W-Bird, Come on...it's just video game...even though I do agree that it is stupid for the government to back the game, don't you think it's a little far-stretched to link it with the Cultural Revolution?? Kit, The article in The Nation is just simply depressing...Vietname 2.O all over again... Thx for posting...

Hi w-bird, Of course I didn't think you were saying that the game is a repetition of the CR...one would have to be plain stupid to say such a thing... However, I still think your argument is a little bit weak, mainly on the fact that I think you are wrong on the intentions of the people behind this computer game. You seem to suggest that the government, by financing this crude computer game, is behaving like the Red guards during the CR, trying to indoctrinate the public with slogans and messages, purging all those who have a different political view?? Do you really think that? Please correct me if I'm wrong. And even though I do agree with you that Video games are reflections of our culture and attitudes (that's actually quite a cliche), what this computer game 'reflects', on the other hand, is no more than just a poorly executed PR spin by the PRC government. I'm not sure if you are familiar with Chinese News, but recently there has been a couple of officials in key positions that are embroiled in corruption scandals. The PRC government have made Anti-corruption one of their top priorities in their road towards a "和諧社會" (Peaceful Society). With the Olympic coming and the pressure from the people of China, the computer game is really nothing more than the government's another PR effort in telling the world that they are facing the anti-corruption issue directly and swiftly. And even though I found it quite dumb and poor taste that the government is using this crude, violent computer game to promote anti-corruption; all in all, I'm still glad the general awareness for the need to clean up the system is on the rise...so who knows, this stupid game could also be seen as a good sign after all... Wow, sorry for the long reply...got a bit carried away. Please don't be offended, I'm just a little bit anal when I think people are taking CR out of its context...and thanks for your honest reply... And as a final note - they are already underway in developing an upgrade version for the game... what a strange place we live in... take care D....

Yeah, I read that the official Zheng Xiaoyu (who was in charge of the food and health department?) was sentenced to death because of his corrupted behavior a month ago? And meanwhile what did the US do to Rep. William Jefferson? I agree that it's a good thing that the government is taking a serious step in fighting corruption... but it is poor taste to put out a video game like that in the name of "educating the youth." Why don't they try to "educate the officials" instead... Derek, glad you read the article from The Nation... yeah, isn't it depressing? I've read articles here and there about the issue, and I'm sure we all know about the haunting consequence to a certain extent, but the article was so detailed that makes it even more depressing... "Good Mornin' Vietnam"...