Special – Page 13 – Colin McMahon

The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions: An Apology to Brendan Eich (Former CEO of Mozilla)

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Colin McMahon

I will begin this with important context: in the past, I have made it very clear that I support gay marriage and human rights for everyone. There is no group that I would deny basic freedoms to… including those I disagree with. That said, I must make clear that I did not join in the celebration that took place yesterday. The Mozilla Corporation announced that new CEO Brendan Eich was stepping down from his position. The decision was not Mr. Eich’s idea but rather came after enormous public outcry against his promotion to CEO. People were angry that, in 2008, Brendan Eich donated $1,000 to support Proposition 8 (an anti-gay marriage bill in California). Eich’s promotion to CEO prompted several other high-ups at Mozilla to leave the company, and spurred OkCupid to institute a disclaimer on their site for Firefox users. The reaction to this awareness campaign was swift and Eich was forced out. Wew, score one for LGBT… right? I don’t think so.

OKCupid's message to people operating on the Firefox browser. The message did not prohibit Firefox users from using the site but informed them of Mr. Eich's past actions. — OkCupid’s message to people operating on the Firefox browser. The message did not prohibit Firefox users from using the site but informed them of Mr. Eich’s past actions.

The United States of America promotes two things above all else: a belief in democracy and a belief in capitalism. How people personally feel about those two subjects is irrelevant, they have long been a part of the U.S. heritage. These two issues do not always agree. History is full of instances where the two clash and conflict continues today (look at the 1% vs. the Occupy Movement). In 1976, the Supreme Court determined that spending money was the equivalent to freedom of speech. Based on the information out there, I believe the Mr. Eich’s right to free speech was violated.

When I first saw the issue through my Facebook newsfeed, one question in particular peaked my curiousity. Had Eich spent his own money or had he made an investment on behalf of Mozilla? These two things are very different. If the donation had been made in Mozilla’s name, then the entire company would be held responsible. Corporations recently have won some of the rights of people (so, so bad for democracy) but, if they want the rights, they can deal with the responsibilities. That said, it seems silly to me to punish an entire corporation based off the actions of one individual. Sure, boycott Mozilla because they have a homophobic CEO, boycott X-Men: Days of Future Past because it contains at least one gay actor, boycott Walmart… actually that’s not a bad idea. Point is: corporations are huge and not responsible for what employees do in their free time. Eich did not do anything illegal, he committed (I believe I am using the technical term here) a dick move. Is he an asshole for spending money to stop people from getting married: yes. Should he be fired for that… well, if yes then so should a lot of other people.

Based on the information I have found, I believe the donation was made in Eich’s name, and with his own money. Money that, according to the United States Constitution, he is allowed to spend any way that he wants, so long as it is not illegally. To condone or condemn an individual, based solely on his/her purchase history, does not sound like democracy to me.

“Okay, sure but he was homophobic! Surely this man should not be allowed to lead a company!”

Do you know him? I don’t, but let’s look at the facts. It is public record that 2008, Eich donated to a homophobic campaign. Six years ago he did that. No question. Done deal. Here is a statement from Mr. Eich made last week. If Brendan Eich’s public statement is to be believed, then he was a reformed man who acknowledged his mistakes and was trying to work forward. Granted, he might be lying and it might have been a PR stunt… but it might not have been. Forgiveness is a large part of modern society. There is a commonly held believe that everyone deserves at least a second chance. The world has changed radically in recent times, especially concerning the public view of LGBT rights.

“But wait, there were issues at Mozilla. People there were angry and left the company. He wasn’t reformed!”

Again, the public does not know for certain why those people resigned over Eich’s promotion. It is not uncommon for several other higher-ups to resign after one is promoted to CEO. The perception is that, if that person was just promoted, he isn’t going anywhere in the near future. Their leaving could simply be a career move. Mozilla themselves came out against the claim that there was any personal rift at all that caused the leavings. Granted, Mozilla could also have been denying it in an attempt to avoid the scandal that they just suffered.

Let’s flash back to 1998. Bill Clinton was on trial, a trial that could have cost him the Presidency of the United States. He was accused of lying under oath. On the surface that sounds like a very serious crime. However, the issue that former President Clinton lied about was, frankly, none of the country’s business and was in no way connected to his abilities as a world leader. Clinton was charged with lying about adultery (the Monica Lewinsky scandal). Does that say something about Bill Clinton as a husband, yes. Did it have anything to do with him as a president, no. I feel that this case is similar.

I am not defending the past homophobic actions of Brendan Eich. His old views on the LGBT community are backward, and if he hasn’t truly reformed then he is still a bigot. It is simply a very dangerous sign when moral judgment dictates society and policy. No one is clean, everyone has done something wrong. If Eich is still homophobic, I highly doubt that this has done anything to enlighten his views. That is the real tragedy. To use parody, I believe the South Park character, Big Gay Al, put it best:

“Look, I appreciate what you kids did. I really do. But this isn’t what I wanted. I’m proud to be gay. And I’m proud to be in a country where I’m free to express myself. But freedom is a two-way street. If I’m free to express myself, then the scouts have to be free to express themselves too. I know these [scout leaders]. They are good men. They are kind men. They do what they think is best for the kids. No matter how wrong we think they might be, it isn’t right for us to force them to think our way. It’s up to us to persuade and help them see the light, not extort them to? I will continue to persuade them to change their minds, but this is the wrong way to do it. So, I am hereby dropping my case and allowing the scouts their right to not allow gays into their private club.” — “Look, I appreciate what you kids did. I really do. But this isn’t what I wanted. I’m proud to be gay. And I’m proud to be in a country where I’m free to express myself. But freedom is a two-way street. If I’m free to express myself, then the scouts have to be free to express themselves too. I know these [scout leaders]. They are good men. They are kind men. They do what they think is best for the kids. No matter how wrong we think they might be, it isn’t right for us to force them to think our way. It’s up to us to persuade and help them see the light, not extort them to? I will continue to persuade them to change their minds, but this is the wrong way to do it.”

Forcing other people to think a certain way is never the right answer. Punishing an opinion, even a wrong one, is useless without teaching the correct one. That is what happened… that is the best case scenario for what happened (otherwise a man trying for redemption was crucified for past mistakes). Oh, and anyone celebrating that justice was really done: he stepped down as CEO, he was not fired. I have read nothing that makes me think that Brendan Eich no longer has a job with Mozilla. I may be wrong, that is simply my thinking after reading.

I was homophobic once too. I grew up with ignorant views. My eyes were opened and I have learned how wrong I was, thankfully before I was ever in the position to deny anyone their rights. This can be done the right way, the world is already changing. Fast communication is a double-edged sword: it can cause quick action, like in the case of Eich. However, if people are not properly educated and make informed decisions, there will always be room for prejudice and bigotry. Let us simply not replace one kind with another.

For now, with the information available, I feel that Brendan Eich is owed an apology.

Nintendo Announces the Year of Pikachu – Solves all Financial Troubles

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Colin McMahon

Bellevue, WA – April 2nd, 2014 – The Pokémon Company and Nintendo announced today, via secret Nintendo Direct, that the Year of Pikachu had begun. With this announcement came the unveiling of multiple exciting projects from Nintendo, including Pokémon U: an all new 3D-interactive Pokémon adventure designed exclusively for Wii U; Pokémon Snap 2: the sequel to the surprise-hit 1999 Nintendo 64 rail-shooter, also exclusively for Wii U; and the Pokédex App: a phone and 3DS app designed to allow consumers to take exciting Pokémon selfies.

Tsunekazu Ishihara looks excited as the Year of Pikachu gets underway.

“We really just decided to stop beating around the bush,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of the Pokémon Company. “We received a call from [Nintendo President] Mr. Iwata saying, ‘all right, Microsoft and Sony have had their fun’, let’s go ahead and win this thing.’”

“Get ready to graduate to the big leagues with Pokémon U, we’ve brought the best-selling formula from the handheld series onto your Wii U. Gone is the need for two versions, every Pokémon in existence – plus one hundred brand new additions – will be present in this game. With U, think ‘Universe’, meaning the option online multiplayer will be included as well. Now, Pokémon fans across the globe can discover the secrets of Pokémon games and can collect, battle, and trade with each other immediately – all for the first time on a Nintendo console!”

Screenshot from the totally real game, Pokemon U. — Screenshot from the totally real game.

The Nintendo Direct showcased footage of two people battling each other – each from the comfort of their own living room. The Wii U gamepad is reported to function as the new Pokédex U: a device that trainers will take with them as they explore the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Kalos regions. The gamepad will also utilize its camera feature, allowing players to photograph their faces to create their own miis to serve as their Pokémon trainers. No release date was given.
With the spotlight on Pokémon U, Nintendo of America President, Reggie Fils-Aime appeared to announce the next game, Pokémon Snap 2.

“In 1999, lightning struck,” Fils-Aime began, “I mean who could have guessed it? Pokémon Snap was so much better than Pokémon Stadium – and we made a few sequels to that. Well, my body is ready and so is my camera. For the first time ever, players around the world will be able to travel the world of Pokémon, taking photos with their Wii U gamepad and uploading them to the Miiverse. This time Professor Oak won’t get to be the only judge as your friends and family will have the ability to rate every picture you take. I am very excited to announce Pokemon Snap 2, available exclusively on the Nintendo Wii U eShop – today.”
Retail price for Pokemon Snap 2 was revealed to be $19.99 USD.

The Wii U gamepad will function as a camera for a believable gameplay experience.

In the closing moments of the Nintendo Direct, images flashed on screen. Reggie Fils-Aime with a Psyduck, Satoru Iwata with a Charizard, and Tsunekazu Ishihara with an Entei. Shigeru Miyamoto then appeared holding a cell phone. He snapped a selfie – only to have it appear behind him – featuring Pikachu on his shoulder.

“In this Year of Pikachu, everyone will be able to be a Pokémon master,” Miyamoto declared proudly. “When we first announced we were exploring mobile apps, people panicked. I am delighted to assure our fans today that Nintendo will only be using this technology to further the spread of our beloved icons. The Pokédex App is the first part of that plan. Using your phone, or Nintendo 3DS system, you will be able to take a ‘selfie’ of yourself with your favorite Pokémon by your side. Choose the type and pose; you can even have it performing an attack. The Pokédex App will be available soon – and we are delighted to announce that it will be free.”

And example of a selfie that will highlight the app.

These three exciting announcements took the show today at Nintendo Direct, but several other upcoming features were teased for a later date, including:

A summer release date for Super Smash Bros. Bout (formerly Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for 3DS)
A summer release date for Bayonetta 2.
A late-spring release for the Nintendo eBank: a new service that allows Nintendo fans to back up all electronic purchases to a secure Nintendo website.
A future Nintendo Direct for June 11th, when phase two of the Year of Pikachu will be unveiled.

The Nintendo Direct closed with a statement from Satoru Iwata:
“We at Nintendo would like to thank our fans for their patience with the start of the Wii U and the Year of Luigi. We know it has been a slow start but now, with the Year of Pikachu, we are confident that shockingly good days await us. There is no better game library than the one controlled by Nintendo, we are confident that we will be able to bring you the unparalleled best in terms of first-party games. Or you could re-buy The Last of Us for $60 more dollars this summer. Totally your call.”

Satoru Iwata, who totally deserves to remain in charge of Nintendo, doing an awesome job of announcing the Year of Pikachu.

More information can be found at http://nintendo.com.uk.ja.nebraska/LateAprilFoolsDayPrank/Seriously?WhoPutsOutSomethingonthe2nd?

Happy April Fools Day everyone, sorry my prank this year is kind of sad (this would be such a wonderful announcement if it was real – and Nintendo holds the full ability to make it so). I had intended to publish yesterday but had to postpone due to a minor surgery (totally fine, no need to worry). The benefit of that was that today’s article was written with the magic of painkillers! Don’t know if it was fun to read, but it sure as hell was fun to write.

A brilliant part of the Year of Pikachu marketing campaign.

Politically Correct: The Issue of the Washington Redskins

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Colin McMahon

Yesterday, as I was reading through the news avenues of the inter-webs, a story concerning an issue at Concordia University came to my attention. The issue was this: censoring song lyrics in regards to political correctness. The song lyrics in question weren’t… well, if you were a white male they were fine! There were two pieces, a thoroughly researched impartial view of the evidence and an attention-grabbing, opinion-driven editorial. As is always the case: more people were talking about the editorial (I love how much the average person fact-checks!). Anyways, I begin with this to address a larger issue closer to home: the Washington Redskins.

For those out there who don’t know, the Washington Redskins are a professional football (NFL) team that operates out of Washington D.C. They were founded in 1932 (back then known as the Boston Braves) and have been around ever since. So what’s the issue? Well, if the name hasn’t already tipped you off, have a look at the logo:

Or the mascot:

The Washington Redskins are not unique. They represent one of several professional sports teams (looking at you, Cleveland Indians) with, frankly, poor choice in their name. For the sake of today’s article: let’s focus on Washington. What’s the big deal? Who cares if they are called the Redskins? Indeed a very recent poll (2013) showed that 79% of Americans felt that the name was fine and that Washington should keep it. Well if the majority thinks its the right thing to do than who cares?

This is why I hate the term “political correctness”, more often than not it can be written as “what group(s) are okay to make fun of, what groups are not?” Let’s try some name suggestions: the Delaware Dykes, The Hampton Housewives, The Philadelphia Faggots, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (this one is real), and the Nebraska Negroes. Were those names offensive: yep. Okay, new question: why the f*ck is the name “Washington Redskins” okay?

The term “redskin” began as a racial slur against Native Americans back when European settlers were still colonizing America. It enjoyed it’s height of use in the 18th and 19th centuries before fading away (no longer “politically correct”). At it’s base, the word is a racial slur (red skin) but was also used denote the “primitive” dress and culture of the Native Americans. Essentially this word is a two-for-two, debasing someone based on what they look like and how they live (aren’t words great?).

I guess the best way to put it is this: if you were walking home alone one night and saw a stranger of Native American descent walking toward you, would you feel comfortable calling out: “How’s it going, redskin?”

Apparently, 79% of Americans think it’s okay. Let’s count some numbers. Right now there are roughly 313.9 million people in the United States. That’s estimated, the last full census was conducted in 2000. Of that number, 2.8% of the entire population identified as “American Indian”. They couldn’t influence a poll if they tried.

I’m going to guess that most of that 79% were not “American Indians”. Makes a bit more sense now, doesn’t it? Do I personally (as a white male) really find the word “redskin” offensive to me. No. It doesn’t deliver any kind of impact. However, that whole wonderful notion of progress dictates that, for the greater societal good, I look beyond my own apathy to empathize with other people (some of whom do not share my cultural background). This is what needs to happen with the Washington Redskins.

Human beings do not like to change traditions, even if the tradition is horrible. Take a look at slavery, one of the worst crimes in humanity: 625,000 people (in the United States alone) had to die in order to lose that tradition. That’s not to say that slavery didn’t exist for over 200 years (again, just in the U.S.) before people finally acted. Was it worth it: yeah, racism still exists but slavery is gone. That’s progress.

Luckily, there is no institution remaining that is as overtly inhuman as slavery. However, people are still human. A lot of us are way too okay (and self-justifying) about treating others in really unfair and cruel ways. I include myself in this bashing, so I’m trying not to preach.

My point is this: nothing will be lost in changing the Washington Redskins’ name. At the end of the day who cares, it is the name of a freaking football team. So IF there is even a chance that it might be offending say, a whole group of people, why not change it? Think of the merchandising opportunities (you greedy bastards). Think of what one small gesture like that might mean to the remaining Native American community (sorry for the whole ‘murdering your culture thing’, I guess we can change our sports teams’ names. You know we spoil you). Think of it like this: “tradition” or “the way its always been” is one of the poorest, most self-justifying excuses there is for: we don’t want to change, even if it bothers other people.

For the record: I don’t think the Washington Redskins organization is racist or bigoted in any way. The driving emotion of this issue is apathy. Who cares if a few Native Americans write letters and complain? The vast majority of the non-Native American population doesn’t mind.

Let’s be more than “politically correct” on this one.