Call For Microsoft Boycott Over MSN Space China
Gamepolitic has called for a boycott of the Xbox 360 over Microsoft’s compliance with Chinese government censorship and oppression. More details here. Of course, with the Xbox 360 hitting stores months from now, I wouldn’t be surprised if short-term memory proves a major stumbling block over this boycott.
While I understand why Microsoft had to work with the Chinese government, as repulsive as it is, I will be the last person to tell people not to express their own dismay. If you feel strongly enough, make sure the companies know. However, this might be a bit misdirected. We don’t blame the Chinese people, or even many of the people working in that government, for that government’s actions, and we certainly don’t blame them for being oppressed, or for following the oppressive laws of that country.
While Microsoft chooses who it does business with, it is not their fault that the Chinese government does the things it does. Its the government’s fault. If you want to protest, if you want to boycott, if you want to take action, maybe you need to look overseas first.
My sentiments exactly. I have been flamed many times for stating precisely what you just did.
I am a Canadian. Should I want to do business in the United States, I am expected to follow the law of the land there. Microsoft is just doing the exact same thing in a market in which they want to do business.
The purpose of doing business is to make money. If Microsoft chooses to make money globally, then they must conform to many laws and philosophies that differ from our own. This is simply a fact of life.
Your solution of looking overseas is right on the money. Should Microsoft not provide products and technologies to the PEOPLE of China simply because their RULERS oppress them? The entire concept is ludicrous. It’s tantamount to beating a child for being abused by a parent.
Just my two-cents’ (okay penny and a half) worth.
Comment by Sirthinks | June 18, 2005
Call For Microsoft Boycott Over MSN Space China
Doing business with China is difficult. Does a boycott really make sense?…
Trackback by Games! Games! Games! | June 20, 2005