As important as it is to understand gun responsibility, law, and safety. the circumstances and methods utilized by the NRA in this case makes them look like they're trying to send subliminal messages to our nation's youth to me.
NRA iOS game draws criticism
By
Eddie Makuch, News Editor
Connecticut gov says "How dumb can you get?" about National Rifle Association's new education-themed Practice Range game.
Political leaders across the country are none too pleased with the National Rifle Association's recently released iOS game, NRA: Practice Range. The free app was released one month after the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, and allows players to shoot targets at a range with numerous weapons, including handguns and automatic rifles like the ones used in the real-world killings.
"How dumb can you get? How insulting can you be? How tone deaf can you be? You can quote me on anyone of those," Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy said at a press conference Tuesday, as reported by CBS news affiliate WFSB. "The idea that they decided on the one month anniversary to release that, and I've been on the app and you can push a button and hear a gun going off and it's clearly, it's offensive," he said.
In addition to letting gamers shoot guns in a virtual range, NRA: Practice Range offers facts, safety tips, and educational materials related to gun ownership. It also includes the latest news and legislation updates as well as state-by-state gun rights information.
Malloy was not the only Connecticut political leader to take issue with the app. Democratic senator Chris Murphy issued a statement Tuesday lambasting the NRA and its decision to release the app on the anniversary of the shooting.
"The NRA seems intent on continuing to insult the families of the victims of Sandy Hook," Murphy said. "How could they think it was a good idea to use the one-month anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook to release a game that teaches 4-year-olds to shoot assault weapons? No matter what outrageous new tool they use, the NRA cannot make a straight-faced case that sport shooters need military-style weapons to enjoy their hobby."
During a much-publicized press conference in December, NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre blamed games, among other forms of media, for the deadly shooting that left 20 children and six adults dead December 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Criticism over the app extended outside of Connecticut borders. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg told CBS New York that the app represents "the height of hypocrisy" and called on Apple to change the app's age rating. This would later happen, as Apple altered the game's rating from being appropriate for children 4 and up to being appropriate for children 12 and up.
“The NRA has acted in an unbelievably hypocritical fashion by blaming the nation’s gun violence on video games and movies, then coming out with a game for children featuring assault weapons. Apple should not facilitate children using it,” Bloomberg said.
Not all politicians took issue with NRA: Practice Range. During a recent CBS This Morning interview, Republican former speaker of the house Newt Gingrich defended the app, saying people should take a look at the app before they pass judgment.
"My understanding is that it is a gun safety app and that it's for young hunters to learn gun safety," Gingrich said. "I would recommend people watch the entire app before they render judgment."
By
Eddie Makuch, News Editor
Eddie Makuch (Mack-ooh) is a News Editor at GameSpot. He works out of the company's Boston office in Somerville, Mass., and loves extra chunky peanut butter.
578 comments
"In addition to letting gamers shoot guns in a virtual range, NRA: Practice Range offers facts, safety tips, and educational materials related to gun ownership."
Listen, the talking heads of the NRA are just as stupid and ignorant as the gun control advocates... but how is this a bad thing? They are promoting gun safety which is important and relevant. We should just bury our heads in the sand and pretend guns don't exist?
so.....wait. They say that video games are to blame....and then they go and release an app? (which lets face it, is essentially mostly a game). Is it me? or are people getting stupider and stupider every day?
I get that it's a huge hypocrisy (NOTICE IT'S A 'Y' THERE GUYS *facepalm*) to see an organization that wants to put blame on another organization... or well... a MASSIVE media craze that all kids and adults take part in to some degree of video games; and then you see them release an app to practise shooting various guns. I am amazed that I am agreeing with a REPUBLICAN though... it's a damn gun safety app... it shows what guns are meant for what sports, and it gives tons of tips on how to safely handle, store and use guns in an environment where they are MEANT to be used. It's not like they had little kids as the targets and you got higher scores for shooting them in the head or the heart for an "INSTA-KILL!!!". I really don't understand the NRA really.. they seem to always have some messed up controversy after every single school shooting that makes the headlines over the entire North American airwaves.
Why isn't the news media ever to blame for kids going out and blasting other kids at their school? Some suicidal egotist who thinks "Man, look at all that fame! I would be IMMEDIATELY known and talked about and analysed around North America if I did something like that too!" I know it sounds like a goofy argument, but it really isn't. It's certainly more logical than "He played Call of Duty just like 6 million other kids, so the game is to blame." If that was the case, I would've probably killed a massive amount of people myself in high school. But surprise! I listen to all of the music that is always in the media as causing violence; rap, metal, Marilyn Manson =O (although I also listen to classic rock, classical, jazz, blues, fusion, etc.) and I have played everything from every Call of Duty to every GTA to both Manhunts and all three Postal games. I should be out there cutting people's heads off with chainsaws and unzipping my pants urinating on them afterwards. Although this again isn't the case. Why am I not in the media for being able to control my behaviour from the insane amount of violent media influences I have had, and be praised for NOT shooting up my school or workplace? Oh right... because death, mutilation, agony, depression, hatred, violence is all that makes the papers and news stories.
Maybe the news media should take a look at itself and see what it's reporting on every minute of the day and realize they should be equally to blame for all of these things going wrong in society. I also have to point out; it takes a lot longer than one month to make an app with as much content as the NRA did. They have likely had this thing in development for at LEAST six or more months. They happened to release it on the day one month later where a huge shooting took place. Oh no! Those bastards! They should've looked at the calendar and made DAMN sure they released that game ONE DAY LATER! I don't understand why people place significance on days the way they do. I would think you'd be in more pain the day BEFORE the one month-iversary than the next day. It's one more day to get over it. Sadly enough this isn't the case though because if a parent happens to be watching the news one month after their tragedy, they get to see all the reports about it being "EXACTLY ONE MONTH AFTER THE WORST SHOOTING IN AMERICAN HISTORY TOOK PLACE!!!" because they don't have anything more gruesome to talk about in the media.
@Andrex1212 Cool story, bro. Tell it again. And they actually use the "hypocrisy" in the written version... not sure what's up there.
This is just tasteless. I can't even give them the "people are being to too sensitive" pass, as this is just in poor, poor taste.
I thought the NRA was quoted on blaming violent video games? I can't believe I wanted to join them when I was a kid; I thought they advocated safe use for a gun hobby, in a safe environment (I've always wanted to take competitive shooting). Then I checked their site, and it was nothing but a huge b#$%^fest, moaning about their right to bear arms.
Idiots, they are.
@LinkLuigi Glad you see the truth behind these idiots. They don't even know the truth behind the 2nd Ammendment.
IDIOTS! That's what the NRA are! I can't believe they had the guts to release a game like this, when it's been a month since the tragedy, and to top it of, they say that the only way to prevent a similar attack is to have armed security forces in school campus?
NRA + Ignorance = Hipocrites
I'm GYIYGABITE, and I disapprove the NRA.
So the NRA blames video games with guns for gun violence, not the guns themselves. In response to this, the NRA just released an NRA themed game about shooting things, with guns.
What the...?
1 Like I wonder if the game's news update feature links to the five people that were shot at gun shows during gun appreciation day...
It's one of those "too soon" moments with a serious twist.
A man, who played violent video games, went to a school and shot 26 people. BUT WAIT. Let's ignore that last part. Guns aren't the problem, here...it was *DEFLECTOR SHIELD*...the games he played, obviously!
If guns apparently don't kill people, NRA, then a video game sure as heck can't, either.
Just ban all guns and gun safety is no issue. Just ban all guns and the shootings will end. I live in Canada and we have very few murders compared to the USA and we eat the same food, play the same video games, and watch the same TV shows, we however do not have easy access to guns.
@number1nick123 You do realize that, in Switzerland, every male age 20-30 owns a fully-automatic assault rifle, kept in their home? (Officers and some support personal have sidearms instead.) That they are allowed to keep these weapons, modified to semi-auto, when they leave the militia? And yet, they have one of the lowest murder rates in the world (0.7 per 100,000, less than half the rate of Canada)? Seems there's a lot more to the problem than easy access to guns.
@number1nick123 Please tell me your plan for taking guns away from criminals first. Will your gun ban law magically make guns that already exist disappear or will you activate the secret auto-disintegrate feature that the government built into every gun to make them self destruct everywhere in the country?
BTW, one of the differences between the US and Canada is that Canada doesn't have to deal with Mexico and all of it's drug trafficking and black market guns. Why? Because they would have to get passed us to get to you, so you're welcome.
@number1nick123 Guns are ban in the UK. And the violent crime rate is the highest in Europe and higher than some African countries and higher than the US.
Explain that. Also Canada doesn't have a drug or border or gang violence like the US has. Most of our violent crime is drug and gang related.
@BlackSquare @number1nick123 Black, I live in the UK, care to pass me a link to the facts on your 'opinion'?
@BlackSquare Come on Black, read the whole article that you link to - specifically the part where it admits the data is skewed. Moreover, %s:Map_of_world_by_intentional_homicide_rate.png
If I throw a snowball at someone and they tell the police and the police attend, I get a verbal warning or maybe even a caution - this is then recorded as a violent crime. GASP eh?
%s
@6orange6@BlackSquare@number1nick123Sure. Just Google: UK 'has worst violent crime rate in Europe'
Oh and btw. The UK homicide rate is higher than Germany, Switzerland, Norway. All who have high gun ownership rates. Here are two links to prove my point.
Lol .......More hypocrite's calling other hypocrite's hypocritical.
Thought that was used in the definition of a politician........isn't it?? O-o
I'm not sure if I should leave this comment. If anyone has thoughts reply under my username. What would've happened if John Howard didn't legislate the gun laws after the Port Author massacre? Well half a century after Ned Kelly. It's part of Australian history and it's a what if question. I'll be checking back since I'm in a middle of a game. The Last Story which is why I have a Calista icon. It's near the end so no spoilers for you.
@johnnyauau Port Arthur massacre was due to a crazy person. Did the Portr Arhur laws passed by John Howard help? Would they have prevented another Port Arthur? The problem was crazy people and it never was addressed. In 2002 another crazy person did something in AU and the John Howard laws didn't stop him.
UK bans guns and it has a higher violent crime rather than South Africa and the rest of Europe and the US. There is more to this whole discussion than banning guns. It's a cultural aspect and mental health. We all live in a world were violence seems to be the solution to everything. That needs to be addressed more so than guns and video games. Remove guns and video games, you still have crazy people and violent offenders.
We need a broader based discussion on violence than just guns and video games.
2 Like That this guy is offended by the sound of a gun going off in an app... whatever. Also: food for thought for you "People shouldn't have guns" people: nearly all major shootings occur in "Gun Free Zones" because the shooter knows that no-one will shoot back. Lets take Chicago. Possibly the strictest gun laws in the country and more people die there than in active war zones. I also love the "If we banned guns, everyone would be safer." As if the people already breaking the law with guns will suddenly start obeying and turn in their guns. Lets not forget the fact that the whole point of the second amendment is to ensure that We, the People, are never in a position where a government can start taking away our rights and push us around (the whole reason we broke away from England in the first place... and they were not even close to screwing us over like the gov't does now.....Tax your income, tax when you buy stuff, tax when you invest your already taxed money... THEN they take HALF OF WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT WHEN YOU DIE!!!) The Bill of Rights mentions firearms because we have a right to defend ourselves. I'd never move somewhere where I couldn't own a gun..... if someone busts in the door at night be DAMNED if I'll let the gov't tell me I have to defend my family with a baseball bat.
@CaptWaffle the Australian gun laws introduced a 'money for guns' scheme that greatly reduced both gun numbers throughout the country but more importantly the amount of deaths that occurred. If you honestly believe that everyone should have guns to protect themselves from others with guns then go ahead, but you can't criticise those who have had enough of the 18th century mentality on gun laws that is present in America. Don't criticise those who want to send their children to school without fear they'll be shot by some maniac who is legally allowed to possess military-grade weapons. Don't criticise those who want a safer America
1 Like @Micooliscool Crazy people aren't allowed to possess military-grade weapons, nor any weapons. Regular people aren't allowed to have military-grade either. Gun control in respect to crazy people is one thing. Out right gun bans only leave criminals, and the mentally insane with guns and other violent weapons Thus is the problem in the UK.
Moreover, the UK has a complete gun ban. Even cops can't carry guns. Yet their violent crime is worst than all of Europe, South Africa and the US.
1 Like @Godly_Kongming@BlackSquare@Micooliscool
I said VIOLENCE. Not death rate. Just Google: UK 'has worst violent crime rate in Europe' Now tell me how I am wrong?
Oh and btw. The UK homicide rate is higher than Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Austria. All who have high gun ownership rates. Here are two links to prove my point.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate
@BlackSquare @Micooliscool Your an idiot blacksquare.
Where did you get that info. If you actually LOOK at FACTS. the UK has the LOWEST death rate in most of europe
2 Like An educational gaming app that teaches the user real world facts about guns? Not really a problem in itself. Had the NRA not decided to use video games as a scapegoat, this wouldn't even be an issue. As for the comments from Bloomberg and other politicians, they are right to call out the NRA for their hypocrisy but they need to wake up to the fact that games are not intended solely for children. It's apparent that many members of our government have archaic misconceptions about games and gaming as a hobby.
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@zombieseesmeat Then answer this, what would you do without a gun then? I'm sure your army didn't simply teach you just using guns only? And judging by your recent comment, you already hate kids. That answers my question already.
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@zombieseesmeat Deal. And if you want to end the conversation, I like the "agree to disagree" term so we'll use it if it's too overwhelming. Remember that term whenever we chat to each other. And maybe it will work on others that disagree with you so hang on the term for me. Thanks.
@zombieseesmeat That's better. There won't be third time. Agree to disagree. Next time, the forum area would be perfect if you want to. Ok? Cool.
@zombieseesmeat So you prefer kill the madman, problem solved. Even when he's on the rampage and your best answer is to use the gun as self defense. Yep. I did say people can be unpredictable and if you don't help that person early on, he'll shoot you dead. And if you don't want to get involved than don't bother. Either way, that's how society works. You prefer a life where everyone has guns, have a good life in America. And for calling people who disagrees with you? That's real mature of you.
@zombieseesmeat That depends. If he's aggressive, calm him down first whilst someone else calls the police for assistance. But, let's say an apocalypse that everyone has guns. I could raise the tension and we end up shooting each other. That's the current scenario that NRA and gun lovers painted. Last of all, what if the person you know have a nervous breakdown and starts shooting people, you want to be the hero or call the police while calming the person down in front of kids? There's already ways of solving problems. Can you digest that or you prefer the answer "Shoot first, ask questions later" as your answer.
@zombieseesmeat You don't know how the internet works, do you? You know how to push yourself over the edge on gun rights and gun liberties but you know this is not the place to win arguments. Yet all I get from you is insults and trolling around to the point that somehow your aggressive argument wins out against a natural belief that guns can't solve everything. A gun chat site is more for you than this game site. Trust me on this. Also don't say I didn't warn you. Some of your messages already taken down. Surely you can restrain yourself from attacking me while playing innocent the whole time.
@zombieseesmeat That's because your argument is extremely aggressive. The moderator will eventually step in to stop this disruptive argument. Anyway, this site is not for you. It's unfortunate you chose a game site to show that you are the man. A gun blogging site is more suited to your aggressive style. Since you're on edge, I take the liberty that not knowing who I am is my advantage.
@zombieseesmeat I'm afraid that's the other way around. This is nothing but a social exercise as usual. As for the question? How about using your brain? Your not dumb yet all you think of is guns. Regardless, you fail as an army soldier. The only common sense you have is guns and politics but not people. That's the real you alright, and the fact that you hate kids also counts, so that sums up who you are. Last of all, it's your fault for choosing this site for your political games. Nothing can be further than truth.
@zombieseesmeat Well you asked for it, you got it. If you can't handle the truth, then try your luck if you can't last one minute without holding on to your guns like a baby. Also as usual, your just out there winning arguments. That's second nature now. Also resorting to cursing, insults and politics? You just can't handle the truth. You just can't leave without your gun.
Verdict? zombieseesmeat YouTube videos is one sided. All its arguing is "we're Americans and we don't like anyone giving crap about guns. The right to bear arms is a must and anyone disagreeing with me should ---- off!" My verdict: Gun restrictions is a must no matter the logistics, second, mental insitutions better resourced managed and last, kids. If you don't love kids, you have no right to call yourself a hero if shooting kids and criminals is something your proud of. After all, restricting guns is the way to take down crime. Not the other way around.
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On one hand, I can't believe the NRA would be so hypocritical as to release a game like this, one month after the shooting, and even sooner after they blamed video games violence as the cause (Ignorant jerks)
At the same time, I can see someone approving this on their end.
If they believed games showing you shoot people at a moments whim caused something like this, it does make logical sense to use the same form of media to try to show guns being used in a responsible manner.
I'm not saying it's ok, in fact it's absolutely appaling... I'm just saying I can see how/why that may have been approved.
1 Like "The idea that they decided on one month anniversary to release that..."
That part of the argument - fair enough. Extreme bad taste from whoever made that call.
"...and I've been on the app and you can push a button and hear a gun going off and it's clearly, it's offensive,"
But that part is just plain idiotic. "It makes a gun sound" does not constitute as offensive by any stretch of the imagination - it's a bloody firing range simulator, why would it NOT make a gun sound?
1 Like @MisguidedPirate Because it's the NRA, and they have just been condemning computer games for gun related violence. A few weeks later they release a game that is entirely about firing guns, no story or anything. Oh and how to be safe using it-- it's a gun, it is designed to fire bullets, this is not safe. This warrants attack.
Yes, it is simply an incorrect use of terms to say it is offensive, I'd use the word 'stupid' myself.
@willzihang @MisguidedPirate Chainsaws are meant to be violent. You are killing a tree. Guns are made to hunt. Chainsaws can be perverted, so can baseball bats, and pencils. You don't see people going around trying to ban them. So can the chemicals in your bathroom cabinet.
Although I do agree the timing of the NRA with this game is rather stupid as you put it.
@Godly_Kongming@BlackSquare
1) I said guns need to be restricted. I was using chainsaws as an example. As they are restricted as well but not ban.
2) Machine guns are illegal. Even in the US.
3) A gun runs out of bullets. Try to stop a gun wielding psycho compared to chainsaw one.
4) Never said guns shouldn't be restricted. Never said they aren't dangerous. Most objects that are dangerous are restricted. They aren't completely ban.
5) Btw some chemicals and explosives can kill more than guns. And have. Yet SOME have less restrictions.
6) My point in using pencils and chainsaws is the following. You can ban guns but crazy people will still be around. You have to address the issue of mental health. Banning guns and not addressing crazy people, doesn't solve the problem. Everything has to be addressed. Not just one part.
@BlackSquare I would much rather a serial killer have a chainsaw or pencil then a machine gun... Man your stupid
@willzihang @BlackSquare I agree with you. There needs to be restrictions. However, just not an outright ban. Chainsaws are legal but restricted. So are other violent objects. My point is even if you limit the weapons, you will still have the violence (and usually it gets worse like in countries like the UK, NL and Hungary). Why? Because politicians address the object and not the user. The user is the main problem.
@BlackSquare A handgun or semi-automatic/automatic gun is designed for one purpose-- to kill people. Very effectively I might add.
So your argument is just because there are many potentially dangerous objects it isn't a good cause to try and prevent the legality of some in particular, one especially dangerous example of this, one that can particularly effectively kill someone instantly, and from quite a range.
Every country where there has been a long history of strict gun legislations there are far less shootings, criminals have far less access to them. Funny how every single time I've mentioned this it gets entirely ignored as a point: instead, pro-gun morons tell me I'm living in a tyranny and they have the freedom.
I just hope you don't say like the others "it's American liberty to own a firearm, blah, blah" It was a liberty to own slaves-- it caused suffering, guns cause suffering and are a great danger just so a few backwards idiots can shoot at things; who also tell you they are perfect and no-one will steal that gun or them make a mistake with it, in other words they think they are superheroes. The end.
@willzihang @MisguidedPirate "it's a gun, it is designed to fire bullets, this is not safe. This warrants attack."
I just really liked the way you said that. I own my own shotgun... but the only reason I use it is to A.) Attack birds, (read hunting) or B.) Attack people (read defend myself)
I don't know... I just like the way you put it.
@VenkmanPHD @willzihang @MisguidedPirate So how often have you needed to use your shotgun to defend yourself?
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