"offensive" news and stories

The game is called The McDonald's Videogame and it sounds innocent enough, but it is immediately apparent from the sinister-looking "Ronald" clown that this is not a happy virtual world. The game is essentially anti-McDonalds propaganda, taking cues from books like Beyond Beef, Fast Food Nation and No Logo to an extreme, albeit cartoon, form. There is nothing wrong with that. But there is something wrong with they way that the creators of the game (an Italian group) pretend to represent the McDonald's corporation.

The phrasing on the site is impossible to overlook. Even on the front page, the site states that "you'll discover all the dirty secrets that made us one of the biggest company [sic] of the world." Of course, since they are not affiliated with the company, there is a disclaimer that states that very fact - but their version of an "about us" page continues with the following: Denying all these well founded accusations would be impossible so we decided to create an online game to explain to young people that this is the price to pay in order to preserve our lifestyle. We'll continue on our way, with our well-known determination. Join us and have fun with us!"

So what is the point here? Stand up and support what you believe in. People are being deceived by the site, to one degree or another (just take a look at the forums), and think that it is run by McDonald's. The authors of the books so admired by the video game creator did not pretend to be affiliated with the company that they were condemning. And they did not need to do so to make a convincing argument. If you don't like McDonald's, just say so. The game is more fun with less propaganda.

(*Note: There is some offensive language in the game if you decide to play it. Consider yourself warned.)

[via Supersized Meals)

New versions of history textbooks for primary and middle schools in India have been updated to omit mention of the beef-eating practices of ancient Hindus, according to The Toronto Star. Previously, many historical texts used in Indian schools made note of how cows were slaughtered and eaten for festival meals and also used as ritual offerings by people of both upper and lower classes in ancient India. These sections were omitted under pressure from Hindu activists who found the historical references insulting, the Star reported. The piece also quotes several noted historians who feel that the sections should remain in the textbooks, as there are a variety of historical documents supporting the carnivorous claims.