play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

skip_previous play_arrow skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
chevron_left
  • Home
  • keyboard_arrow_right Blogs
  • keyboard_arrow_right EDITORIAL: Silence Speaks Volumes

Blogs

EDITORIAL: Silence Speaks Volumes

Elijah 2020-06-09 1739 38 1 3


Background
share close

As you know, our production is a small group of passionate trekkies — a group of volunteers who do not get paid for their work. No one who works on this show (myself included) earns money from the weekly labor we contribute to the production.

The money we collect from our Patrons and occasional sponsors all goes back into producing the show. We don’t earn millions of dollars… We don’t own a building with offices… What we do, we do on our personal time and on our own resources with support from our Patrons.

So, when we want to rally behind a cause, Priority One does so in the best way we can: by issuing a rallying cry to our audience… a rallying cry to support just and noble causes that help bring crucial changes today. Changes that will help shape the Star Trek future we all dream of for tomorrow. We rally for donations. We rally for petitions. We rally for awareness. We rally in whatever way we can because we don’t have the funds to donate as one podcast entity.


Last week, ViacomCBS made a statement through StarTrek.com — It read, “Black Lives Matter. Black Culture Matters. Black Communities Matter. We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, creators, partners and audience and condemn all acts of racism, discrimination, and senseless acts of violence.”

Following that statement, other ViacomCBS networks like BET, VH1, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon paused programming for 8 minutes and 46 seconds with words that included “I Can’t Breathe.”

This is certainly a nice gesture — but, a “gesture” is all it boils down to when a company has more money than it knows what to do with.

Words, protests, picket signs, boycotts — those are actions of people who don’t have the financial means to make sweeping changes. It’s the only way to get their voices heard — to take it to the streets. But, when you’re a company that makes money, words should not be your only show of support. Words don’t pay for legal fees. Words alone don’t fund new bills, laws, and resolutions at local and federal levels. Companies that can afford it, must put their money where their mouths are.

I’ve been carefully observing who in the “Star Trek Universe of Things” has stepped up to the plate and who has sat idly in silence throughout this entire ordeal. One such company who has remained silent is Cryptic Studios – the developers of Star Trek Online; and, arguably, one of the most public-facing licensors in the Star Trek Franchise.

UPDATE: ViacomCBS has donated $5Million to Social Justice Organizations. Kuddos to them for taking action!

So – what’s the problem? Well, Joshua Rivera of The Verge had this to say,

“Every company that has a game it wants you to play is now measuring your tolerance for silence or inaction the way they measure where to line-step with the implementation of loot boxes. The public, lacking the luxury of ignoring the real world around them, does not have to accept these minimal gestures as sufficient.”

Translation:  To Cryptic, we are just metrics. We’re just a number with a value of how much we’ve spent in the game. Those making the “tough calls” don’t care about our Armadas (or Guilds) … our role-play groups… our ship barbies… or why we even play the game. If we’re logging in and hanging around Earth Space Dock or Q’onos, we’re telling Cryptic Studios that we don’t care about their stance during this socio-political shift that is shaking this democracy to its core.

Since George Floyd’s death earlier this month Cryptic has remained silent. Now, this comes as a shock to me because, if you follow some of the members of the development team on their personal social media accounts, they are very vocal about their support for the Black Lives Matter Movement, police reform, and other causes that promote justice, equality, and reform. 

Also, let’s not forget that – in the past – Cryptic has never shied away from running campaigns for other noble causes.

Why does it seem as though Social Justice and the Black Lives Matter movement is not something they’re willing to find ways to support?

Now, before you dismiss Cryptic’s silence as a “licensing thing,” let’s not forget the official Star Trek Twitter statement and the 9-minute segment run on all ViacomCBS outlets in support of Black Lives Matter. Before you say it’s a “corporate thing” with Perfect World Entertainment, look at Etchtra Games’s Torchlight 3, another PWE title. On June 2nd, Torchlight tweeted in support of Black Lives Matter and linked to a San Francisco Chronicle article listing various organizations that need donations to support the cause. The only logical conclusion is that Cryptic’s management has chosen to remain silent. 

So — what to do?

It’s not enough to just make a statement, but that’s a start. What is important is that companies with money follow through with actionable objectives that will contribute to the growth of our nation and the security of equal rights and liberties for all. 

Which leads me back to the Star Trek Franchise and the game developers that we cover on a weekly basis here on Priority One. Words are not enough for these licensors… or even ViacomCBS themselves. And with all that money… their silence speaks volumes.

Often, as gamers, we turn to the ‘ol, “vote with your wallet” when we get pissed over a new update, a new in-game item, or some other new feature. Well, now, we have a much bigger issue than the pay-gated content you hoped would be free to attain.

Right now, we need to log-off.

As the video game industry is booming because of stay at home orders, we are asking you to log out of the game.

If metrics are what they’re after, then let’s demonstrate – with absolute resolve – that Black Lives Matter. That no one should be marginalized for their race, creed, religious beliefs. That liberty and justice for ALL does not come with a disclaimer.

I’m asking that you join us in staying offline and do not log in to Star Trek Online on June 19th, 20th, and 21st. Don’t log in to run your DoFFs. Don’t log in to beat the Kobayashi Maru Scenario. DON’T BUY ZEN. Just DON’T.

Instead, consider joining the greater Star Trek Community and let’s unite as #TrekkiesTogether!! Donate the money you planned to spend on that fancy new Romulan Pack to an organization like M4BL!

While others are demonstrating at protests around the world… While others put themselves at risk of being assaulted by police with rubber bullets, tear gas, and batons… While others march for our lives and the future of this democracy… While people fight for a better way of life… I don’t think it’s too much for this gaming community to sacrifice three days in Star Trek Online so that we can make an important point:

We all need to do better.
But, those with the financial means must. do. MORE.

It’s not just about a post with white text on a black background. What we need is action for and financial support to organizations that drive the fight for equal rights in this nation and elsewhere. Cryptic – among others – should not only make their stance clear but, they should also commit to something. Exactly what they should commit to is up to them but, it must be more than just words.

Live Long & Prosper through Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

Sincerely,

Elio “Elijah” Lleo
Cat Hough
Tony Hunter
Michael “Winters” McDonald
James “Skiffy” Skifter
Elliot Tan
Shane Hoover
Anthony Cox
Brandon Parker
Daniel Stephens
Rand Hurrle
Ross Kay
Henry Pomper
Bill Hardy
Jake Morgan
Gray Bowers


Please join us and others by commenting below with your pledge to not log in to Star Trek Online during the 19th, 20th, and 21st of June 2020.

UPDATE: ViacomCBS has donated $5Million to Social Justice Organizations. Kuddos to them for taking action!

UPDATE 6/12/2020 – Article has been updated to reflect past fundraisers hosted specifically by Star Trek Online.

UPDATE 6/15/2020 – Our call to action has been updated to encourage donating funds to M4BL.org instead of purchasing ZEN ((Thank you for the suggestion @kyuucontinuum))

Banner vector created (in part) with freepik assets – www.freepik.com

Rate it
Avatar
Author

Elijah

Elio is a Northern New Jersey Cuban-American and graduate of Kean University, having earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance in 2011. He has performed in internationally renowned performance halls such as Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic, as a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir, and in Beijing, China as a representative for Kean University. Since 2012, he has had the wonderful opportunity to Executive Produce Priority One – the premiere Star Trek Online podcast. Whether recruiting, managing the global team of talented volunteers, arranging interviews with special guests, editing, web-development, finding sponsors, managing crowd funding, or writing content for the podcast, Elio has a hand in it all. A long-time Trekkie, Elio has been watching the series since he was a child and sneaking in late night, back-to-back, episodes of TNG reruns. He finally embraced the Trekdom in college and spent many hours catching up on the entire multiverse…. instead of studying.

list Archive

Previous episode
Post comments (38)
  1. Corbin Cook on 2020-06-18

    @kurai72 in STO here.
    Black dude in ‘merica here. Won’t be logging on support.
    Thank you so much for this.

  2. Craig on 2020-06-11

    Elijah,
    I feel where you’re coming from and feel as passionate as you do. BLM is a just cause and we must stand together to make black voices heard. I also believe Cryptic hasn’t done enough to stand as an ally. They must do more. The silence is deafening. We need to hold them accountable. They need to represent what Star Trek is truly about – Diversity and inclusion!
    Your editorial had made many great points which has got me thinking hard about Priority One… Have you guys done enough? The sad truth is… No, you haven’t. Elijah, you’re the lead voice for the priority one podcast which represents a greater part of our community… But what you’re doing is silencing black voices. If you want to really help out the black community, you need to step down as host for Priority One and make room for a black voice as a replacement. One that TRULY speaks for the black Trek fans. I hope you look within and know this is what would really speak volume to the cause, to your fans, and to the greater Trek community.

    • Elijah on 2020-06-11

      I hope you realize that you’re suggesting that the ONLY minority on this podcast step down. I’m pretty sure I am unabashedly and publicly proud of the Cuban blood that runs through my veins. I am a first-generation American born from Cubans that emigrated during the revolution.

      More importantly, we are ALWAYS in search of new volunteers to join our production. NEVER have we turned someone down because of their race, creed, sexual orientation, or other.

      • Eroded on 2020-06-11

        While I may disagree with the mentality of this boycott. I absolutely agree with Elijah leading the podcast team.

      • Craig on 2020-06-11

        I’m deeply disappointed in your response. You say no volunteer has been turned down due to discrimination, which is great, but you haven’t actively seeked out a black voice. You flat out haven’t done enough. It takes two seconds tweet an active casting call to replace you with a black voice as the host for priority one. You don’t need to leave the show, but step down as host.
        Furthermore, I feel some of your statements are eerily similar to alt-right dog whistles. For example: “I am first generation american born from Cubans…” Sounds like “My grandparents came to america! They didn’t own slave, I can’t be racist”
        And “You’re suggesting that the ONLY minority on this podcast step down” sounds like “Sure black lives matter BuT AlL LiVeS MaTtEr”. You don’t practice what you preach. I’m done. Your true colors have shown…

        • Elijah on 2020-06-11

          It’s unfortunate that you have interpreted my statements in such a way. Your interpretation couldn’t be farther from the truth.

        • Jake Morgan on 2020-06-11

          Hey Craig, just want to add my two cents. First, if you’re not being a troll you may want to evaluate what your asking, and if you are – BRAVO!

          Second, and just in case you really haven’t thought about your bold requests – this is a volunteer production. No money exchanges hands, no compensation is given. It would be like a volunteer Fire Department or food pantry putting out a special call for people of color. It’s simply not how volunteerism works. If you want to help, great! If you don’t want to help, that’s okay too!

          But I don’t think I need to explain that too you.

          • Craig on 2020-06-11

            So instead of addressing addressing any of my issues you’ve stated you’re a minority and that’s why your voice is more important than a black voice, accused me off misinterpreting you, called me a troll, and tried to define what volunteering was… Way to continue to prove my point.

            • Elijah on 2020-06-11

              Craig – I’m sorry but, you are seriously distorting the message here. I never have – nor ever would – suggest that my voice matters more or less than anyone else. Quite the contrary. What I have repeatedly said in several of my own/personal social media platforms and here, is that I am fully aware and conscious of the privileges I am afforded as a light-skinned Latino. Privileges that both, members of my own family and dear personal friends, do not enjoy.

              I will do everything in my power to elevate, defend, and stand up for my brothers and sisters of color when their voices are being suppressed.

              This is not about “proving a point” to anyone. Our actions have no need for everyone to understand or support. But, we certainly hope that as many people we can reach, do understand and do support our call.

              This is about doing what is right and we believe our calls to action are well within our wheelhouse.

              Your conclusions are unfortunate and I am disappointed that is how you are interpreting my replies. Unfortunately, I don’t know how else to articulate to you that your conclusions are farthest from the truth. What I can tell you is that I agree — in so far that I, too, wish we had an even MORE diverse group than we already have.

              I encourage you – or anyone else – to keep an eye out for positions as they become available.

              Regardless, Priority One is proudly produced by volunteers from all across the globe. When opportunities for growth arise, we welcome ALL applicants to join our family.

              As far as I’m concerned, there’s plenty of room for more than the one minority in our group.

  3. Tharryn on 2020-06-11

    I will not be participating in this whatsoever, and I’ll tell you why. To attack a small company that consists of 100-200 employees who is more than likely funded by Perfect World International is never the way to go, and your rationalizing of boycotting them only hurts the ties that currently binds all.
    You want to do something? You want to make a difference? Have us as a community UNITE to raise funds for those who truly need it right now. To slap Cryptic on the wrist for something they have no control in is baseless, and in the end weakens the ties that you have built with the company of the year.

    • Elijah on 2020-06-11

      *WE are prepared for that.

      I encourage you to do some research into ALL the other fundraisers and donations Cryptic has done throughout the years (Groupees and Pop Culture Hero Coalition to name two off the top of my head). There is no excuse to stay silent when people of color — my darker brothers, sisters, and family — are murdered in the streets indiscriminately.

      • Tharryn on 2020-06-11

        You’re asking a company as a whole to speak up, when the individuals behind the company have obviously expressed their feelings on the situation, just as everyone else has these days. What you’re asking of Cryptic right now is that during these already trying times with the COVID-19 pandemic, where all staff is essentially working from home and stretching themselves to the limit, to do -more-?

        This is where the community comes in, and for you to condemn the company itself instead of using it as a medium to help RAISE and RALLY for all those affected by the injustice that is occurring today. Do you think that Gene himself would do as you have been doing? No.
        When it comes to mankind, WE AS A PEOPLE must do what we can to provide HOPE in dire times. If you cannot go out there yourselves to help them, then their are other was in order to help. Instead of attacking Cryptic, why not show others how they can help in these times?

        Why not be a becaon of hope in these dire times, instead of on the attack?

        • Jake Morgan on 2020-06-11

          Hey Tharryn. I’m Jake, one of the Producers. First, I want to thank you for your input. It’s passionate, but also well thought out, and I appreciate that. I do have a few things that I hope you’ll ponder, though.

          You imply that Gene would be against our actions, and that he would prefer us to “raise and rally”. I agree, Gene would have wanted us to negotiate and give. In regards to our giving, we have joined Trekmovie.com and the Roddenberry podcast network to promote #TrekkiesUnite (I’ll leave a link at the end of the comment so you can ‘trek it out’. But in returning to the point at hand, Elijah has tried calling for Cryptic to make its voice heard. He has done so several times on social media. Cryptic/PWE has remained silent. At this point, I think Gene would “flip the table”. Allow me to use a season 1 episode of The Original Series to explain my reasoning. In “A Taste of Armageddon”, Kirk stumbles into a war between the Eminian Union and the Vendikar. It was a war in name only, something distant where death had become clean and acceptance had become the norm. After time spent trying to convince the Eminian’s of the error of their ways, and failing, Kirk did what needed doing. He made war dirty. He reminded the people of Eminiar VII that the conflict wasn’t something that affected someone else. It was something that affected everyone.

          I am in no way comparing our three day ‘boycott’ of Star Trek Online to war. Let me make that abundantly clear. But we are hoping to make it uncomfortable. It should be uncomfortable. Not for the people marching to the chambers on Eminiar VII, and not for the devoted, hard-working, outspoken employees of Cryptic studios, but for the corporate entity that chooses to remain silent in a time that calls for action. Sometimes hope isn’t the answer. Sometimes action is. WE think the time for action is now.

          I want to be clear, I really appreciate your feedback. Dissenting opinions are vital to change. I just hope that you understand where we are coming from and realize that, maybe, Gene would agree.

          https://trekmovie.com/2020/06/03/star-trek-websites-and-podcasts-unite-ask-trekkies-to-support-organizations-fighting-injustice/

  4. Henry Pompper on 2020-06-11

    I’ve met a lot of the guys at Cryptic over the years with Priority One. I wouldn’t believe for a second that they were complacent on an individual level, but I see what Elijah is saying to them as a collective. As I said, I will not believe the STO devs I’ve met personally are complacent in these issues. but I stand with this action. I hope to see you all after these three days have passed.
    Elio, it takes courage to speak up like you do. Since I’ve known you I have never seen you flip flop or waiver in your beliefs. Well done, Sir. Live Long and Prosper.

  5. DuKavro on 2020-06-10

    So… I have a lot of thoughts about this one… While I agree with the sentiment that Cryptic could be doing a whole lot more (like doing a fundraising event like they did with Chase Masterson’s charity and others)… I think it’s possible they don’t want to receive flack from the fanbase for “picking a side”. And I know certain developers on the team do support Black Lives Matter on their own. So I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that part of it may be the development cycle with Cryptic to begin with. Since it tends to take them somewhere in the neighborhood of 2-18 months between conception of an idea to implementation, it’s possible they have some ideas being tossed around, but they may not be allowed to discuss it publicly yet.

    Do I think Cryptic could or should step up and do a Black Lives Matter fundraiser? Absolutely. But do I feel the need to punish them for not acting in a big way?… Not really, to be frank. I don’t work there, so I’m not privy to internal info and their justifications on certain decisions. But I do know that it’s a business, and it’s possible their budget is pretty low at the moment since economic spending overall has dropped significantly. And I want to continue to support a game that has brought me personal joy for so many years (I plan to support the game with my eyeballs, not my wallet). The company might be financially hurting more than they’re willing to make public. I don’t know.

    But now to talk about what STO means to me, personally. I realize that compared to everything, my personal drama is absolutely a first world problem. But that said, I’ve had a really tough time at my job lately. STO had been the one glimmer of light in my life where I could sit down and enjoy myself for an hour here or there. And it went a long way to keep me sane throughout this covid lockdown. I’m not spending money on the game as a general rule, but I’m still participating in playing the game because I’m always working towards unlocking a new ship or a new uniform or whatever. The point is that the game has been there for me, and I really appreciate it for that escapism that I have needed so much these past couple of months.
    If I’m in a better place when that date comes along, I may participate in abstaining from the game for those 3 days. But since STO has been my rock for these past few months, I can’t personally fault them just for silence. I’m just going to give them the benefit of the doubt for now and leave it at that. That said, if they do a Black Lives Matter fundraiser, I will be buying ships and gear contained therein with no hesitation.

    • Jake Morgan on 2020-06-11

      Hey DuKavro, thanks so much for the reply. I’m Jake, one of the Producers here at Priority One. I want to thank you for being candid about how Star Trek Online has helped you get through some troubling times. I don’t want to pry, but I hope that things are getting better for you.

  6. Louvelune on 2020-06-10

    I’m not very confident this will be followed enough to make a difference, to be honest… but I sure can do my part to help, at the very least. Let’s do this, and thank you for trying!

  7. David Green on 2020-06-10

    I 100% support this and will not be logging in to STO over this period

  8. Eroded on 2020-06-10

    I have no problem supporting BLM or any other organization whose goals are far the bettering of our world. But calling for a boycott because you feel they haven’t done enough as determined by your standards? If they had done something negative sure I could see a boycott. They have every right to do as little or as much as they would like. I see no reason to punish them for that right.
    Why start on such a negative course? Why not a more positive action, gatherings in STO social areas, invite people to bring links to their favorite charities, invite others to give to them, bring your favorite quotes from civic leaders. Invite Cryptic to partake, challenge them to match donations etc etc.
    I could get behind a positive action. But I am having a hard time agreeing with this, feels like saying your not woke enough so we are going to punish you with a boycott.

    Shouldn’t we be doing things that inspire reaching out in an effort to connect with one another? This feels like we are slapping them down for not doing what we want.

    I will have to think on this one. I can agree on the concept of wanting Cryptic to do more. But not on this particular path to get there, as others have said intended or not by calling for a boycott you are forcing their hand. Anything they do will be tainted by that action, are they giving out of real concerns or just giving in to extortion?

    • Elijah on 2020-06-10

      I would argue that – as a whole – we do everything in our power as a volunteer production to conduct positive actions and inspire positive change. Whether through our Extra-Life campaign that we ran last year, spending time bringing attention to great social causes/organizations, or teaming up with groups like TrekMovie to raise money.

      Logging into the game does nothing except to line their pockets even further — even if you don’t spend a dime. A large-group meeting in STO is antithetical to the purpose of this endeavor. The purpose is to log off of the game so that the metric reflects the urgency of the matter.

      We’re asking for three days.

      3.

      We’re not asking for people to delete their accounts. We’re not asking for people to curse the Cryptic Grounds.

      We’re asking that for three-days we all come together to demonstrate that silence = tolerance.

      • Eroded on 2020-06-10

        I agree you have done many positive things, would not dream of saying otherwise. I have participated in them in the past. I just don’t agree that this is the best plan to achieve another one.

        I also agree logging in is antithetical to your goal of hurting Cryptic pockets. Thus pushing them to make monetary donations. However, it’s not antithetical to my implied goal of just bringing people together. I can see you are also trying to bring people together, I just don’t think punishing Cryptic is a positive way to go. To each their own.

        “We’re asking that for three-days we all come together to demonstrate that silence = tolerance.”
        But in your editorial above you mentioned several Companies that did make statements – companies that did not remain silent.
        Yet this did not seem enough –
        “This is certainly a nice gesture — but, a “gesture” is all it boils down to when a company has more money than it knows what to do with.”
        I’m all for inspiring companies to donate, but again this feels more like extorting/punishing for donations which I cant agree with.

        While I probably will not take part in this particular event, I hope to take part in future ones.

        And I encourage anyone who has the means to pick a organization that speaks to you during these turbulent times and make a donation of money or time or any contribution that helps.

  9. Nicki on 2020-06-10

    I will absolutely take this stand and boycott STO!

  10. Wade@Happicide on 2020-06-10

    Pledged! I will not log in to play STO on June 19th, 20th, or 21st. Thank you!

  11. falsfire on 2020-06-10

    I will also remain offline for those three days.

  12. Shane Hoover on 2020-06-10

    I am affiliated with Priority One Podcast, but this isn’t about backing the Podcast team. This is about standing to be counted in support of what’s right. I’ve been quietly uncomfortable with the lack of meaningful action from a game I respect and enjoy, and Elijah has cut to the painful truth of it. Of all gaming spheres, I expected better from a Star Trek property, particularly one that has proven time and again that they can tell nuanced and timely stories in-game that reflect an understanding of the values at the core of Star Trek. To carry on with business as usual right now just seems like a dereliction of duty for the sake of commerce. I know many of the Devs can’t be okay with this.
    I will not be logging in to play the game during the 19th, 20th, or 21st. I’ll speak with my “wallet” and my time.

  13. Matt Giaquinto on 2020-06-10

    You have my support. Honestly not sure if I want to keep playing STO at all now, or even the upcoming MTG game.

  14. David Rutley on 2020-06-10

    I will also join in this small protest. Up here is Canada is still part of the entire planet.

  15. Jason Smith on 2020-06-10

    I will be joining this protest, I won’t log on STO or even post screenshot arts from STO

  16. STTrekkerGan on 2020-06-10

    Great editorial. However, I have to ask you a question: if a company has to be “forced” to issue statement, then that in itself (that they had to be “forced” to do so) is proof the statement is NOT genuine. If it were, they would have done it without being “forced”. So are you really going to be pleased with a NON genuine statement only made in response to the weekend boycott you called for?

    • Elijah on 2020-06-10

      I encourage you to read the entire article. In it, I propose that a statement simply isn’t enough but, that further action needs to be taken — financial in nature if possible.

      • johnsillis on 2020-06-10

        I have a follow up on that same point. Whatever they do (statement, donation, whatever) are you actually going to pretend it was sincere after being compelled and actually feel morally comfortable giving them your money while knowing (whatever they did) wasn’t sincere?

        • Elijah on 2020-06-10

          Honestly, I do – in part. Again, it’s clearly not everyone at Cryptic who have stayed silent. You can find several of them making personal comments from their personal accounts as individuals (not spokespeople for the company). Having met many of them over the years while producing this show, reading their tweets and posts, I can only imagine this is somehow out of their hands.

          • johnsillis on 2020-06-10

            Elijah, I want you to know that I understand and appreciate what you are trying to do here (generally). But you need to know that you are twisting yourself into a “moral pretezel” that doesn’t make any sense.

            If you want to take the position that you aren’t going to support Cryptic anymore because “corporate” clearly doesn’t support the cause, so be it. That is a principled moral position.

            If you want to “excuse” the fact that “corporate” doesn’t “support the cause” because you know the Cryptic dev team clearly does but has no control over this situation (although that in itself can also be debated, because some employees might strike to force change, but that is another topic) then so be it. That can also be a principled moral position.

            But what isn’t a principled moral position is saying you will accept a fake forced statement AND some type of fake forced action (yes, I know “a statement is not enough”) as justification to give them your money again. You are clearly smart enough to realize that a faked/forced statement/action means the company(corporate)does not really support the cause.

            Again, I appreciate your activism in a general sense. But the specifics I have outlined above just don’t add up. Whatever your position is, stand by it and don’t try to have it “both ways”.

            • Elijah on 2020-06-10

              Here’s the thing. All it takes is some time on Twitter and Facebook to see that many of the employees are vocal about current events. Many (if not all) that do post on their personal accounts are generally supportive of organizations like BLM. So, if this is putting a small group of people at the corporate level in an awkward position…. GOOD!

              Honestly, I don’t really care about “sincerity” — Truth be told: that seems like an abstract concept to me. How does one measure sincerity?

              What I care about is “action.”

              I care about my darker brothers and sisters who aren’t afforded the same privileges that I enjoy as a light-skinned Latino. I care about taking action by whatever means I can. In this case, I’m trying to narrow my focus on a company that has enjoyed free grass-roots coverage from our production (and several others) but, has failed to take a stand when others in the industry have.

              Take a look at what RockStar did for instance: https://www.gamesradar.com/gta-online-and-red-dead-online-will-shut-down-for-two-hours-today-to-honor-george-floyd/

  17. Gray on 2020-06-10

    I will be joining this protest, any small thing I can do to try and make a change is worthwhile.

  18. ZEFilms Productions on 2020-06-10

    I’m on board with this 100%. I will not be logging into STO for any purposes.

Comments are closed.