Cultural Studies

Debut of 'Grand Theft Auto IV' drives debate anew
by Eric Benderoff Chicago Tribune (MCT)
28 April 2008

My ACME colleague Bob McCannon has done extensive research on the research about video games - and I'll let him weigh in here about the release of FTA IV in his own unique way. Something he said this morning on our discussion list, though, gave me pause.

It is a simple question, really.

Given GTA IV's content, would you let the kids in your life play?

Hold on to your Barca-Loungers, friends - the new fall TV line-up is upon us, and it is time to invoke the dreaded "C" word.

Consumerism?

Nope, you knee-jerk TV watchers - product placement and Tivo will take care of all those pesky commercial interruptions any week now. Seamless advertising, embedded in the narrative - commercial interruptions are so... last millennium.

Today's word is "class." I know, I know, we live in a class-less society.

Remember "the Honeymooners," "All in the Family," and the Cleavers?

Move it on over and make way for the "Cashmere Mafia."

OK, here's the deal. I haven't owned or watched television in twenty years.

I watched 1-2 hours a day as a kid. PBS stuff, and Star Trek (the original) when my Mom wasn't looking. I think I am OK.

But it is a different world now.

What worries me more than "teenage problems" - see article below - is the vast amount of hype, spin, distortion and hyperbole that accompany so-called "serious" TV programming.

Like the "news."

And yes, the quotes are there for a reason.

The Bourne Ultimatum: This Summer’s Best Action Flick

Missed surfing the summer movie blockbuster wave these past three months? You are in luck – the best action film of the season just hit the multiplex. Based on the trials of CIA rogue threat Jason Bourne, spy novelist Robert Ludlum’s most memorable character, The Bourne Ultimatum packs enough excitement to make up for a relatively disappointing summer of trilogy enders: Spidey, Shrek, and Pirates of the Caribbean among them.

Here are ten reasons to check out Bourne: