Penny Arcade's social responsibility

[renegade7]

Should THEY have that responsibility? No, because it would accomplish nothing. This seems to be a recurring theme in gaming, that the community sees internet icons as being much more important than they actually are in the grand scheme of things. Even the most popular and most sophisticated blog site with webcomics and videos is still just a blog site with a webcomic and some videos. It's not reasonable to expect them to be able to take on such responsibility, nor is it reasonable to argue that by using a computer they are directly harming people harmed by conflict minerals.

That said, I have experience in the semiconductor industry, and the social problem of conflict minerals absolutely cannot be understated. But it's a problem that goes way, way above the heads of bloggers and media figures and into the realm of geopolitics.

 

[Aerotrain]

You know who I really blame for not helping the Democratic Republic of Congo? Two guys who produce a successful web-comic. I'm not really satisfied with my web-comic artists until they help solve at least one large scale geopolitical crisis. Step up your game, web-comic artists.

In other words, it's not their responsibility to regulate the tech industry. If they did something about it, it'd be nice but they can't be blamed for not calling upon themselves that responsibility. If you feel very strongly about it maybe send them a nicely worded e-mail politely ASKING for their support instead of implying they are somehow at fault for not dedicating themselves to solving every breach of ethic of big gaming companies.

 

[Tsun Tzu]

Is...is this because of the Dickwolves thing?

It is, isn't it.

 

[the_dramatica]

On a related topic, one of the two banned an entire company from their convention because one was being rude on the forums, even after he got fired.

 

[blackrave]

Snip

Did I got it correct?
Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins are responsible for conflict in Congo?
Oh, silly me of course not. Let me ask this one more time.
Are western consumers of electronics responsible for conflict in Congo?

On a sidenote- are you happen to be from [checks profile] ah yes, from US
It is often easy to tell if one is from US on the internet.
Especially if one fits description of SJW.
How?
Often they posses strange mixture of grandiose delusion, arrogance and self-hatred.
It is if they believe that they are only ones who can save the world and at the same time they are the reason why world needs to be saved in the first place.
Especially if they are white and talk about non-whites.
They grew up in country where non-whites are considered "minority"
So when they see non-white person they automatically think they are minorities everywhere.
As if non-whites are incapable of taking care of themselves and dealing with problems on their own.
[sub][sub]I know this observation was explained crudely, but I'm still working on it- one day I will find a way to express it in more elegant way, so please don't go too harsh on me[/sub][/sub]

My opinion on Congo is original and often not considered.
You may not agree with me, but at least consider this as an option.
So who do I consider responsible for conflict in Congo?
Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins? No.
You and me? No.
Western consumers of electronics? Again no.
Only ones truly responsible for current state of Congo are local warlords and their armed thugs.
I know sounds crazy that people waging war are the ones responsible for it.
But hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, right?

 

[kyp275]

As the OP is obviously using an electronic device of some kind that also rely on various other electronic devices to make his post, I say he should proabably "check his privilege" and hop on a row boat to Africa and put an end to the conflict mineral business himself! (hand-built slingshots only)

I mean, we wouldn't want to see him turn into a hypocrite or anything like that right?

 

[FalloutJack]

Unless he's some sort of spoof thread genius, in which case, well done sir!

All signs point to him being serious. Not the best idea in the world.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

No I don't think they should be held accountable...

But someone who should is the BlameSociety guys... their love of beer and board-games is a mockery of alcoholics in the far reaching lands of Guatemala and Laos... they are bad and should feel bad.

[small](-Am I doing this right?)[/small]

 

[Lovely Mixture]

Sadly, I'm not surprised to hear of this news. Penny Arcade has been on a collision course with moral bankruptcy ever since they let go of their most esteemable staff member, Benjamin Kuchera. In predictable fashion, they seek to obfuscate their true motives of perpetuating patriarchal dominance with the obvious smokescreen of a children's charity. I'll wait for the final word from the revered journalist P. Hernandez, but it doesn't look good.

Oh my god, why aren't people quoting this.

this is a 10/10 post.

please have my children.