News2 mins ago
democracy,china and microsoft
Answers
No best answer has yet been selected by ajmmac. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.ajmmac - I think kazza's point was strong actually. I don't understand why THIS makes a difference if nothing else did before. Morever, she is RIGHT - if MS didn't do it, someone else WOULD. They might be "colluding with the government", or they might just be providing their service/product in a field where there is market demand in order to profit maximise for their shareholders (i.e., what the directors are bound to do). Moreover, if you're going to sell up your microsoft computer, I hope you'll also refuse in future to buy ANYTHING made in China - the money from that would go to the government as well (well, the Chinese government makes money at the expense of its labour fource). If you're going to do something, do it properly. Good luck with that.
The Chinese government is an oppressive regime. Protesting against it is honourable, but this is a weak and pretty pathetic way to do it. By boycotting MS in Chine you're trying to boycott capitalism and communism in one fell swoop! There must be stronger ways to support the people of China.
PS - I was 6 when Tiannemen happened. I realise what took place and the significance of it, but I can't honestly say I really remember it.
PPS - If this is another thread where the question asker is just asking for approval and support from other ABers, then please just say so now, and anyone who dares to disagree will know not to bother.
microsoft is aiding the chinese government CORRECT
BUT they are aiding them come into the 21st century with giving the chinese people the chance to progress and develop with internet and information.
Without the help of MS they would be further behind and the people struggling to catch the rest of the world. It isnt MS fault that the people are repressed by their government, it is the governements! MS is a company that has seen 1.2 billion possible customers suddeny become available! If it is such a huge problem that the chinese people are repressed then our own government should but kicking up a fuss, not a company that sells computer software!
Remember also that until a couple of years ago the idea of nightclubs, drinking and pop music was also considered a major no-no in china and now they are slowly relaxing it.
China is trying to head towards western approaches but in a slow and controlled manor and considering that western internet is uncontrolled and has so far caused some areas to abuse that such as pirate download sites, child porn, racist and hate sites.....is it any wonder that china see's this as a worry and wants to limit there countries involment in the world wide web to begin with???
Other people have made very good answers.
I agree with the point of view that commercial companies are There to make money for their stockholders, and that ethics shouldn't enter into it. If we think they shouldn't be allowed to do it a law should be passed, that is what laws are there for, its that simple. If there is no law, or if a law can't be made, that is where a change should be made, not at the company "ethics" level.
In this situation, international law says china can do what it wants, so, ethically, I agree with twiglet, people having some blogging capability is better than having no ability.
Related Questions
Sorry, we can't find any related questions. Try using the search bar at the top of the page to search for some keywords, or choose a topic and submit your own question.