Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) released a letter he sent to Wal-Mart, one of the largest video game retailers in the country, calling on the company not to sell the controversial game to minors.  As part of the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City video game, there is a depiction of gang wars between rival immigrant groups, and players are instructed to "kill all Haitians."

"While I am pleased that the game's manufacturer has agreed to strike the offensive language from future versions of the game, I think this type of hateful speech may be especially impressionable on  youngsters," said Towns.  "I hope Wal-Mart takes this letter to heart and does all that it can to ensure that minors are not able to purchase the old version of the game." 

In addition to Congressman Towns, the letter was also signed by Congressman Owens (D-Brooklyn) and Congressman Meeks (D-Queens).

Like many video games, Grand Theft Auto provides a virtual environment in which the player vicariously engages in violent behavior.  Towns notes that is particularly troubling because several studies have clearly indicated the relationship between viewing violence and a de-sensitization to violent behavior in real life. 

Despite deep concerns about the long-term effect of these kinds of violent depictions marketed as entertainment, the letter acknowledges that game manufacturers and other entertainment companies do have certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed.  However, this particular game provides a unique challenge, the letter notes.

"New York has always been a city that welcomes immigrants," Towns' letter states.  "The invocation and invitation contained on the Statute of Liberty has never been taken lightly here.  In this diverse and multi-cultural community, we are deeply disturbed by the violent and anti-immigrant message contained in this product."

"I sincerely hope that Wal-Mart complies with this request and does everything in its power not to sell the game to minors in its stores or through its website," said Towns.  "If this requires additional training for employees, the company needs to take such action."

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