The makers of the Grand Theft Auto series of interactive video games is set to release a new product on November 19 called Manhunt.
Tolerance.org is concerned the following scene will promote identification with racist groups.
The scene in question includes four brawny characters wielding assault rifles. Their appearance and attire bear striking resemblance to that found in white supremacist culture: shaved heads, red suspenders, jack boots.
Three men are wearing T-shirts with emblems similar to the symbol of the Hammerskin Nation, one of the most violent and best organized neo-Nazi skinhead groups in the United States. The Confederate battle flag is painted on two of the men’s faces.
“These images have been coming into the mainstream for some time now,” said Eric Ward of the Center for New Community, a Chicago-based group promoting democracy, justice and racial equality.
“This is a sign of where society is on the impact of hate and bigotry. We’re seeing the trappings of it in the mainstream.”
They make the point that while these characters are cast as villains, it is done in a sexy way and teaches ‘militia-like thinking’.