themoscowtimes.com
Pro-Invasion Board Game Released in Russia
A new board game, "Special Operation on the Outskirts," celebrating Russia's invasion of Ukraine, went on sale at Wildberries ahead of the war's third anniversary on February 24th, coinciding with Defenders of the Fatherland Day on February 23rd.
- How does the game's design and marketing, including its release date and imagery, reflect and reinforce the Kremlin's narrative about the war in Ukraine?
- The game's release coincides with Defenders of the Fatherland Day (February 23rd), a day before the invasion anniversary, suggesting a deliberate attempt to normalize and celebrate the war. The game's mechanics and imagery directly reflect and reinforce the Kremlin's justification for the invasion, framing it as a "special operation.
- What is the significance of a board game glorifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine being sold on Wildberries just before the anniversary of the full-scale invasion?
- A board game titled "Special Operation on the Outskirts," glorifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is now sold on Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer. The game depicts Russian forces "liberating" Ukrainian cities, aligning with the Kremlin's narrative. Its release nears the war's anniversary, raising concerns about propaganda.
- What are the potential long-term implications of using commercially available board games as propaganda tools to shape public opinion and normalize military aggression?
- The game's commercial success could significantly contribute to shaping public opinion within Russia, normalizing the war and potentially hindering peace efforts. This strategic use of entertainment as a propaganda tool warrants attention, as it highlights the Kremlin's sophisticated methods of manipulating public perception.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the game's release as a significant event, highlighting its availability on Russia's largest online retailer and its timing close to the invasion anniversary. This emphasis on the game's commercial success and its alignment with pro-Kremlin narratives shapes reader perception of its importance and normalizes the underlying conflict. The description of the game as a 'unique modern-day twist on Monopoly' and a 'perfect gift' further softens the game's inherently violent and propagandistic nature.
Language Bias
The use of terms like "liberating," "Nazi rule," and "enemy propaganda" reflects a pro-Russian, Kremlin-aligned perspective and presents biased, loaded language that is not neutral. The description of the game as 'immersive' seeks to downplay its propagandistic nature. Neutral alternatives could include using neutral terms like 'military conflict,' 'political conflict', 'Ukrainian cities', 'the Russian military action', replacing 'liberators' with 'military forces', etc.
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of the Ukrainian perspective on the game and the potential impact on Ukrainians. It also doesn't mention any critical response to the game's release in Russia or internationally. The lack of this context limits the reader's ability to fully understand the game's implications and broader significance.
False Dichotomy
The game presents a false dichotomy by portraying the conflict as a simple 'liberation' of Ukrainian cities from 'Nazi' rule, ignoring the complexities of the war and the diversity of Ukrainian views. This simplification overlooks the Ukrainian resistance and the devastating impact of the invasion.
Gender Bias
The description of the game focuses on the actions of heavily armed male soldiers, reinforcing gender stereotypes related to warfare and minimizing or omitting any female involvement in either the game's development or the conflict itself.
Sustainable Development Goals
The board game glorifies the Russian invasion of Ukraine, promoting a narrative that contradicts the principles of peace and international law. This can fuel further conflict and undermine efforts towards peaceful resolution. The game's release close to the anniversary of the invasion exacerbates this negative impact.