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Fallout from Blizzard Hong Kong Incident

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Re: Fallout from Blizzard Hong Kong Incident

#6
Propose that a suspended player is a US citizen. This feels unconstitutional / illegal, as Blizzard has taken away the player's ability to earn a living based in their political views. The guise of suspension under the violation of "disparagement" feels weak.

I'd be interested in seeing how a lawsuit plays out.

Re: Fallout from Blizzard Hong Kong Incident

#7

Propose that a suspended player is a US citizen. This feels unconstitutional / illegal, as Blizzard has taken away the player's ability to earn a living based in their political views. The guise of suspension under the violation of "disparagement" feels weak. I'd be interested in seeing how a lawsuit plays out.

There is no law or constitutional provision in the US that says you can’t refuse to work with someone for their political views.

Re: Fallout from Blizzard Hong Kong Incident

#8

It's a weird day when I find myself agreeing with Marco Rubio. But it's true, China is effectively attempting a global chill on free speech by gating market access. If we don't stand up now, the effects will be felt long into the future.

The west employs this tactic too but calls it a sanction or embargo.

Re: Fallout from Blizzard Hong Kong Incident

#9

It's a weird day when I find myself agreeing with Marco Rubio. But it's true, China is effectively attempting a global chill on free speech by gating market access. If we don't stand up now, the effects will be felt long into the future.

Noticing this a lot more recently with the NBA controversy too.

Re: Fallout from Blizzard Hong Kong Incident

#10
I don't think it should be an international incident. The reality is that corporations shouldn't be espousing political viewpoints, and nobody should care what their opinion is on controversial policies. They make and sell products and that's all they should stick too. Why should Blizzard get in the middle of what's happening between China and Hong Kong? And to be clear, it isn't just Chinese government versus Hong Kong protestors. The Chinese public, the people who buy and consume Blizzard products, also have very strong opinions on this, as does the Hong Kong public.

The problem is that these brands also want the brownie points. So they'll cherry pick safe policies to loudly support when it doesn't negatively affect their bottom line, but stay quiet when it does, making them look like hypocrites and pissing off everyone.

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