Two years ago in April, British man Mark Meechan, known on youtube as "The Count Dankula" had an idea for a video. As a joke on his girlfriend and a couple friends, he would train his her pug to respond to Nazi propaganda.
For weeks, Mecchan trained the dog. Then, he released the video - A series of clips including Meechan repeating the phrase "Gas the Jews", sitting the pug in front of Hitler's speeches, and saying "Sieg Heil" in front of the dog, which then raises one of his legs up in the air, reminiscent of the Nazi salute.
The video stayed up for about a month, when suddenly Meechan was arrested by the lankanshire police on account for hate crimes.
Two years later, Meechan's trial started. Meechan attempted to defend himself by saying the extremity and offensiveness of the actions he did were meant to be the centerpiece of the comedy, and that the purpose was solely comedic, and not to stir up ill will towards the Jewish community
However, the court disagreed, claiming that it was grossly offensive and normalized anti-semitism. Meechan was found guilty of "using a means of public electronic communications network to send a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or indecent, obscene, or of menacing character".
In the course of this news being publicized, Meechan has claimed to have lost 8 jobs.
This sentencing brings up a very important question though, when do jokes go to far (especially on the internet)? When does something cease becoming a joke and start becoming hateful - and normalizes hateful or harmful ideas? Did this joke go too far? And most importantly, should the government step in if they perceive that a joke has went too far?
This case was held in Scotland - where freedom of speech laws are a bit more restrictive than here in America, but these questions still stand. I personally think the joke was in poor taste, but the government regulating free speech isn't exactly something I'm comfortable with. I don't think Meechan should have been arrested and subsequently found guilty of a hate crime - That seems a bit far for a dumb and insensitive joke. I'm personally more comfortable with the court of public opinion punishing someone for their actions rather than a legitimate court.
But what do you guys think? I'm interested in hearing your reactions.
For those who are interested, here is a mirror link to the "Nazi Pug" video - obviously, the content may be shocking to you, so proceed at your own discretion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD_QlnY8Ggg
I feel like this video is quite indicative of the internet as a whole. In general, large swaths of internet culture can be considered to be insensitive, as creation of controversy and extremism is what brings in "likes". Brian brings up the point that the government shouldn't violate free speech, whether it be on the internet or off, even if the subject matter is offensive or pushes hateful ideas. I personally agree with this sentiment, as allowing for the government to regulate free speech will lead to abuses. However, I would like to pose a different question. In this article, it states that this video was spread on Youtube and other streaming services. Now, my question is what is your view on corporate censorship of others? Do you think social media outlets should have a burden in stopping the spread of "unsavory" ideals and individuals? The internet is seen as more or less public property, so should web based businesses be allowed to block other types of media in favor of what they believe to be better?
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that this case became prosecuted because there are many examples of things like this on the internet. Also, there are actual hate sites that don't publish those things as a joke who aren't getting in trouble. I think it sends an important message to those who would be considering doing these kinds of jokes but I also think that this isn't even the worst thing that is put up on the internet.
ReplyDeleteI think that this case really sheds a light on the power of the internet. Although Meechan claimed that this video was put up as a joke, the hateful and offensive aspects of it were very much emphasized once it was spread around after being put up on youtube.
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