Sony Strikes Again!

With my previous article that found a relationship between the owner of CNN, AOL Time Warner, and the electronic super giant, Sony, my ears have become attuned to their associations. Yet again, I find an article that poses as news while acts more strongly as a commercial. Sony Game Delayed Over Quran Gaffe spent more the article giving praise to the game than addressing the issue of offensive content.

A new console game titled “LittleBigPlanet” has come into controversy ahead of its release due to lyrics that can be found in the Quran. Though this seems to be the focus of the article, the majority of the piece is not. This brief article focused heavily on the reviews and alleged anticipation of the game, rather than the subject of its headline.

“…described by review Web site IGN.com as ‘instant classic’…”
“…the
console’s first launch of an icon to match Nintendo’s ubiquitous Mario…”
“…will now begin shipping in North America in the week of October 27.”

These quotes jump out at me like a trailer hyping the release of a new movie. Though they address the condolences that the videogame makers have for the gaffe, the article serves as little more than a public relations statement.

My greatest shock is that as this subject rides on the tail coat of the rage brought on by the European cartoons depicting Mohammad. This article lost a great opportunity to act responsibly. The anger that came from the Mohammad cartoons sent devoted Muslims into the streets in protest. With the most dominant religion in the world being Islam, it startles me that an article like this could be written without putting the offensive nature of the lyrics into context.

This article could dodge the pitfall of being merely a P.R. statement and actually be an informative piece of journalism with a few simple examples of investigation. Put the event into context by explaining why these lyrics could be offensive. Describe examples similar to this where offense was taken and what the outcome was. Make this article diverse by interviewing people with differing opinions. Some debate within the article as to whether or not these lyrics should be taken so seriously would help to bring the reader to a well made consensus on the issue. This article did nothing that would allow me to give my opinion on the matter other than making me interested in an upcoming game.

Works Cited:
Sony Game Delayed Over Quran Gaffe
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/10/20/littlebigplanet.delay/index.html