A concerned citizen

[The Wooster]

Like many of you I responded to the news that Little Big Planet's release would be delayed by a whole week because of some (legitimate) concerns from religious gamers, by descending into a frothing nerd rage. I then drafted the following letter I plan to send to Sony human resources.

To whom it may concern

I am writing in regards to the control device or 'controller' supplied with your product the 'PLAYSTATION 3'. While I am satisfied with the performance of the controller both ergonomically and aesthetically I, and some members of a christian gaming forum I frequent, have noticed something that disturbs us greatly. Since the directors of Sony have proven themselves open to suggestions from minority religious groups I decided that I would contact you directly with these concerns in the hope that could correct this problem as soon as possible.
The Crucifix, or 'Cross' is a vital part of Christian symbolism and is, for many people, a linchpin for their faith. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the holy cross, symbol of our lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice, does in fact adorn the PS3 controller in a very undignified fashion. No matter how you look at it, the 'D-PAD', as it is called, is undoubtedly a representation of the crucifix. While I appreciate that there is no specific tenet in our faith pertaining to the display of the holy cross and that you may find it on T-shirts, shop windows, in taxi cabs, etc I can't help but feel that displaying the holy cross on a video game entertainment system is unsuitable and offensive in the extreme.
These pictures may highlight the problem in more detail.

It is not my intent to voice outrage nor demand a product recall, in fact I would rather avoid that, especially with the imminent release of little Big Planet, but I insist that something must be done about this obvious design flaw which has the potential to offend many members of the world's second largest faith. Perhaps you could issue a circular cover of some sort? I would appreciate a prompt response.

Thank you for your time and God Bless.

Yours

Jeremy Frogmouth

 

[black lincon]

you just made my day

 

[Ultrajoe]

While i appreciate the joke, i cant help wondering how this helps.

 

[Rankao]

Ohh ooho add in there about something being Black or Latino! And mention the Man a couple of times. The White <an, and how the be suppressing out peoples. Yes, the Asain White Man all their PS3 slavers and shiat.

 

[Blind0bserver]

Doctorpus, for this you just became my new hero. If you could also post whatever their response to this is when and if they respond, that would be great.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

A) I love you

B) You must get really bored.

 

[AuntyEthel]

Please post a reply if you get one. It would be classic if they took it seriously.

 

[The Wooster]

I probably don't need to say this folks but this is all about getting a rise out of Sony's staff and not about making a point about legitimacy of the Little Big Planet thing. As I said earlier their claim was legitimate, this is just poking fun at how quickly Sony decided to pull back the release of a multi-million dollar game.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Well, I have never found offense to the design, but I find legitimacy to the argument as well.

So far it seems no one is taking this as a pathetic stupidity on anyone's part, so I am satisfied.

 

[gamebrain89]

Thats awesome. You are my new hero.

 

[Jobz]

I never even knew LBP was being delayed at all. Oh well, this was quite amusing. I'd love to see a reply from Sony if you get one.

 

[UberSkinny]

A week? I thought it was a month delayed!

I hope your right.. /

 

[Jumplion]

I honestly find it quite stupid, but whatever.

Still pissed though .-.

 

[GCM]

Well, it IS Sony...

They'll probably send you some cake and an invitation or something. Either that, or they're afraid that someone actually is this stupid, in which case they'll pretend they never got it. Sure, they could attack other controllers, but that's just me thinking of scenarios.

 

[Syntax Error]

Wait just a minute here... They're writing to Sony because the d-pad resembles a cross? Why did they wait two decades to point this out? If it were me I'd blame Nintendo (not that I'd do that, because that's a descent to idiocy):

Heck, I don't even have to trace the cross there do I?

Someone link this to the "Why all the hate on Christianity" thread, quick!!!

If they do have to blame someone, they should blame the person who invented the small letter 'T'.

I'm also a Christian, but I don't let my faith get me offended with every little thing I see that resembles my religion's artifacts and symbols.

 

[The Wooster]

Someone hasn't read the topic...

 

[milomalo]

hehehehe... and... the picture... its from a ps2 controller not from a ps3... it would look better whit the new controller but what the hell... still funny hope they respond XD

 

[Syntax Error]

I will read carefully through posts from now on. I promise.

 

[milomalo]

im just saying that probably will get better chances to get attention whit the right controller thats all and this was a funny joke

 

[PurpleRain]

Great article Decoy. Love reading your stuff.

Oh yeah, isn't it that the right side of the same controller looks pretty much like the d-pad? So why did he single that out?

The problem with his statement is that he does not mind seeing the cross (As in the actual image of the Crucifix) in anything, but he gets offended because of his interpretation that everyone else will probably shrug off.

Off-topic:
I noticed that DecoyDoctorpus is no longer Gonzo. There are new titles already implemented?

Someone needs anouther read through.

Also, Decoy has a differnt title because the Escapist had to let people know we're in the presents of royalty.