In a move that's somewhat surprising, but shouldn't really be given this country's awkward stance towards video games in the past, Target of Australia has pulled "Grand Theft Auto V" from 300 store shelves throughout the country.
Set in the squalid city of Los Santos, a parody of modern-day Los Angeles, "Grand Theft Auto V" follows three brutal criminals as they carry out a series of audacious heists. The story involves murder and torture. Although Target Australia's concerns specifically mention "violence against women," female characters barely figure in the main thrust of the overall storyline.
Here is the company's statement in full from its website:
"Target Australia will stop selling the R-rated video game Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA5) following feedback from customers about the game's depictions of violence against women.
Target General Manager Corporate Affairs Jim Cooper said the decision was made following extensive community and customer concern about the game.
'We've been speaking to many customers over recent days about the game, and there is a significant level of concern about the game's content,' Mr. Cooper said.
'We've also had customer feedback in support of us selling the game, and we respect their perspective on the issue. However, we feel the decision to stop selling GTA5 is in line with the majority view of our customers.'
Mr. Cooper said Target would continue to sell other R-rated DVDs and games.
'"While these products often contain imagery that some customers find offensive, in the vast majority of cases, we believe they are appropriate products for us to sell to adult customers.
"However, in the case of GTA5, we have listened to the strong feedback from customers that this is not a product they want us to sell."
If one retailer feels the need to take a moral stance by not selling a video game then so be it, but I'm confused as to why they are banning "GTA V" now.
The game was originally released for last generation consoles well over a year ago with almost exactly the same content (i.e., "violence against women") as the current generation versions. Where was this principled outrage then, Target Australia? It just makes one wonder what this retail chain's true motivations are.
