Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Video game company

I want to sue a video game company whose characters racially depict African-Americans. I feel their games promote negative views of African-americans in the minds of children, and even the teenage groups. Two characters in particular are drawn with big lips and missing teeth. One says quotes such as ''I got paid!'' after winning a match. In another character's profile created by the company itself, he is said to be involved in a gang. This company is one of the largest game manufacturers in the world, so their influence is far-reaching. I want to know if I have a solid case? If so, how should I go about suing the company?


Asked on 10/15/04, 3:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: Video game company

In my opinion, you may have a case, but research

is necessary. The test will be whether 1st

amendment rights (freedom of expression) are

outweighed by society's need to protect children from being exposed to this form of racial sterotyping and to prevent the circulation of

what may be classified as racially discrimatory

productions. This is just one part of the legal test. You may even want to explore the possibility of seeking an injunction against the distributor of this material. Sounds like a federal case. I will be happy to answer any additional questions that you may have. Keep in

mind that this is not the first time that issues

like this have been raised. However, note that

cigarette commercials are no more. That is because the interest of public health is seen as

far more important than the right of tobacco and

cigarette companies to advertise.

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Answered on 10/16/04, 3:09 am


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