Censorship Makes A Mark

Never mind images of Muhammad. There's something else that's far, far more offensive. Something that strikes at the very fabric of our society. Something that has the potential to destroy the world as we know it. A stand needs to be taken against this sort of stuff, and that's exactly what the Office of Film and Literature Classification has done, refusing classification to a particularly offensive computer game (for those not familiar with Australia's Orwellian classification laws, EoR feels compelled to point out that Australia does not ban offensive materials, nor issue an 'R' rating to computer games, it simply doesn't issue them a classification. And only classified materials are permitted).

Is this refusal because of excessive sex? Or perhaps excessive violence? Maybe excessive drugs? No: it's something far more insidious and revolting.

Graffiti.

Yes, Marc Ecko's Getting Up has been refused classification.

The Classification Review Board has determined, in a majority 3 to 2 decision, that the computer game Marc
Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure should be refused classification. The Review Board met on 6, 8, 13 and 14 February 2006 with the Convenor exercising a casting vote because the members were equally divided in opinion. [...] "Both the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games state that a computer game will be refused classification if it includes or contains detailed instruction or promotion of matters of crime," Convenor, Maureen Shelley said. "It is the Classification Review Board’s determination that this game promotes the crime of graffiti."

This stuff is dangerous. It could warp minds irretrievably. Apparently, though, street racing is acceptable.

Of course, since the game isn't banned overseas, it can still be purchased via the internet.

EoR also wonders what effect this will have in reducing graffiti, particularly since this sort of stuff has been going on since the Paleolithic (found via Orac).