Violent Video Games and Children: Two Events

CONTACT: Gary Brouse, Program Director for Militarism and Violence
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
212-870-2316 (office); e-mail: gbrouse@iccr.org

The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility is inviting socially responsible investors as well as representatives of nonprofit and faith-based organizations to learn more about the issue of children and violent video games - and to take action. ICCR is hosting two informational meetings - a lunch meeting in Washington, DC on February 6 and a dinner meeting in New York City on February 18 - to discuss the marketing of ultra-violent, hate-filled video games to children and teens. Today's video games are a far cry from Pac Man, as children and teens spend hours engaged in virtual murder, decapitation, and brutalization of women and minorities.

The Lion & Lamb Project - an advocacy group working to stop the marketing of such products to children (www.lionlamb.org) - will make a short presentation and show a powerful video called Sex, Violence & Video Games. ICCR will discuss their organization's concern that video game retailers are not doing enough to prevent children from purchasing explicit, adult-rated video games. ICCR is also concerned that video game publishers are unwilling to discontinue racially offensive entertainment products. Some of the games of special concern include Manhunt; Grand Theft Auto Vice City; True Crime: Streets of L.A; Time to Kill; and Postal 2. All these games are rated "M" for Mature (for persons 17 and older), yet children can still easily purchase these violent games at retail stores.

There will be time to network strategize possible action plans. Please join us for an eye-opening experience you won't soon forget. Space is limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible.

Washington, DC -- February 6, 2004, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
A light lunch will be served.

Institute for Policy Studies
733 15th NW
Conference Room 1020
Washington, DC

McPherson Metro stop (Vermont and "I" street)

New York City -- February 18, 2004, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Dinner meeting

Interchurch Center
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
475 Riverside Drive (back entrance)
Robing Room
New York, New York

Please RSVP to Gary Brouse