The Politics of Booth Babes

According to Yahoo! News E3 has caved in the face of the anti-videogame agenda of politicians seeking to censor videogames in manners deemed unacceptable for books, movies, and other media. The E3Expo has adopted rules prohibiting the use of "Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the show." While E3 claims similar rules were already in place, they now have added enforcement regulations, including the ability to fine violators $5,000 for violations. It should be noted that E3 is not open to the general public, only industry professionals and media personnel are allowed. Minors, regardless of affiliation, are not allowed on the show floor. Regardless of the ethics of using live models to promote videogames, self-censorship in fear of political pressure is antithetical to free speech and the market place of ideas. Here's hoping that the chilling effect of the current political climate soon subsides. Open discussion and consumer rejection of what they deem offensive is always preferable to a company self-censoring out of fear.