Another day, another country trying to use violence as an excuse to restrict the freedom of media. Today we have South Africa, the country where racism was invented, falling prey to the "ban this sick filth" hysteria following a samurai sword killing.
A 16-year old was murdered by his schoolmate, who allegedly committed the crime while dressed as Slipknot's Joey Jordison. This was enough for South Africa's Family Policy Institute to petition the government, asking that "violent" videogames and music with "violent" lyrics be pulled from shelves "pending the outcome of the investigation."
Although FPI spokesman Errol Naidoo admitted that the banning of said material would not guarantee an end of violent behavior, he suggested it would be an added "peace of mind" to families.
It's good that one of these anti-media folks just admitted that the only reason they want stuff banned is to feel personally better about things. You don't get Jack Thompson shedding the pretense so easily. Nevertheless, this is yet another stupid videogame controversy from another stupid reactionary group. And seriously, banning CDs? Get with the times South Africa, that sh*t got old in 1995!
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
1:31 PM on 08.26.2008
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Yet no word on weather the person behind making barbies horse adventure backwards compatible bieng arrested oh no :p
People are already fucked in the head if they copy a video game, song or movie. I learned in Psych and Sosc that most muders and crazy people come from bad parents who beat and sexually molested their kids.
We have tards like this waste of sperm deciding to make himself as an example of the fanbase. Not all of us are the stereotypical emo and socially unable rejects. Some of us are the upright rejects who act in a respectable manner.
God-fucking-dammit...
You're confusing South Africa with Zimbabwe.
South Africa, in general, is far more cosmopolitan and metropolitan than you realise. I know this, because I live there.
The whole samurai sword killing thing is retarded though.
Blame bad parenting, leave games and music out of this.
Joey Jordisons mask is just a plan white mask with some shit doodled on it!
This kid is just another one trying to pass the fucking buck and make himself come off as the victim. Why dont people fucking understand this shit?
Like honestly, this kid was probably wearing that white mask and MAYBE a jumpsuit. But i mean HONESTLY. WHAT THE FUCK
Well said. Other charges are "dressing like creepy clowns" and "having way more members than they need".
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3045&art_id=vn20080826113415230C711469
[b]But the Freedom of Expression Institute said the request would violate the rights of artists whose works would have to be pulled and did not address the real problem.
"The allegations that the conduct is inspired by lyrics, photographs, DVDs or any other media belie the truth that the person observing these should apply his or her mind to this in a reasonable and rational fashion," said Melissa Moore, head of the Freedom of Expression Institute's Law Clinic.[/b]
Logic!