Fallout 3 Metro Center ads ruin some guys day

[Kayos]

Metrorail riders who have passed through Metro Center over the past several weeks may have noticed signs throughout the station advertising a video game called "Fallout 3." A heavily armored enemy soldier appears in the foreground of the ads, and the background includes images of seemingly war-ravaged national landmarks.

In one ad, the Washington Monument and the American flags surrounding it stand ravaged, as if hit by missiles. In another, the Capitol dome is partially caved in, while the rest of the building and the city behind it lie in ruins.

The people of our city do not need a daily reminder that Washington is a prime target for an attack. We do not need a daily reminder of what our worst fears look like. Since any First Amendment objection would be irrelevant (the ads do not present a true viewpoint or political message and would therefore not be protected), there is no reason for these ads to be part of our daily panorama.

The ads should be removed, and the appropriate office at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority should be directed to exercise better judgment regarding what can be displayed in our transportation system.


JOSEPH ANZALONE

Washington

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102403390.html

Obviously this guy doesn't understand the first amendment if he thinks the Ads violates it. What are your guys thoughts?

 

[Spartan Erik]

Well does the ad clearly state "Fallout 3"? Or is it one of those viral marketing campaigns?

I figure if it says that it's a game then it's all good as gravy, but if it doesn't I could see why some people may be offended

 

[Kayos]

Here are all the ads:

http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/fallout-3-subway-ads/1100503/

 

[Spartan Erik]

Ah pretty nice ads. Only one I could find the least bit offensive is the robot stepping on Uncle Sam just because their depiction of Uncle Sam and the American flag are quite accurate, whereas the ad with the Washington monument has a different flag

 

[Smith6612]

Yet another case where people need to understand that video games and advertisements are art. Even if the guy says he doesn't need to be reminded, does he ever watch or listen to the news? They mention Washington being a terrorist target all the time, basically every day. All these posters really are is mainly a soldier or two in the front, with war scenes in the background.

Sure, the guy can say that we need more games that don't show the US getting blown up partially, but that genre is basically over with now, as all of the WWII games have taken care of that. But no, these ads are not in voilation of the first ammendment, and as always, a person simply needs to not look at the ads when they walk past it.