A backlash of mock petitions surge after the GTA V and Target Australia run-in this week.
GTA V and Target Australia are the focus of controversy over the week; the retailer decided to remove copies of the latest game in the Grand Theft Auto series, under pressure of petition signed by thousands of Australians.
The claims against GTA V echo previous complaints, that it extols violence in worst ways, often in the context of murder and sexual assault. Target Australia yielded to the pressure and issued a statement before it pulled the game off its shelves.
"After considering customer feedback, we have decided to remove Grand Theft Auto 5 from sale. This wasn't a decision we took lightly, we're aware that many customers wanted us to continue stocking the game.
However, we decided that the concerns raised about the game resonated with the majority of the customers. We thank everyone who has given us their views on the game in recent days."
Target Australia's decision started a wave of backlash, expressed in mock petitions to ban other "seemingly" harmful games and literature (news.com.au). Change.org has a running petition to ban the Bible's sale, claiming the "sickening" religious book condones sexual violence and murder, especially toward women.
As of December 5, the petition has an estimated 35,000 supporters.
"Target: Withdraw The Holy Bible - this sickening book encourages readers to commit sexual violence and kill women"
"This book spreads the idea that certain women exist as scapegoats for male violence. It shows hatred and contempt for women in the sex industry and puts them at greater risk. Women in the industry are 40 times more likely to be murdered by a man than any other group of women."
Other mock petitions turned up in the heat of the GTA V and Target Australia scuffle; some petitioners claim Super Mario Bros. encourages the destruction of the environment, and others want "Fifty Shades of Grey" pulled off the shelves due to its explicit content.
Target Australia has yet to respond to the Change.org petition.
