Russia Bans MW2

[ShadowSoldier]

mrstickball said:

ultima said:

PostModGuru said:
This is why I love living in America, because this act of banning games, movies, book burning, is completely against the freedoms inherent in my country's constitution. This is only a small example of what is wrong in countries like Russia and China. Freedom of expression is a human right. And although you may disagree with an idea, photo, video, whomever made it still has the right to do so and any person who wants to consume it also has the right to do so. Anyone who disagrees should try living in a shithole like communist china or the USSR. I don't think half of you who say that they agree that Russia has a right to do this could last a week in China with it's censored internet. That line of thinking is comparable to a religious extremist or fascist ideology. Adults should be able to consume anything; media, substances, ideas, etc. if the consumption is victimless. This just proves to me that Russia is still a third world country in terms of freedoms and still has a long way to go...

You really have no right to criticize a country you know very little about. What if someone walks into a bar in, say, Dallas and screams, "USA SUCKS!"? I'm certain he'll get beat to pulp (for exercising his freedom of speech, a fundamental human right). Or what about the Dixie Chicks case? Doesn't seem like America is that free after all...

Ah, but there is a huge difference there.

In your example, the man has the right to express himself. If he expresses himself in the wrong area at the wrong time, there are consequences for that. However, he is still free to express himself. Likewise, the man that was attacked would be able to face his attackers in court, and ensure they went to jail for their crimes.

I'm going to agree with PostMod here.

Russia banning the game shows that they are still protectionist when it comes to freedoms. That is that they don't want their country to be shown in a negative light. Of course, that is just the tip of their iceburg, as they don't quite have a great track record with human rights, or freedoms - even after the fall of the USSR.

On the other end, I can understand if Russians don't like what is portrayed in the game. They should be able to choose to not buy the game, or protest it. But to have the government come in and ban it is not great for freedom. What happens if Russia bans any game that portrays the west in a positive light, next?

 

Well im pretty sure the general consensus would be to have the game banned from retail would it not? And to everyone criticing Russia for this move, COME ON! I understand the whole freedom of speech thing but really, its a touchy subject right now that no one wants to be put in. Since 9/11 airport violence has become an incredible touchy subject for everyone and with good reason. To criticize Russia for not really agreeing with being put into the roll of "Terrorist" is foolishness.