I was bothered by the opinion article titled “‘Rapelay’ video game far from funny.” The first comment I would like to discuss is “our happily misogynistic culture.” Ignoring the misguided assumption that “our” culture can be summed up in a singular definition containing misogyny, there is also the fact that “Rapelay” is not a product of “our” culture. It is a product of a part of the Japanese culture. Furthermore, the game was never intended for retail outside of Japan. “Rapelay” is actually very far from “our” culture.

Then there is the comment that “we have truly hit rock bottom,” suggesting that “Rapelay” is something new when it was actually released in 2006. Expressing that “we” have hit rock bottom is another attempt to group the world into a singular culture. One video game company created and sold the game. Also, it is safe to say that “we” are far from hitting “rock bottom” considering the uproar that was caused by the game. In further defense of “our” culture, the majority of the controversy came from “our” culture despite the fact that the game was not offered in the United States.

There is also the claim that no one “can do anything about it” and that “it cannot be banned.” In fact, the Ethics Organization of Computer Software, a self-policing Japanese organization, has banned the production and retail of “Rapelay” along with any other rape-type games. This decision was because of the controversy of the game. Only some very troubled individuals are uploading their copies of the game for illegal use now.

Although I agree with the point of the article, a better understanding of the subject needs to be reached before a proper opinion and harsh judgment of “our” culture is expressed.

Jordan Weiand
Communication Technologies – Imaging Media
Senior