Ads for Fallout 3, Bethesda’s new post-nuclear RPG behemoth, have ruffled feathers by being placed within the Washington, D.C. subway transit system.
Naturally, this has caused somewhat of an uproar with certain users of the transit system, including Joseph Anzalone, reportedly a citizen who uses the subway and wrote a complaint to the Washington Post in the form of a letter to the editor. In the letter he states how he believes that the ads go beyond being inappropriate; they are unconstitutional and thus should be removed. Quite a bold charge.
Here is his letter in full:
“Metrorail riders who have passed through Metro Center over the past several weeks may have noticed signs throughout the station advertising a videogame called Fallout 3. A heavily armored enemy soldier appears in the foreground of the ads, and the background includes images of seemingly war-ravaged national landmarks.
In one ad, the Washington Monument and the American flags surrounding it stand ravaged, as if hit by missiles. In another, the Capitol dome is partially caved in, while the rest of the building and the city behind it lie in ruins.
The people of our city do not need a daily reminder that Washington is a prime target for an attack. We do not need a daily reminder of what our worst fears look like. Since any First Amendment objection would be irrelevant (the ads do not present a true viewpoint or political message and would therefore not be protected), there is no reason for these ads to be part of our daily panorama.
The ads should be removed, and the appropriate office at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority should be directed to exercise better judgment regarding what can be displayed in our transportation system.”
I must say that it seems to be in bad taste/judgment for Bethesda to display these ads where they displayed them, in my humble opinion. The reality of terrorism is real and something that people need not forget. Although maybe certain ads would be better than others. Still, I don’t see why they must try and pick a spot that they know will offend/outrage certain people, can’t they just place normal billboard street sign ads or something? Pick a different spot.
Although I fail to see how these ads differ from the likes of movie posters for Cloverfield and Independence Day, which also showed national monuments being destroyed. Once again, there seems to be a double standard when it comes to video games.
Via 1-Up