open letter to amazon about Gaijin Hanzai Ura Fairu (Foreigner Crime Hidden files)

Dear amazon;

Recently you were contacted by several people in connection with the Japanese mukku (mook/magazine-book) entitled Gaijin Hanzai Ura Fairu (外人犯罪裏ファイル), or in English, Foreigner Crime Hidden Files.

The magazine is sold at amazon.co.jp: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4754256182

Now I am aware through reading various comments at japanprobe.com and at debito.org that various people have complained to you, and I am writing to tell you that your response to them, which they made public, has been woefully inadequate; moreover it is unethical, undermines freedom and democracy, and is basically a falsehood.

While this all might sound rather strong, please allow me a chance to explain myself.

You state at debito.org: "Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to sell certain titles because we believe their message is objectionable. Therefore, we will continue to make controversial works available in the United States and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by law. We also allow readers, authors, and publishers to express their views freely about these titles and other products we offer on our web site."

This is plainly false. While you do allow people to review books, you have internal rules about this. So clearly, as far as commenting on books it is not anything goes, but instead fairly detailed rules must be followed. Reviews not following these rules are censored.

So to state that you have a policy of non-censorship is merely silly. Note I'm not disapproving of your use of rules, merely noting that indeed you do practice censorship.

In fact, I'll note that if one searches Google it is not hard to find people complaining that their review from amazon was removed because it was too negative. While these stories could be false, they are actually quite numerous.

Just a few samples, here, here, here, and here.

Clearly both with good reason, and perhaps without, amazon censors. To say otherwise is to commit a falsehood.

Now, as far as the your actual statement, again you state, "we will continue to make controversial works available in the United States and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by law."

This amounts to saying, "if it's not illegal, then its okay." Do you require a lesson in civic virtue? Just because something is legal does not mean it is okay.

We maintain the right to free speech only so long as we don't abuse it. When we begin to abuse it, the right gradually becomes curtailed until it is gone completely. Freedom is a grave responsibility, not anything that isn't illegal. Do you see the difference, here?

Clearly the best way to protect democracy and freedom is first and foremost to behave in an ethical manner. To have standards and to follow them. This is true whether we are acting as individuals or deciding upon appropriate corporate policy in terms of what should be sold or not sold.

Amazon has show itself in this case to be totally unscrupulous. It's only standard is whether something is legal or not. This is the complete absence of any kind of standards whatsoever.

One is forced to ask what amazon would do if provocative portrayals of rape were to become legal? What if self-help manuals for potential rapists could be legally sold? Would amazon then sell them? What if video games in which victory meant raping one's little sister were legal to sell, would amazon then sell them?

Oh, but wait, what am I saying? This type of media is legal in Japan.

Indeed, at amazon.co.jp a search under the words レイプ (rape) brings up all kinds of surprising things. Here is but a sample.

[Remember that if you check out the links, you might have to acknowledge you are 18 years are older. Do this by checking the link marked "はい" (yes).]

Software: Rape, Rape, Rape away! Game..

Software: Rape your peachy little sister Game.

Software: The impudent rape game.

DVD: Force Rape Manual number 11.

DVD: The kimono clad mother-in-law Rape.

DVD: dvd supposedly portraying real life rapes of drunken ladies.

Book: Rape Dictionary. A reviewer notes that its mostly a how-to manual for carrying out rapes.

Book: My 116 rape experiences by the author of some well selling sex advise book.

Book: Molestation and finger rape of a young girl!

Video: The crazy rape of the pregnant teacher with big breasts.

Comic: Rape+2πr.

Comic: Anal Rape.

Comic: Hard and Severe Anal rapes.

Again this is just a tiny sample. The number of rape DVDs at amazon.co.jp that have レイプ (rape) in their title is well over 900.

How virtuous of amazon to sell all these items to needy customers. Whatever would the poor peddlers of rape entertainment do if it were not for amazon's virtuous need to protect their freedom of speech (and earn lots of money meanwhile.)

Now regarding the magazine in question, gaijin hanzai ura fairu. There is simply no need for amazon to carry this magazine. It is of low quality and clearly racist. All ethnic groups that are not Japanese are made to look sinister and dangerous. Blacks are referred to as "niggers" and shown to rob people in the streets.

And what of the portrayal of US service men? At a time, when for better or worse, US men (and woman) are giving their lives to help maintain freedom in the world, amazon is helping to market a magazine that uses lies and propaganda to make members of the US military look sinister. Not only this, but it is doing it in near secrecy overseas in a country where America has important military bases. It is almost as amazon is seeking to undermine the very freedom which allows it to exist!

Amazon continues to market the magazine despite the fact that nearly all other retailers have stopped marketing it, as has been reported here.

Gaijin hanzai ura fairu is work written to intentionally provoke racial tension and hatred. It is complete unnecessary for amazon to be selling this magazine, moreover, it is unethical.

Please act responsibly and stop selling it immediately.

And also, why you are at it, please stop selling all these media items that endorse rape. I'm sure it is not long before a larger and more concerted group of concerned world citizens notes what you are selling in Japan and launches a world wide boycott of your services. Please be proactive and act before that happens.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Matt Dioguardi