Grooveon Forums

Everytime i listen to the news or read something i get more and more worried about how things are going in this country.

I get the feeling that people are not taking responsibility for their actions anymore.

For example

Groups out there wanting to ban gambling and pokies because it increases problem gamblers and increases depression.

Groups want to filter the internet because some people are viewing illegal material

Groups want to put curfew on clubs because some people are drinking too much and causing trouble

Groups want cigarette advertising banned because some people get addicted to ciggis and cant stop.

Groups want prices of alcopops to be increased because some young people get too drunk and cause trouble

And the list goes on and on

My view is that its getting more and more like not accepting the responsibility of your own actions but spoiling it for everyone who is doing all the above in moderation (except the illegal material internet stuff hehe)

I mean one thing that pissed me off was a story run today where Jeff Kennett is accused of having double standards, on one hand he is in-charge of beyond-blue helping people out with depression and on the other hand he is on the board of directors for a company whos one of many services are maintenance on pokie machines.

While problem gambling can be a factor in depression its not the only reason why people fall into depression and to single out Jeff and undermine his wonderful work at beyond-blue is a cheap sort of political stunt of some sort.

Its just like saying a mechanic who fixes cars is contributing to the road toll. Pure stupidity.

I dont know but I understand that depression is a serious disease and its great that we have wonderful groups like lifeline and beyond blue to help and support people who suffer from this.

But at the same time banning pokies or other things is not the right path.

I enjoy an occasional session at the casino, i enjoy a bet at the tab or sports bet, i enjoy a drink, but all in moderation and i feel as though why does everyone have to suffer because some people take it too far, the focus should be more on support for problem gamblers and other addicts. Not banning it for everyone else.

I dont know

what are your views?

how about last week were certain groups wanted the banning of energry drinks bc they some how cause fights lol
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i think the government hasnt got a clue about anything that happens
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blame the asians for the gmabling shit lol

If someones actions affect others adversely, then i think the government should find a way to regulate it.
i.e. If a hospital bed is taken or medicare is being used for lung cancer that occurs via smoking, then i think the government is justified in doing something about it.
If i get glassed or king hit by some drunk arse on the street while I’m out minding my own business, then i think that too is justified.

I don’t think that the measures being taken are necessarily the best ones.

If it only affects the individual, then I’m not incredibly concerned.

Id really like to know why tobacco advertising is banned. I mean look do people really think a Marlboro advertisment removed from a Formula One car is going to stop people smoking.

Ive never smoked in my life and all those years of seeing those red and white mclarens never made me smoke.

On the otherhand, i did buy 5 cougars after watching that cougar commercial lol

yeh i dont really see how tobacco adverts make people smoke, its not like they are promoting a choc bar and its gonna make everyone rush to the supermarket
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i dont even think there is one thing on tv when it comes to food or alco which has made me wanna go out that moment and buy it
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like i said it just goes to show how intouch our government is with the youth

actually KFC hot n spicy lol makes me wanna go out an buy chicken, also that super charged zinger lol

In all seriousness, those old spice ads with terry crews in it make me wanna buy old spice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCl5uyn5K7k

Some advertising def works!

Like most adverts it usually comes down to status, gain or satisfaction. Smoking has always been portrayed to be “cool” and/or “rebellious”. If you see an image of a person you think you want to be smoking it might make you smoke depending on what kind of person you are.

You know those ads that are really gross to try and turn people off? Ironically, they actually make smokers want to go for a cigarette. I guess you never know how people will be stimulated by the images they see.

Another example, our beloved Hip Hop/Rap. Think of the little retards thinking its “cool” to commit murder and deal drugs because they listened to someone rap about it.

In terms of the intial post, I agree that people are no longer taking the introspective route and finding ways to deflect or justify their behaviour through blame and it’s a worry, that whole process breeds weakness.

I dont think people smoke, drink, or bash people because of advertising, or because they think it’s cool to do so. Look at the section of society that makes up the bulk of people who smoke, abuse alcohol or bash people.

There’s nothing in the commercial media to encourage illicit substance use, yet that is still rife in the community. Similarly, i dont see hordes of kids going out sipping sizzurp even though they all listen to Lil Wayne. So the power of suggestion seems overrated to me. It’s the power of consumption and people’s perceived need to consume that is more the issue. Ciggies, booze and violence are “luxuries” and leisure that are far more accessible to the lower socioeconomic groups than holidays, fashion, cinemas, etc. The government needs to fix that problem.

As for people not wanting to accept responsibility for their addictions, that’s the nature of society today. Everyone has this sense of self-righteous entitlement these days. They dont contribute anything to society, and expect everything back.

Advertising and the entertainment industy have a huge sociological affect. I was in no way implying they are the only reasons behind any of the above but it I believe they certainly plays their part.

Doesn’t advertising and the luxurious lifestyles of the rich and famous feed the power of consumption?

If your gonna smoke ur gonna smoke regardless ..look at afghanistan, all the talibans are smoking lol dont see no bikini girl Long Beach advertisment there.

Actually Asanka can answer this....hows the advertising in Afghanistan bro?