Original subtitles

(birds singing) ?? >> yes.

Woo! Last day of summer! Got have fun! Got have fun!

Last day of summer! Got have fun! Got have fun! Got have fun!

>> (screams) that's not fun, jake!

>> (chuckling) >> summer vacation is the best time of year.

>> summer vacation is the best time of year. (laughing)

Time of year. (laughing) >> oh, man.

(laughing) >> oh, man. This bear knows what's up.

>> oh, man. This bear knows what's up. >> actually, summer vacation

This bear knows what's up. >> actually, summer vacation is the worst time of year.

>> actually, summer vacation is the worst time of year. >> ugh, who-- who are you?

Is the worst time of year. >> ugh, who-- who are you? We're trying to do a show here.

>> ugh, who-- who are you? We're trying to do a show here. >> yeah, sorry, this is

We're trying to do a show here. >> yeah, sorry, this is my show now.

>> yeah, sorry, this is my show now. Hi, I'm adam conover

My show now. Hi, I'm adam conover and this is "adam's ruins

Hi, I'm adam conover and this is "adam's ruins everything".

And this is "adam's ruins everything". ??

>> this old people show looks boring. I want to watch huey.

Boring. I want to watch huey. >> first of all,

I want to watch huey. >> first of all, huey isn't real.

>> first of all, huey isn't real. >> (gasps)

Huey isn't real. >> (gasps) >> he's actually a puppeteer

>> (gasps) >> he's actually a puppeteer named ben.

>> he's actually a puppeteer named ben. >> wait, what?

Named ben. >> wait, what? >> (cries out)

>> wait, what? >> (cries out) >> and secondly, summer vacation

>> (cries out) >> and secondly, summer vacation is a blight on our educational

>> and secondly, summer vacation is a blight on our educational system.

Is a blight on our educational system. Come on, I'll show you.

System. Come on, I'll show you. >> I guess it's a cut?

Come on, I'll show you. >> I guess it's a cut? >> okay, let's take ten,

>> I guess it's a cut? >> okay, let's take ten, everyone.

>> okay, let's take ten, everyone. But make it quick, we're not

Everyone. But make it quick, we're not working with a sesame budget.

But make it quick, we're not working with a sesame budget. >> all right, that's a ten.

Working with a sesame budget. >> all right, that's a ten. >> (cries out)

>> all right, that's a ten. >> (cries out) that bird is eating his own

>> (cries out) that bird is eating his own kind!

That bird is eating his own kind! Nothing is real!

Kind! Nothing is real! >> well, you had to learn

Nothing is real! >> well, you had to learn sometime.

>> well, you had to learn sometime. Just like you have to learn that

Sometime. Just like you have to learn that summer break is terrible

Just like you have to learn that summer break is terrible for kids.

Summer break is terrible for kids. >> okay, one, never in

For kids. >> okay, one, never in a million-billion-trillion years

>> okay, one, never in a million-billion-trillion years are you gonna convince me that

A million-billion-trillion years are you gonna convince me that summer is a bad thing.

Are you gonna convince me that summer is a bad thing. And two, I'm on vacation,

Summer is a bad thing. And two, I'm on vacation, I'm not supposed to be learning.

And two, I'm on vacation, I'm not supposed to be learning. >> you're a kid, learning is

I'm not supposed to be learning. >> you're a kid, learning is your entire job.

>> you're a kid, learning is your entire job. So why do our schools stop kids

Your entire job. So why do our schools stop kids from learning for three whole

So why do our schools stop kids from learning for three whole months?

From learning for three whole months? >> my dad says it's so farm kids

Months? >> my dad says it's so farm kids can do farm things on a farm.

>> my dad says it's so farm kids can do farm things on a farm. >> yeah, everyone says that,

Can do farm things on a farm. >> yeah, everyone says that, but it's not true.

>> yeah, everyone says that, but it's not true. Let's asks a farmer.

But it's not true. Let's asks a farmer. >> that's right, kids.

>> that's right, kids. I do all my harvesting in

I do all my harvesting in the summer.

>> no, no, I harvest in the fall.

Fall. I plant in the spring.

I plant in the spring. I don't do crap in the summer.

I don't do crap in the summer. Who taught this guy how to farm?

Who taught this guy how to farm? >> damn it, I quit "barney"

>> damn it, I quit "barney" for this. >> the "agrarian" calendar

For this. >> the "agrarian" calendar explanation is a total myth.

>> the "agrarian" calendar explanation is a total myth. The real reason schools close

Explanation is a total myth. The real reason schools close in the summer is because

The real reason schools close in the summer is because of the heat.

In the summer is because of the heat. A 100 years ago, we didn't have

Of the heat. A 100 years ago, we didn't have air conditioning.

A 100 years ago, we didn't have air conditioning. >> we didn't?

Air conditioning. >> we didn't? (power drains)

>> we didn't? (power drains) >> during the summer, classrooms

(power drains) >> during the summer, classrooms would become so unbearably hot

>> during the summer, classrooms would become so unbearably hot that rich people pulled their

Would become so unbearably hot that rich people pulled their kids out of school for months,

That rich people pulled their kids out of school for months, taking them to country side.

Kids out of school for months, taking them to country side. >> my reginald does wilt

Taking them to country side. >> my reginald does wilt in the heat.

>> my reginald does wilt in the heat. Do be a dear, adjourn class

In the heat. Do be a dear, adjourn class until we return from

Do be a dear, adjourn class until we return from the hamptons.

Until we return from the hamptons. >> oh, mama, let us depart

The hamptons. >> oh, mama, let us depart as my summer ponies grow lonely.

>> oh, mama, let us depart as my summer ponies grow lonely. >> right away, darling.

As my summer ponies grow lonely. >> right away, darling. Quickly.

>> right away, darling. Quickly. >> I have summer vacation

Quickly. >> I have summer vacation because rich people were hot?!

>> I have summer vacation because rich people were hot?! That's crazy.

Because rich people were hot?! That's crazy. >> yup, and summer vacation

That's crazy. >> yup, and summer vacation is actually making you dumber.

>> yup, and summer vacation is actually making you dumber. >> it am?!

Is actually making you dumber. >> it am?! >> yup, kids lose an average

>> it am?! >> yup, kids lose an average of one month of instruction

>> yup, kids lose an average of one month of instruction every summer.

Of one month of instruction every summer. Educators call it "the summer

Every summer. Educators call it "the summer slide."

Educators call it "the summer slide." (applause)

Slide." (applause) >> ? a summer slide

(applause) >> ? a summer slide ? a summer slide

>> ? a summer slide ? a summer slide ? two plus three, that equals

? a summer slide ? two plus three, that equals five ?

? two plus three, that equals five ? yay!

Five ? yay! (applause)

Yay! (applause) ? a summer slide

(applause) ? a summer slide ? a summer slide

? a summer slide ? a summer slide ? two plus three, that equals,

? a summer slide ? two plus three, that equals, uh... ??

? two plus three, that equals, uh... ?? >> I forgot.

Uh... ?? >> I forgot. >> me dumb now.

>> I forgot. >> me dumb now. >> it's easily to forget what

>> me dumb now. >> it's easily to forget what you learned when you spend three

>> it's easily to forget what you learned when you spend three whole months doing nothing but

You learned when you spend three whole months doing nothing but watching tv.

Whole months doing nothing but watching tv. >> I don't just watch tv.

>> I don't just watch tv. I go to summer camp.

I go to summer camp. I learn lots of great things

Like swimming and craps and-- hey, wait up.

Hey, wait up. >> summer camp is great but

>> summer camp is great but it's also too expensive for many

It's also too expensive for many families.

Families. >> oh, I can't afford

>> oh, I can't afford summer camp. My dad lives in a garbage can.

Summer camp. My dad lives in a garbage can. My mom's a giant un-employable

My dad lives in a garbage can. My mom's a giant un-employable bird.

My mom's a giant un-employable bird. (groans)

Bird. (groans) >> summer camp, a-hoy.

(groans) >> summer camp, a-hoy. I shall make ever so many

>> summer camp, a-hoy. I shall make ever so many lanyards, ha-ha.

I shall make ever so many lanyards, ha-ha. >> and summer break is

Lanyards, ha-ha. >> and summer break is especially hard on the poorest

>> and summer break is especially hard on the poorest kids because school provides

Especially hard on the poorest kids because school provides them with lunches they can't get

Kids because school provides them with lunches they can't get at home.

Them with lunches they can't get at home. >> at school, me get subsidized

At home. >> at school, me get subsidized lunches.

>> at school, me get subsidized lunches. (munching)

Lunches. (munching) >> all right, pal, it's June.

(munching) >> all right, pal, it's June. >> but-- but at home, me get so

>> all right, pal, it's June. >> but-- but at home, me get so hungry.

>> but-- but at home, me get so hungry. (sobbing)

Hungry. (sobbing) >> that's so sad.

(sobbing) >> that's so sad. Why don't people help those

>> that's so sad. Why don't people help those kids?

Why don't people help those kids? >> they do, but many kids have

Kids? >> they do, but many kids have trouble accessing summer lunch

>> they do, but many kids have trouble accessing summer lunch programs.

Trouble accessing summer lunch programs. How many, you ask.

Programs. How many, you ask. >> ah, count numberla knows

How many, you ask. >> ah, count numberla knows how many.

>> ah, count numberla knows how many. Six. Six out of seven kids

How many. Six. Six out of seven kids eligible for summer lunch

Six. Six out of seven kids eligible for summer lunch programs never receive them.

Eligible for summer lunch programs never receive them. (chuckling)

Programs never receive them. (chuckling) >> you guys know you can get

(chuckling) >> you guys know you can get sued for this, right?

>> you guys know you can get sued for this, right? >> eh, I'm unlicensed.

Sued for this, right? >> eh, I'm unlicensed. >> do you know what?

>> eh, I'm unlicensed. >> do you know what? I don't have to listen to you.

>> do you know what? I don't have to listen to you. You're not a teacher.

I don't have to listen to you. You're not a teacher. You're just a head of hair.

You're not a teacher. You're just a head of hair. I love summer.

You're just a head of hair. I love summer. >> okay, well, maybe you'll

I love summer. >> okay, well, maybe you'll listen to tony brown.

>> okay, well, maybe you'll listen to tony brown. He runs part of l.A.,

Listen to tony brown. He runs part of l.A., an after school program here in

He runs part of l.A., an after school program here in los angeles.

An after school program here in los angeles. >> it's true.

Los angeles. >> it's true. Summer's a real problem for the

>> it's true. Summer's a real problem for the kids I work with.

Summer's a real problem for the kids I work with. >> nice try, adam, but I'm gonna

Kids I work with. >> nice try, adam, but I'm gonna believe another puppet.

>> nice try, adam, but I'm gonna believe another puppet. You're not real.

You're not real. >> I am real, and I have a

>> I am real, and I have a puppet.

Summer slide is so bad for the low-income kids that we work

Low-income kids that we work with every day.

With every day. >> why?

>> why? >> well, our kids live in really unsafe neighborhoods, so they

>> well, our kids live in really unsafe neighborhoods, so they stay inside in front of the

Unsafe neighborhoods, so they stay inside in front of the television all summer long.

Stay inside in front of the television all summer long. >> what do you guys do to help?

Television all summer long. >> what do you guys do to help? >> we provide free summer

>> what do you guys do to help? >> we provide free summer programs and academics, arts,

>> we provide free summer programs and academics, arts, and athletics so the kids can

Programs and academics, arts, and athletics so the kids can stay safe, off the street, and

And athletics so the kids can stay safe, off the street, and away from gangs.

Stay safe, off the street, and away from gangs. >> that doesn't sound that bad.

Away from gangs. >> that doesn't sound that bad. >> we're doing all we can, but

>> that doesn't sound that bad. >> we're doing all we can, but unfortunately there's still

>> we're doing all we can, but unfortunately there's still millions of kids who have no

Unfortunately there's still millions of kids who have no where to go during the summer.

Millions of kids who have no where to go during the summer. Speaking of which, we got to get

Where to go during the summer. Speaking of which, we got to get back to work.

Speaking of which, we got to get back to work. Bye, guys.

Back to work. Bye, guys. >> oh, man.

Bye, guys. >> oh, man. I want to love summer,

>> oh, man. I want to love summer, but that's just so sad.

I want to love summer, but that's just so sad. >> yeah.

But that's just so sad. >> yeah. In other countries like japan

>> yeah. In other countries like japan and England, students get

In other countries like japan and England, students get multiple short breaks throughout

And England, students get multiple short breaks throughout the year.

Multiple short breaks throughout the year. But in our system, we just wash

The year. But in our system, we just wash our hands of the neediest kids

But in our system, we just wash our hands of the neediest kids for three whole months.

Our hands of the neediest kids for three whole months. And that means summer vacation

For three whole months. And that means summer vacation hurts kids just like you.

And that means summer vacation hurts kids just like you. >> ugh, knowledge is the worst.

Hurts kids just like you. >> ugh, knowledge is the worst. (bell ringing)

>> ugh, knowledge is the worst. (bell ringing) >> whelp, this guy's killed

(bell ringing) >> whelp, this guy's killed our day.

>> whelp, this guy's killed our day. That's a wrap on the season,

Our day. That's a wrap on the season, everybody.

That's a wrap on the season, everybody. I'll see y'all next summer.

Everybody. I'll see y'all next summer. >> count numberla to stage fo.

I'll see y'all next summer. >> count numberla to stage fo. >> karrin, it's famer jude.

>> count numberla to stage fo. >> karrin, it's famer jude. Can you get me an audition on

>> karrin, it's famer jude. Can you get me an audition on "yo gabba gabba"?

Can you get me an audition on "yo gabba gabba"? >> no, wait, this is my favorite

"yo gabba gabba"? >> no, wait, this is my favorite show.

>> no, wait, this is my favorite show. What the heck, adam?

Show. What the heck, adam? >> sorry, buddy.

What the heck, adam? >> sorry, buddy. >> well, at least I still got

>> sorry, buddy. >> well, at least I still got cartoons and video games to

>> well, at least I still got cartoons and video games to cheer me up.

Cartoons and video games to cheer me up. >> oh, you like cartoons?

Cheer me up. >> oh, you like cartoons? >> yeah.

>> oh, you like cartoons? >> yeah. >> you like mickey mouse?

>> yeah. >> you like mickey mouse? >> yeah.

>> you like mickey mouse? >> yeah. >> well, let me tell you

>> yeah. >> well, let me tell you about how mickey mouse has made

>> well, let me tell you about how mickey mouse has made a mockery of our copyright

About how mickey mouse has made a mockery of our copyright system.

A mockery of our copyright system. >> you're a terrible adult!

System. >> you're a terrible adult! ??

>> it doesn't matter what you tell me, I love cartoons. I love mickey mouse

Tell me, I love cartoons. I love mickey mouse and no 50-year-old weirdo is

I love mickey mouse and no 50-year-old weirdo is gonna change that.

And no 50-year-old weirdo is gonna change that. >> oh man, I wish I was 50.

Gonna change that. >> oh man, I wish I was 50. I'd be so credible

>> oh man, I wish I was 50. I'd be so credible and distinguished.

I'd be so credible and distinguished. And look, I love mickey mouse

And distinguished. And look, I love mickey mouse too.

And look, I love mickey mouse too. But the fact is he ruined

Too. But the fact is he ruined america's copyright laws.

But the fact is he ruined america's copyright laws. >> uh, okay.

America's copyright laws. >> uh, okay. I'm just a kid, why should I

>> uh, okay. I'm just a kid, why should I care about that dumb law?

I'm just a kid, why should I care about that dumb law? >> because that dumb law is

Care about that dumb law? >> because that dumb law is keeping you from your favorite

>> because that dumb law is keeping you from your favorite characters.

Keeping you from your favorite characters. >> no, no, no, no, no, no.

Characters. >> no, no, no, no, no, no. I don't want learn anything

>> no, no, no, no, no, no. I don't want learn anything about this.

I don't want learn anything about this. >> well, I'm gonna make you

About this. >> well, I'm gonna make you through the magic of cartoons.

>> well, I'm gonna make you through the magic of cartoons. Ever since his first appearance

Through the magic of cartoons. Ever since his first appearance as steamboat willie,

Ever since his first appearance as steamboat willie, kids have loved mickey mouse.

As steamboat willie, kids have loved mickey mouse. >> all right, no pants.

Kids have loved mickey mouse. >> all right, no pants. Wait, why are my knees doing

>> all right, no pants. Wait, why are my knees doing this?

Wait, why are my knees doing this? >> old cartoons are mostly about

This? >> old cartoons are mostly about bouncing and torturing animals.

>> old cartoons are mostly about bouncing and torturing animals. (duck honks)

Bouncing and torturing animals. (duck honks) and back in the 20's our

(duck honks) and back in the 20's our copyright system worked the way

And back in the 20's our copyright system worked the way it was supposed to.

Copyright system worked the way it was supposed to. An artist who created a new work

It was supposed to. An artist who created a new work could claim the exclusive right

An artist who created a new work could claim the exclusive right to it for 56 years.

Could claim the exclusive right to it for 56 years. >> (vocalizing)

To it for 56 years. >> (vocalizing) >> long enough to make a healthy

>> (vocalizing) >> long enough to make a healthy profit for pretty much their

>> long enough to make a healthy profit for pretty much their entire lifetime.

Entire lifetime. After that, the work entered

After that, the work entered the public domain, giving

Everyone the right to copy, share, and use it to create

Share, and use it to create works of their own.

Works of their own. ??

?? >> now, this I can get into.

>> now, this I can get into. >> remixing the works of

>> remixing the works of the past is essential part

The past is essential part of how we create new culture.

Of how we create new culture. And this same process brought us

And this same process brought us so many of your favorite

So many of your favorite characters like "frankenstein",

Characters like "frankenstein", dracula", "sherlock homes",

Dracula", "sherlock homes", "sleeping beauty", "alice in

"sleeping beauty", "alice in world land", "the wizard oz",

World land", "the wizard oz", "hercules", "pinocchio",

"hercules", "pinocchio", "dr. Jekyll and mr. Hyde",

"dr. Jekyll and mr. Hyde", "captain nemo", "paul bunyan",

"captain nemo", "paul bunyan", "tarzan", "king arthur",

"tarzan", "king arthur", "robin hood", "moby dick",

"robin hood", "moby dick", and many, many more.

And many, many more. All of them were created by

All of them were created by artists long ago, and our now in

Artists long ago, and our now in the public domain, free for us

The public domain, free for us to use to tell our own stories.

To use to tell our own stories. You can make them play soccer

You can make them play soccer or fight a space battle.

Or fight a space battle. >> I want them to make out.

>> I want them to make out. >> oh, yeah, let's see that.

>> oh, yeah, let's see that. Whatever you want, because these

Whatever you want, because these characters now belong to all

Characters now belong to all of us.

Of us. It's a little something I like

It's a little something I like to call...

To call... ??

?? ? ...The circle of rights >> so you're saying that

? ...The circle of rights >> so you're saying that everything the light touches

>> so you're saying that everything the light touches will one day be mine?

Everything the light touches will one day be mine? >> nope, not anymore.

Will one day be mine? >> nope, not anymore. >> in 1998, mickey mouse was

>> nope, not anymore. >> in 1998, mickey mouse was about to enter the public

>> in 1998, mickey mouse was about to enter the public domain.

About to enter the public domain. To stop that from happening,

Domain. To stop that from happening, disney and other companies

To stop that from happening, disney and other companies lobbied congress to extend the

Disney and other companies lobbied congress to extend the term of copyright by decades

Lobbied congress to extend the term of copyright by decades just so they can retain

Term of copyright by decades just so they can retain ownership of him and other

Just so they can retain ownership of him and other characters.

Ownership of him and other characters. Now, all those characters that

Characters. Now, all those characters that would belong to us,

Now, all those characters that would belong to us, belong to them.

Would belong to us, belong to them. >> oh, no.

Belong to them. >> oh, no. I'm s-s-scared.

>> oh, no. I'm s-s-scared. >> you should be.

I'm s-s-scared. >> you should be. Because this problem is far more

>> you should be. Because this problem is far more serious than just cartoons.

Because this problem is far more serious than just cartoons. (whistles)

(whistles) meet james boyle, co-founder

Meet james boyle, co-founder of the center of public domain

At duke university. >> hi, adam. Hi, jake.

>> hi, adam. Hi, jake. Because of these laws, nothing

Because of these laws, nothing has entered the public domain

Has entered the public domain for years.

For years. In fact, no published work went

In fact, no published work went into the public domain until 2019.

Into the public domain until 2019. Books, songs, movies, even

Until 2019. Books, songs, movies, even scientific articles are stuck

Books, songs, movies, even scientific articles are stuck in an legal limbo.

Scientific articles are stuck in an legal limbo. >> and those are just the ones

In an legal limbo. >> and those are just the ones we know about.

>> and those are just the ones we know about. >> aah, man.

We know about. >> aah, man. I'm the fish?!

>> aah, man. I'm the fish?! I wanted to be

I'm the fish?! I wanted to be the jamaican crab.

The jamaican crab. >> look down there.

>> look down there. >> what are they?

C>> those are orphaned works. They're under copyright, but

They're under copyright, but their original owners can't be

Their original owners can't be found.

Found. It's illegal to share them, but they can't share themselves.

It's illegal to share them, but they can't share themselves. So they're trapped down here

They can't share themselves. So they're trapped down here in intelligential property

So they're trapped down here in intelligential property purgatory.

In intelligential property purgatory. >> a great work of art or

Purgatory. >> a great work of art or scientific break through

>> a great work of art or scientific break through could be down there.

Scientific break through could be down there. >> (coughs)

Could be down there. >> (coughs) I'm a racist poem.

>> (coughs) I'm a racist poem. >> okay, they're not all

I'm a racist poem. >> okay, they're not all winners.

>> okay, they're not all winners. But because of copyright

Winners. But because of copyright extension, we'll never know.

But because of copyright extension, we'll never know. >> that's so sad.

Extension, we'll never know. >> that's so sad. They just want to be part

>> that's so sad. They just want to be part of our world.

They just want to be part of our world. >> that's right.

Of our world. >> that's right. Until the last 50 years, every

>> that's right. Until the last 50 years, every generation in american history

Until the last 50 years, every generation in american history has had free and legal access

Generation in american history has had free and legal access to the creativity of the past.

Has had free and legal access to the creativity of the past. They can learn from it,

To the creativity of the past. They can learn from it, they can build on it.

They can learn from it, they can build on it. Now, all that creativity is

They can build on it. Now, all that creativity is locked away.

Now, all that creativity is locked away. >> and the true irony is that

Locked away. >> and the true irony is that no one understood that better

>> and the true irony is that no one understood that better than walt disney.

No one understood that better than walt disney. Dozen of disney characters were

Than walt disney. Dozen of disney characters were taken from the public domain.

Dozen of disney characters were taken from the public domain. Even the break through mickey

Taken from the public domain. Even the break through mickey cartoon "steamboat willie" is

Even the break through mickey cartoon "steamboat willie" is based on a buster keaton movie

Cartoon "steamboat willie" is based on a buster keaton movie from 1928.

From 1928. >> holy crap.

>> holy crap. That's hypocritical.

>> ? hypo-- hypo-- hypo-- ? that's hypocritical

? that's hypocritical ? crap, that's hypocritical ?

>> whoa. >> jake, disney cartoons are fun to watch, but they're made by a

>> jake, disney cartoons are fun to watch, but they're made by a company that profits from our

To watch, but they're made by a company that profits from our shared culture heritage while

Company that profits from our shared culture heritage while refusing to contribute to it.

Shared culture heritage while refusing to contribute to it. That really stinks.

Refusing to contribute to it. That really stinks. >> (groans)

That really stinks. >> (groans) now, I can't even watch tv

>> (groans) now, I can't even watch tv without getting bummed.

Now, I can't even watch tv without getting bummed. I hate learning!

Without getting bummed. I hate learning! >> well, we could play video

I hate learning! >> well, we could play video games.

>> well, we could play video games. >> you like video games?

Games. >> you like video games? >> does this answer your

>> you like video games? >> does this answer your question?

>> does this answer your question? >> yeah, it answers a lot of

Question? >> yeah, it answers a lot of them actually.

>> yeah, it answers a lot of them actually. Let's play.

Them actually. Let's play. (video game music plays)

Let's play. (video game music plays) (fighting sounds)

(video game music plays) (fighting sounds) >> of course, our gender culture

(fighting sounds) >> of course, our gender culture attitudes towards video games

>> of course, our gender culture attitudes towards video games are destroying the medium.

Attitudes towards video games are destroying the medium. Let me tell you about it.

Are destroying the medium. Let me tell you about it. >> this is a nightmare.

Let me tell you about it. >> this is a nightmare. I'm living in a nightmare.

>> this is a nightmare. I'm living in a nightmare. ??

>> please, please, please, don't teach me anything terrible about video games.

Don't teach me anything terrible about video games. I don't want to learn

Terrible about video games. I don't want to learn about video games.

I don't want to learn about video games. I just want to play.

About video games. I just want to play. >> can I play too?

I just want to play. >> can I play too? >> get out of here, megan!

>> can I play too? >> get out of here, megan! Video games are for boys.

>> get out of here, megan! Video games are for boys. >> so you would rather play with

Video games are for boys. >> so you would rather play with this old man than me?

>> so you would rather play with this old man than me? >> yes.

This old man than me? >> yes. >> okay.

>> yes. >> okay. >> right, to most people

>> okay. >> right, to most people video games are as male as

>> right, to most people video games are as male as the color blue.

Video games are as male as the color blue. >> yeah, I hate pink!

The color blue. >> yeah, I hate pink! I'm a boy!

Oh, man, this is the lesson, isn't it? >> yup, because both of those

Isn't it? >> yup, because both of those ideas are far more recent than

>> yup, because both of those ideas are far more recent than we think and didn't become rules

Ideas are far more recent than we think and didn't become rules until the 1980's.

We think and didn't become rules until the 1980's. >> but that was so long ago.

Until the 1980's. >> but that was so long ago. Is it true there was a white

>> but that was so long ago. Is it true there was a white president?

Is it true there was a white president? >> oh, yeah, there were a ton

President? >> oh, yeah, there were a ton of them.

>> oh, yeah, there were a ton of them. Speaking of which,

Of them. Speaking of which, do me a favor.

Speaking of which, do me a favor. Imagine a small child.

Do me a favor. Imagine a small child. They have long golden hair,

Imagine a small child. They have long golden hair, a frilly dress, and pretty hat.

They have long golden hair, a frilly dress, and pretty hat. What gender are they?

A frilly dress, and pretty hat. What gender are they? >> well, based on my knowledge

What gender are they? >> well, based on my knowledge of disgusting girls,

>> well, based on my knowledge of disgusting girls, I say female.

Of disgusting girls, I say female. >> wrong.

I say female. >> wrong. I'm describing our 32nd

>> wrong. I'm describing our 32nd president franklin delano

I'm describing our 32nd president franklin delano roosevelt.

President franklin delano roosevelt. Before word war ii, little boys

Roosevelt. Before word war ii, little boys and little girls wore the same

Before word war ii, little boys and little girls wore the same outfits: Pretty dresses.

And little girls wore the same outfits: Pretty dresses. >> ugh, I hate it.

Outfits: Pretty dresses. >> ugh, I hate it. Wait a minute, I can actually

>> ugh, I hate it. Wait a minute, I can actually really move in this.

Wait a minute, I can actually really move in this. >> in the 1950's, gender

Really move in this. >> in the 1950's, gender specific clothing came

>> in the 1950's, gender specific clothing came into fashion.

Specific clothing came into fashion. And it all basically

Into fashion. And it all basically started dressing kids like

And it all basically started dressing kids like smaller versions of themselves.

Started dressing kids like smaller versions of themselves. >> ah, man, I liked the dress.

Smaller versions of themselves. >> ah, man, I liked the dress. Hey, cool, I look like a car

>> ah, man, I liked the dress. Hey, cool, I look like a car salesmen!

Hey, cool, I look like a car salesmen! >> in the 70's, unisex fashion

Salesmen! >> in the 70's, unisex fashion once again became all the rage.

>> in the 70's, unisex fashion once again became all the rage. >> I can't tell what I am.

Once again became all the rage. >> I can't tell what I am. Well, at least my neck is warm.

>> I can't tell what I am. Well, at least my neck is warm. >> until the mid-80's

Well, at least my neck is warm. >> until the mid-80's when gender norms once again

>> until the mid-80's when gender norms once again took over, and pink for girls

When gender norms once again took over, and pink for girls and blue for boys became

Took over, and pink for girls and blue for boys became basically mandatory.

And blue for boys became basically mandatory. >> this looks great, but it

Basically mandatory. >> this looks great, but it could use a bit more blue.

>> this looks great, but it could use a bit more blue. >> and it wasn't just clothes,

Could use a bit more blue. >> and it wasn't just clothes, in the 80's the toy aisle also

>> and it wasn't just clothes, in the 80's the toy aisle also became strictly divided into boy

In the 80's the toy aisle also became strictly divided into boy and girl, trucks and dolls.

Became strictly divided into boy and girl, trucks and dolls. And that's when the same thing

And girl, trucks and dolls. And that's when the same thing happened to video games.

And that's when the same thing happened to video games. (straining)

Early video games like "pong" were totally unisex. >> am I boy dot or girl dot?

Were totally unisex. >> am I boy dot or girl dot? >> you're just a dot.

>> am I boy dot or girl dot? >> you're just a dot. >> ow, ow, ow, ow.

>> you're just a dot. >> ow, ow, ow, ow. >> in fact, the game was

>> ow, ow, ow, ow. >> in fact, the game was marketed to the entire family.

>> in fact, the game was marketed to the entire family. >> what about "pac-man"?

Marketed to the entire family. >> what about "pac-man"? He was a boy.

>> what about "pac-man"? He was a boy. >> true, but the game was so

He was a boy. >> true, but the game was so popular with women, that when

>> true, but the game was so popular with women, that when came time for a sequel the

Popular with women, that when came time for a sequel the developers gave it a female

Came time for a sequel the developers gave it a female main character, "ms. Pac-man".

Developers gave it a female main character, "ms. Pac-man". >> oh yeah, I'm spooky.

Main character, "ms. Pac-man". >> oh yeah, I'm spooky. >> not "mrs.", "ms."

>> oh yeah, I'm spooky. >> not "mrs.", "ms." she was a modern 80's

>> not "mrs.", "ms." she was a modern 80's career woman.

She was a modern 80's career woman. >> I have an mba in eating

Career woman. >> I have an mba in eating ghosts.

>> I have an mba in eating ghosts. Wacha-wacha-wacha-wacha-wacha.

Ghosts. Wacha-wacha-wacha-wacha-wacha. >> (cries out)

Wacha-wacha-wacha-wacha-wacha. >> (cries out) she's so confident.

>> (cries out) she's so confident. >> and not only was much of the

She's so confident. >> and not only was much of the audience female, many of the

Audience female, many of the developers were too.

Developers were too. Among the stars of early game

Design were atari's carol shaw, "centipede" creator donna

"centipede" creator donna bailey, and roberta williams,

Bailey, and roberta williams, an adventure game pioneer and

An adventure game pioneer and company co-founder whose

Company co-founder whose "king's quest" series was a

"king's quest" series was a massive hit among gamers of all stripes.

Massive hit among gamers of all stripes. >> cool, seems like everything's

Stripes. >> cool, seems like everything's great.

>> cool, seems like everything's great. Can I play my game now?

Great. Can I play my game now? >> nope, because all of that

Can I play my game now? >> nope, because all of that changed thanks to video game

>> nope, because all of that changed thanks to video game crash of 1983.

Changed thanks to video game crash of 1983. Greedy publishers started

Crash of 1983. Greedy publishers started flooding the market with shoddy

Greedy publishers started flooding the market with shoddy games like "I want my mommy",

Flooding the market with shoddy games like "I want my mommy", "lost luggage", and "e.T." for

Games like "I want my mommy", "lost luggage", and "e.T." for the atari 2600, which has been

"lost luggage", and "e.T." for the atari 2600, which has been called one of the worst games

The atari 2600, which has been called one of the worst games of all time.

Of all time. >> yuck! I'll play anything

>> yuck! I'll play anything and even I know that's a turd.

>> most adults stop playing games entirely, and the video

Games entirely, and the video game market cratered.

Game market cratered. (explosions)

(explosions) so when it came time to

So when it came time to marketing the original nintendo entertainment system, nintendo

Marketing the original nintendo entertainment system, nintendo devised a plan.

Entertainment system, nintendo devised a plan. Instead of selling it in the

Devised a plan. Instead of selling it in the electronics section, they sold

Instead of selling it in the electronics section, they sold it toy aisle.

Electronics section, they sold it toy aisle. But by then the toy aisle was

It toy aisle. But by then the toy aisle was completely separated into pink

But by then the toy aisle was completely separated into pink and blue, boy and girl.

Completely separated into pink and blue, boy and girl. Nintendo had to choose a side.

And blue, boy and girl. Nintendo had to choose a side. They went with boy, and then

Nintendo had to choose a side. They went with boy, and then they marketed to those boys

They went with boy, and then they marketed to those boys restlessly.

They marketed to those boys restlessly. >> what's it like to play the

Restlessly. >> what's it like to play the nintendo entertainment system?

>> what's it like to play the nintendo entertainment system? ??

Nintendo entertainment system? ?? now you're playing with power.

?? now you're playing with power. >> other brands soon

Now you're playing with power. >> other brands soon followed suit.

>> other brands soon followed suit. >> introducing game gear

Followed suit. >> introducing game gear from sega. Separate

>> introducing game gear from sega. Separate the men from the boys.

From sega. Separate the men from the boys. >> and kept marketing to them

The men from the boys. >> and kept marketing to them as they grew up.

>> and kept marketing to them as they grew up. ??

As they grew up. ?? >> it's not the size of your

?? >> it's not the size of your howitzer, it's what you

>> it's not the size of your howitzer, it's what you do with it.

Howitzer, it's what you do with it. >> I got this pulling a 360

Do with it. >> I got this pulling a 360 stalefish.

>> I got this pulling a 360 stalefish. >> I know you like that.

Stalefish. >> I know you like that. I know you love that.

>> I know you like that. I know you love that. >> it's all about the control.

I know you love that. >> it's all about the control. (tires screeching)

>> it's all about the control. (tires screeching) >> you are so totally whipped.

(tires screeching) >> you are so totally whipped. >> come and play with me.

>> you are so totally whipped. >> come and play with me. >> and after decades of this

>> and after decades of this kind of advertising...

Kind of advertising... >> what's up, bitch?

>> ...We now think of video games as being the exclusive

Games as being the exclusive domain of the male sex.

Domain of the male sex. >> okay, those ads are weird.

>> okay, those ads are weird. But boys just like video games

But boys just like video games more than girls do. >> sorry, jake, that's a

More than girls do. >> sorry, jake, that's a straight up myth.

>> sorry, jake, that's a straight up myth. More adult women play video

Straight up myth. More adult women play video games than teenage boys do.

>> that's just counting stupid phone games.

Phone games. >> uh, so?

Games are games, jake. All that means is that

All that means is that mainstream consoles like ps4

Mainstream consoles like ps4 and xbox one are refusing to

And xbox one are refusing to serve a huge untapped market.

We're talking millions of women who love to play more games, but are being pushed away from

Who love to play more games, but are being pushed away from the hobby weird, old-fashion

But are being pushed away from the hobby weird, old-fashion marketing that publishers are

The hobby weird, old-fashion marketing that publishers are sticking with seemingly out of

Marketing that publishers are sticking with seemingly out of sheer force of habit.

>> aah, who's doing that?

Why are you hurting me, megan? >> because I'm mad at you. I like games.

>> because I'm mad at you. I like games. I've always like them.

I like games. I've always like them. It's just sometimes I feel like

I've always like them. It's just sometimes I feel like they don't love me back.

It's just sometimes I feel like they don't love me back. You act like I'm not supposed to

They don't love me back. You act like I'm not supposed to play them or something just

You act like I'm not supposed to play them or something just because you listen to all these

Play them or something just because you listen to all these stupid ads.

Because you listen to all these stupid ads. >> jake, video games are the

Stupid ads. >> jake, video games are the greatest new art form of the

>> jake, video games are the greatest new art form of the century.

Greatest new art form of the century. They can do anything.

Century. They can do anything. Saying they're for just one

They can do anything. Saying they're for just one gender is ridiculous.

Saying they're for just one gender is ridiculous. >> yeah, it's like saying movies

Gender is ridiculous. >> yeah, it's like saying movies are just for girls or books are

>> yeah, it's like saying movies are just for girls or books are just for dads.

Are just for girls or books are just for dads. It's stupid.

Just for dads. It's stupid. >> when we think about

It's stupid. >> when we think about video games in such a limited

>> when we think about video games in such a limited way, it makes the games worse,

Video games in such a limited way, it makes the games worse, it loses the industry money,

Way, it makes the games worse, it loses the industry money, and it really mean to your

It loses the industry money, and it really mean to your sister.

And it really mean to your sister. >> (roars)

Sister. >> (roars) fine!

>> (roars) fine! All I wanted to do was have fun

Fine! All I wanted to do was have fun on the last day of summer.

All I wanted to do was have fun on the last day of summer. But I guess summer sucks,

On the last day of summer. But I guess summer sucks, cartoons suck, video games suck,

But I guess summer sucks, cartoons suck, video games suck, and all I have to do forever

Cartoons suck, video games suck, and all I have to do forever is learn about stupid things

And all I have to do forever is learn about stupid things that make fun suck!

Is learn about stupid things that make fun suck! >> jake, if you wait one second,

That make fun suck! >> jake, if you wait one second, I'll tell you why learning makes

>> jake, if you wait one second, I'll tell you why learning makes everything more fun.

I'll tell you why learning makes everything more fun. >> I don't care!

Everything more fun. >> I don't care! (shouting)

>> I don't care! (shouting) >> just wait, he'll burn out

(shouting) >> just wait, he'll burn out in about three minutes.

>> just wait, he'll burn out in about three minutes. >> yeah, I've seen this before.

In about three minutes. >> yeah, I've seen this before. (cat shrieks)

>> yeah, I've seen this before. (cat shrieks) ??

>> hey, jake, did you learn anything today, buddy? >> (grumbling)

Anything today, buddy? >> (grumbling) >> jake, learning actually makes

>> (grumbling) >> jake, learning actually makes the world even more fun.

>> jake, learning actually makes the world even more fun. Here, let me show you.

>> where are we? >> oh, these are games that I play when you're not around.

>> oh, these are games that I play when you're not around. >> so, jake, when nintendo

I play when you're not around. >> so, jake, when nintendo learned that making games just

>> so, jake, when nintendo learned that making games just for boys was limiting their

Learned that making games just for boys was limiting their audience, they hired a female

For boys was limiting their audience, they hired a female director to create

Audience, they hired a female director to create "animal crossing: New leaf".

Director to create "animal crossing: New leaf". >> you play this too, megan?

"animal crossing: New leaf". >> you play this too, megan? I love this game.

>> you play this too, megan? I love this game. >> uh-huh.

I love this game. >> uh-huh. >> me too, it fulfills my

>> uh-huh. >> me too, it fulfills my childhood fantasy of making

>> me too, it fulfills my childhood fantasy of making friends and owning property.

Childhood fantasy of making friends and owning property. It also broke sales records,

Friends and owning property. It also broke sales records, and 56 percent of the people

It also broke sales records, and 56 percent of the people playing it are women.

And 56 percent of the people playing it are women. >> really?

Playing it are women. >> really? (imitates explosion)

>> really? (imitates explosion) >> yeah, and with the rise of

(imitates explosion) >> yeah, and with the rise of indie games, more and more

>> yeah, and with the rise of indie games, more and more female developers are getting to

Female developers are getting to make whole new types of video games.

Make whole new types of video games. Just ask kellee santiago,

Video games. Just ask kellee santiago, one of creators of "journey".

Just ask kellee santiago, one of creators of "journey". >> oh, I love "journey",

One of creators of "journey". >> oh, I love "journey", it's so beautiful,

>> oh, I love "journey", it's so beautiful, but where is she?

It's so beautiful, but where is she? >> over here, megan.

But where is she? >> over here, megan. I'm just hanging out

I'm just hanging out in my own game.

In my own game. >> cool.

>> when we created "journey", we wanted to make a game that

We wanted to make a game that anyone could relate to.

Anyone could relate to. So our theory was that console

So our theory was that console video games and gamers

Video games and gamers were being unfairly pigeon holed into only a limited range

Were being unfairly pigeon holed into only a limited range of genres.

Into only a limited range of genres. Our goal with "journey" was to

Of genres. Our goal with "journey" was to show that games can be about

Our goal with "journey" was to show that games can be about something else and that both

Show that games can be about something else and that both avid and first-time gamers would

Something else and that both avid and first-time gamers would embrace these new types

Avid and first-time gamers would embrace these new types of games.

Embrace these new types of games. >> and it worked.

Of games. >> and it worked. "journey" was a massive hit

>> and it worked. "journey" was a massive hit among all types of gamers.

"journey" was a massive hit among all types of gamers. >> it does look pretty fun.

Among all types of gamers. >> it does look pretty fun. >> and now developers are really

>> it does look pretty fun. >> and now developers are really experimenting with reaching all

>> and now developers are really experimenting with reaching all types of players.

Experimenting with reaching all types of players. It's an incredibly exciting time

Types of players. It's an incredibly exciting time in video games.

It's an incredibly exciting time in video games. >> thanks, kellee.

In video games. >> thanks, kellee. >> bye, got to go, there's a

>> thanks, kellee. >> bye, got to go, there's a sandstorm coming.

>> bye, got to go, there's a sandstorm coming. >> bye, kellee.

Sandstorm coming. >> bye, kellee. >> bye.

>> bye, kellee. >> bye. >> video games are all about

>> bye. >> video games are all about unbridled imagination.

>> video games are all about unbridled imagination. So when we set them free of

Unbridled imagination. So when we set them free of arbitrary restrictions, they're

So when we set them free of arbitrary restrictions, they're more fun than ever.

Arbitrary restrictions, they're more fun than ever. >> copy right law's

More fun than ever. >> copy right law's the same way.

>> copy right law's the same way. If we just let the public domain

The same way. If we just let the public domain flourish, think of all the

If we just let the public domain flourish, think of all the awesome new works that would be

Flourish, think of all the awesome new works that would be created.

Awesome new works that would be created. >> or summer breaks.

Created. >> or summer breaks. If we looked at our educational

>> or summer breaks. If we looked at our educational system with fresh eyes, we can

If we looked at our educational system with fresh eyes, we can make sure that every kid has

System with fresh eyes, we can make sure that every kid has just as fun a summer as you.

Make sure that every kid has just as fun a summer as you. >> we don't have to keep doing

Just as fun a summer as you. >> we don't have to keep doing things the same way just because

>> we don't have to keep doing things the same way just because that's how people did them in

Things the same way just because that's how people did them in the past.

That's how people did them in the past. We have the power to learn about

The past. We have the power to learn about the world and improve it

We have the power to learn about the world and improve it so that future generations can

The world and improve it so that future generations can have fun without limits.

So that future generations can have fun without limits. >> so what you're saying is

Have fun without limits. >> so what you're saying is if we learn we can be free of

>> so what you're saying is if we learn we can be free of society's dumb rules?

If we learn we can be free of society's dumb rules? >> that's exactly right.

Society's dumb rules? >> that's exactly right. >> okay, well, then you know

>> that's exactly right. >> okay, well, then you know what I want.

>> okay, well, then you know what I want. >> mm-hm.

>> all right! But-- oh, no. The last day of summer

But-- oh, no. The last day of summer is almost over, and I ripped up

The last day of summer is almost over, and I ripped up my notebook.

Is almost over, and I ripped up my notebook. How will I have fun now?

My notebook. How will I have fun now? >> want to play "journey"?

How will I have fun now? >> want to play "journey"? >> you still want to play

>> want to play "journey"? >> you still want to play with me?

>> you still want to play with me? >> you're annoying and weird,

With me? >> you're annoying and weird, but okay.

(both whispering) >> looks like my work here is done.

>> looks like my work here is done. (chuckling)

Is done. (chuckling) >> megan, jake, we're home.

(chuckling) >> megan, jake, we're home. Who the (bleep) are you?

>> megan, jake, we're home. Who the (bleep) are you? ??

>> woo, don't get those, they're loaded with sugar. >> thanks for the tip.

They're loaded with sugar. >> thanks for the tip. >> and the beef jerky is

>> thanks for the tip. >> and the beef jerky is high in sodium.

High in sodium. >> I know, I'm just gonna get

>> I know, I'm just gonna get like a little bit, so it's fine.

>> not staying away from the gluten I see.

Gluten I see. >> you know, has anyone ever

>> you know, has anyone ever told you, you can be

Told you, you can be a little abrasive?