Mental Illness Alliance attacks Manhunt 2 stigma
Manhunt 2 sees the player assuming the role of a mentally ill murderer, whose senseless violence and motiveless brutality has seen the UK's sensors effectively banning the PS2, PSP and Wii title from release. The game was released in the USA, after modifications, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have vocally attacked the game's portrayal of mentally ill individuals as violent and dangerous.
"Even though some people may consider Manhunt 2 to be only a game, it unfortunately perpetuates and reinforces cruel, inaccurate perceptions that people who live with mental illnesses are violent," NAMI stated in today's condemnation of the game.
"The U.S. Surgeon General has condemned such stigmatization, identifying fear of stigma as a major barrier to people getting help when they need it. The overall contribution of mental illnesses to violence in society is exceptionally small. In fact, people living with mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violence."
In their statement, NAMI ask that Rockstar "recall or further modify the videogame Manhunt2 due to its irresponsible, stereotyped portrayal of mental illness. We also ask retailers to be responsible in responding to public health concerns."
While the Alliance are concerned by the game's perceptions, action from Rockstar seems unlikely, especially as hacked code is now available online, re-instating the original, ultra-violent version of the game originally barred from release.