Jack Thompson takes flak

[Zeus]

Jack Thompson has been blasted by America's National Institute on Media and the Family for claiming to have its support - despite the fact that like Thompson, the institute is a vocal critic of games such as Manhunt and 25 to Life for their violent content.

The institute's founder, Dr David Walsh, wrote an open letter to Thompson, a copy of which was obtained by US website Game Politics. The letter was also sent to the likes of senator Hillary Clinton, Bill Gates and Doug Lowenstein of the ESA - the same Doug Lowenstein whom Thompson has previously compared to Hitler.

It begins with Dr Walsh explaining that he established the institute ten years ago "to engage in research and education about the effects of media on children's health and development." Walsh writes that one of the areas of most concern to the institue is the effects of violent media.

"I know that you share that common concern and I am well aware that you have frequently cited me and our organisation as a source of scientific information," Walsh continues.

"However, over the past few months, I and members of my board have a growing concern that your use of our name, without our permission, has had a negative influence as we try to educate the public on this important issue.

"Your commentary has included extreme hyperbole and your tactics have included personally attacking individuals for whom I have a great deal of respect... Some of the people that you have publicly criticised are not only people of integrity, but are people who have worked to improve the lives of children."

Walsh goes on to note that Thompson has been using his name in correspondence even though they have no formal relationship, creating the impression "That we condone these tactics. We do not.

"The result is that our position and reputation as a research based, non-partisan, solution-focused organisation has been jeopardised.

"Consequently, I ask that you cease using the institute's or my name in any way that would give the impression that we support your efforts." Walsh also requests that Thompson remove the link to the institute's website from his own site.

Walsh's letter comes just days after Thompson issued an open letter to the videogames industry in which he outlined his idea for a game where the CEO of fictional company Take This, Paula Eibel, is murdered along with her husband and children. Should any developer agree to make the game, Thompson will donate $10,000 to the charity of choice of Paul Eibeler, the CEO of Take Two.

Link to source

 

[Dekstar]

Owned.

 

[MuToiD_MaN]

There is hope for humanity yet.

Gabe of Penny Arcade told him that "$10,000 is pretty weak" in terms of charitable donations, and cited their Childs' Play annual charity event which to date has distributed over $500,000 in toys and cash to hospitals and orphanages. He flew off the handle in response, threatening to sue, and that he had given more money to charity than Gabe could even imagine.

I thought that one was good for a laugh.

What a douchebag.

 

[Absinthe]

KICK HIM IN THE BAWLS

:sniper:

 

[Jimmeh]

Steal a car and run him over.

 

[Sulkdodds]

Shut up shut up SHUT UP SHUTUP SHUTUP I'm a lawyer, you can't talk to me like that, I'M A LAWYER, I'LL FLIP OUT AND SUE YOU SHUT UP!

 

[Pulse]

People actually took Jack Thompson seriously?

We'll **** me sideways with a 2x4!

 

[Shodan]

Thompson really is nothing more than an eccentric old complainer, I'm sick to death of his opinion, I hate it and I wish he would stop forcing his Victorian beliefs onto gamers who enjoy playing games for what they are - games, which is something far beyond his levels of comprehension.

 

[MrWhite]

You know, I will defend violent videogames until the end unless they're unneccesarily violent and just distastful (LIKE manhunt, it was pretty bad, but GTA? Come on!) but I really don't mind that people are opposing them, it's thier right to speak thier opinion, but Jack Thompson is just so unprofessional in his manner and he's always irked me the wrong way so bad that I'm finally glad that his act is wearing thing.