" like SO many people are making it out to be.
I believe that rockstar has been so quiet about bully for a reason. I believe that they have done so to allow all the Jack Thompsons and Peaceaholics of the world to call the red flag on Bully and claim to the government and the media that this game is horrible and should be banned. Then once the game is released they will find out that it really isn't as bad as everyone made it out to be and it will essentially appear that people like Jack Thompson and the Peaceaholics have merely been crying wolf all this time. There credibility will take a shot, and they will hopefully dismissed for good as nothing but causeheads (PCU reference) bitching about something.
Izuna Drop @ Aug 28th 2006 10:21AM
I just don't see the link between games and school violence, as the people in the crowd were obviously students. I mean, G.I. Joe was violent. In fact, it was a cartoon loosely based on the military. In that cartoon the military was always engaged in battle. Why are they not out protesting Hasbro for all the damage they caused?
People just need to come to terms with the fact that video games are not a child's medium. They have progressed beyond that, into a mature industry with mature themes. Parents need to sit down and let there kids know what they can and cannot play. If a parent won't take an interest in their kids, then they probably shouldn't have kids to begin with.
Bryce @ Aug 28th 2006 10:22AM
I bet most of those people actually knew almost nothing about the game other than the title.
CLShortFuse @ Aug 28th 2006 10:26AM
I've never been more interested in the game as I am now. I do understand their complaint, but most of, if not all, of the protestors are misinformed.
You can treat ESRB like you treat the MPAA. Both are private companies rating forms of entertainment. It's not against the law for a minor to see or buy a R rated film. The store will get in trouble with the MPAA, but not the government. How much R movies have some sort of nudity. It's definitely happening in America, that a minor goes out and buys an R rated to watch the nude scene and masturbate in privacy. Is it wrong? Yes.
Now apply to video games. Yes, video games have a stronger influence than movies in respect to stimulating behavior. This is because of participation of the user. The only reason games are even considered to be banned is that the control of M-rated video game sales to minors is lax. ESRB should fine stores heavily like MPAA does. In all likelihood, the video game industry needs a restructing, maybe with a corporate figurehead company like the MPAA or RIAA. Not that it'll make a difference, but society needs to blame somebody. At the same time, that company needs to calm the public by means of big-brother tactics on stores, or just plain lying to the public.
People treat ESRB like the MPAA when they shouldn't. They are very different and this where their confusion lies.
Jay @ Aug 28th 2006 10:39AM
Actually, Bully hasn't been rated yet. That's what everyone is waiting for ... from the people that have played it, it sounds like a T rating.
You can check the ESRB Web site ... I've been watching for the rating.
Dracula Jones @ Aug 28th 2006 10:42AM
I think these people should really seek help with their Peaceahol addictions. It's a terrible disease, but it can be beaten!
polly @ Aug 28th 2006 10:49AM
"a minor goes out and buys an R rated to watch the nude scene and masturbate in privacy. Is it wrong? Yes."
Would you rather they masturbate publicly?
Franklyn @ Aug 28th 2006 10:50AM
I assume its mild compared to GTA games. From what I hear it sounds like a pretty decent game. I don't know exactly what these people know about this game but they probably are misinformed. Why wouldn't they take up their concerns with Rockstar though? Like in the form of a letter? Staging a protest in front of a random Best Buy singing one of the worst protest songs ever created doesn't seem to accomplish anything. If I were in the area at the time, I would've probably been coaxed into buying it to see what the ruckus was all about. I think it was funny that kids were there protesting it. I know they'd have no problem playing it behind their parents back. I'm familiar with inner city children (being that I was one) and yes, they are very susceptible to a grown-up's suggestion. So there's probably just one God-fearing loon who thinks their doing something good for their community by protesting a game that's rated "TEEN".
jc @ Aug 28th 2006 10:50AM
It's like 'State of Emergency' all over again... I suspect Bully will be just as crappy.
Justin @ Aug 28th 2006 10:57AM
GTA and Bully are going to be 'calm' compared to Saints Row.....The Row is going to kick some major ass!
Izuna Drop @ Aug 28th 2006 10:59AM
The protest wasn't in front of a random Best Buy, it was in front of Take2/Rockstar's headquarters in NYC.
kassad @ Aug 28th 2006 11:03AM
I will have a lot of fun when this game, http://www.eidos.co.uk/gss/reservoirdogs/ , cames out..
I dont know if i will play the game, but the protest will be hilarious, this people forgets that the kids have parents, its their responsability, not the software houses, to decide what they play..
Jerm @ Aug 28th 2006 11:04AM
You have to be naive not to think that some games make people more numb to violence then others. Video games don’t make you a killer, but if a person has a violent tendency, then it won’t help them not become a killer. It's no link to video games and violence because it's not something you can just prove, but there are individuals out there who get ideas from video games and certain types of music, and to say that the link is not there is looking at a loaded gun and saying it's not dangerous. Yeah, a loaded gun isn't dangerous in the right hands, but you give it to some nut job, and it becomes a problem.
That being said, games are protected under the First Amendment, and shouldn't be censored based on one person’s moral beliefs, or even a majority of people’s moral compasses. That's why we have the Freedom of Speech, because your speech doesn't have to be acceptable to everyone, just to yourself.
So I'm gonna need this idiot to get his facts together and do his freekin job. It's not the governments job to raise your bad a** kids. Games are rated for a reason, just like movies are rated. Stop whining!
udx @ Aug 28th 2006 11:11AM
If the game ends up crappy and it sells well, then I will demand their deportation to Abu Dabi.
Spike @ Aug 28th 2006 11:26AM
The guy at the end scared me. If you think about it, too many people on the street think it is ok to stop selling a product because a kid could get his hands on it. Like alcohol, we haven't stopped selling that but kids go and get drunk all the time.
It's free speech, if there is a violent video game you shouldn't have to censor it. We need fucking parents in this world. Damn I am so pissed off at parents blaming companies, when they are the consumer and parent and are in charge.
dsub @ Aug 28th 2006 11:26AM
these people obviously have NO CLUE what they are talking about.
According this this guy..."They are selling the game online to kids and it hasn't even been rated yet."
What??? If so, can you please fill me on said website where I can purchase this game 2 months before it's release?
After being told that you have to be 18 to have a credit card rendering it impossible for a minor to buy the game unless his/her parents give them a credit card he says..."My son has a debit card..."
The guy filming seemed like he wanted to avoid confrontation, so he didn't say anything back, but I don't know where these people are from, but in order to get a Debit Card, you must have a Checking account, in order to have a checking account, you must be 18, or have the express consent from your parent.
This is a protest in which the protesters don't even know what they are protesting. I can't wait until bully gets a teen rating and has no guns in it AT ALL so these people will look like the fools that they are.
Gonzo @ Aug 28th 2006 11:31AM
I can appreciate peace but these people are idiots.
If they really like peace, why are they protesting a GAME outside A retail store that sells it. Self important idiots like this always get the press because they're overzealous lunatics who happen to be amusing because they put their feet in their mouths on a regular basis. That and those of us who are tolerant, logical, and really peaceful, never tell our side because we're not ranting and raving loud enough for the polarizing politicians or the jaded media to take interest.
Morons like these peaceaholics should stop protesting games about bullies and go after the real problems: like actual real life bullies, politicians who think they can wage a war just because it'll put some money in their pockets, and in general the parts of living in this society that makes a game like GTA or Bully a welcome cathartic experience.
I know the politicians (who are even more pathetic that the protestors) attack games or whatever is entertaining people because they're unable to admit they can't (or it's just too much trouble) solve these real problems but people (politicians and protestors) need to find something useful to do. To give you an example: I wouldn't appreciate GTA and Burnout half as much if I didn't have to drive through NYC traffic and then try and park.
Hey peaceaholics, here's a real problem: our military is killing thousands of civilians a year and the radioactive materials we use to melt through tanks and bunkers drift and stay active for millions of years infecting, mutating, and killing people in completely different countries who we never had a problem with.
PROTEST THAT!
Jeff @ Aug 28th 2006 11:38AM
"An intrepid YouTube journalist"
In other words, a guy with a camcorder.
The Intangible Fact @ Aug 28th 2006 11:54AM
These people only protest the small and easy issues on peace without looking outside of the box and seeing the big issues.
In Africa and other countries children are killed and are born to kill. They are either given AK-47's when they are old enough to take commands or killed if they refuse to fight. Most of them have never seen a game console in their life yet violence still occures. Protest that!
People use video games to escape from the real world. Video games do not pin up aggression they help vent it. The same way a punching bag does or working out.
csc @ Aug 28th 2006 11:57AM
@ 10 dsub
be careful though, knowing the weasel that JT is, when bully is shown to be less than half as violent as his claims were you just know the guy is going to claim it was because of his protesting.
Why cant everyone just accept its the responsibility of parents to regulate what their children watch and play, and to make sure it doesnt damage them psychologically. If theyre not up the the responsibility and want the government to do it for them, they should be deemed neglegant and their children should be put in government care....that is afterall what they want.
ToastyBuffoon @ Aug 28th 2006 12:25PM
I'm sure when the protesting was done about how these media products are wrong for corrupting their children, they drove them home blasting gangsta rap.
sam @ Aug 28th 2006 1:14PM
Hey 27, don't diss "geurilla journalists". Remember the Rodney King beating? That was filmed by a guy with a camcorder.
Also, I am going to LOL so hard when this game gets an award from the national educators' association for helping kids deal with bullying at schools. Rockstar does brilliant satire, and to make a game that gets people whipped into a fury (simply because it's a Rockstar game), then turns out to be something quite morally redeeming -- That would be a satire going far beyond the boundaries of Sony's black box.
KilgoreTrout XL @ Aug 28th 2006 1:08PM
I couldn't understand the chants but nonetheless could have used more cowbell.
Plaid Ninja @ Aug 28th 2006 2:25PM
Idiots like this make me want to buy a copy for every 6 year old I can afford to give to.
I have no desire to see children hurt, but someone needs to biatch slap everyone in these alarmist groups that have nothing better to do than try ruin everything for people over 18 that can differentiate between reality and fiction.
Sploog @ Aug 28th 2006 4:18PM
bullish...do they even know any details about the game besides the name? shut up and go home, homie
Matt @ Aug 28th 2006 4:32PM
I don't want to come across as racist, but did anyone notice that the majority of people at the protest were black. Why do you think that is?
JPRacer @ Aug 28th 2006 4:54PM
What a bunch of losers! This is pathetic. Also completely agree with #28 "The Intangible Fact".
Johny @ Aug 28th 2006 5:10PM
I think todays dumbass youth culture has more to do with "gangsta" rap and horrible music than games. also if the MTV is the only TV you watch yup shpuldnt be allowed to vote
Allen @ Aug 28th 2006 9:36PM
Oh, just go back to sipping your peacohol and let us play some violent games.
Pat @ Aug 29th 2006 2:37AM
Ok, if they ban action/fighting games (which they wont) because it teaches our youth to be bad. Ok what about that crappy music known as rap all they do is talk about giving STD's to girls and shooting people, why not just ban that too. These people are idiots.
Jabrwock @ Aug 29th 2006 3:55PM
The irony is that the song they were using "This sh** is bananas" by Gwen Stefani, is about demanding the song's listener meet her behind the bleacher after school so she can beat you up...
Just like a bully...
RedneckMarine59 @ Sep 11th 2006 10:30PM
All i can say is WTF, these kids dont know what they're protesting at all. There are no guns in the game at all, nor any blood, automatic teen rating. I dont mean to be a racist asshole but it seems to me that all this little children appear to be black, ignorant, fools, part of a church group that is almost run under a parental totalism. All this group seems to want is attention!!! If you watch the video you cant ignore that one little nig who keps poping his head out. In shot these people are dumb and oddly protesting Best Buy, shouldnt the be at Rock Stars main office protesting?????