So who's fault WOULD it be??

Google Accidentally Offends Japanese Sensibilities

" Google posted the maps as one of many "layers" available via its mapping software, each of which can be easily matched up with modern satellite imagery. The company provided no explanation or historical context, as is common practice in Japan. Its basic stance is that its actions are acceptable because they are legal, one that has angered burakumin leaders.

"If there is an incident because of these maps, and Google is just going to say 'it's not our fault' or 'it's down to the user,' then we have no choice but to conclude that Google's system itself is a form of prejudice," said Toru Matsuoka, a member of Japan's upper house of parliament. "

So let me get this straight .... you have a blatant discrimination going on - and you are doing nothing about it? My goodness, its like the US in per 1960's ... only difference is, in the US you didn't have to do a background check in order to discriminate (kind of hard to hide skin color).

These are people in Japan who are the same race .... in fact their ancestors were a very necessary part of society .... and it is still being held against their decendants 20 generations later??? How horrid.

But the question is ... if the government hasn't done anything to stop this practice, how can it be Google's fault if it goes on? Its no illegal to post the maps .... nor is it illegal not to post historical context - a 'common practice' is not a law, its a 'norm' ... I could see it if Google published the specific addresses ... I could see if if Goodle did it just for this group and no others .... then I could see where there would be a case to judge that Google was a form of 'prejudice'.

But you can't do it JUST because the company says - look we put the info out there and its up to the user how they use it -- because it IS up to the user how to use it. Otherwise we could sue schools for teaching about any historical event that would raise hateful feelings that might make some one act out.

So lets make a list of things they shouldn't teach:
Japan's autrocities in China during WW2
Japan's treatment of POWs during WW2
Anything dealing with Nazi germany
Tieniman square
Southern US before Civil war
bloody coup in Iran
bloody coup in Uganda
the ethnic wars in Rwanda
Romes march across the known world
the viking invasions
British occupation of India
ummm, have I missed some??

On some level ALL of these are going to stir up ill feelings in someone, and that someone is going to hang out with people who feel the same way ...

Here's an idea --- how about blaming the PEOPLE for their ACTIONS and then letting Google SUE THEM for misuse of their product??? How about THAT ONE??