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Seven Seas Entertainment has apologized to fans for taking a heavy-handed editorial approach towards Classroom of the Elite and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation after it was discovered that the independent manga publisher had heavily censored both respective series.

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Seven Seas censorship regarding these two titles first came to widespread attention last month when, following the release of the Classroom of the Elite light novels seventh volume, fans noticed that massive amounts of text had been completely omitted from the books English language release.

According to a number of comparisons between the official English release and a fan-translation of the books original Japanese text, provided by /u/veritasss11 on the /r/ClassroomOfTheElite subreddit, Seven Seas censorship saw numerous instances of text being outright removed from the light novel.

In one scene, wherein Kei Karuizawa recounts the relentless bullying she endured during her middle school years, Seven Seas removed nearly two paragraphs of text in which the heroine spoke to the fear and distress the schoolyard abuse had sparked within her.

Official Seven Seas Translation:

I was freezing. Icy water dripped from my hair. Theyd dumped water over me four times now. My uniform was soaked right through; even my underwear was wet. But my chilled body didnt scare me. It was the ice in my heart that did.

Come on. That is enough, Karuizawa. Make things easier on yourself. Theres no need to suffer any further, Ryuuen sneered.

Fan Translation (removed text in bold):

It chilled me down to my core.

The chill of the water dripping from my hair. Theyve dumped water on me four times now. Not only my uniform but even my underwear are soaking wet now. But its not the fact that my bodys trembling from the cold that terrifies me.

Its the cold that grips my heart.

A darkness deep and dark enough to make you resent the world reared its head.

Why am I being bullied? Those feelings gradually changed.

Why am I even alive?

What did I do wrong?

I began to blame myself. My heart thats frozen over started eating away at my body.

The scars that run deep began to ache again.

Hey, save yourself already, Karuizawa. Theres no need to suffer any more than this. In front of me, Ryuuen laughed while pressuring me for a confession.

Related: Love Hina Mangaka Warns About A Future Where Japanese Works Are Regulated By Foreign Standards

Shortly after the changes to Classroom of the Elite were brought to light, fans of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation found that Seven Seas entertainment had made similar omissions to the text of the series first two volumes.

As reported on the /r/Mushokutensei subreddit and personally confirmed by Anime News Network, these changes included a scene which depicted the protagonist Rudeus groping and attempting to pull off the panties of a sleeping girl [being] replaced with him trying to pull her shirt over her stomach to prevent her from catching a cold and several instances wherein the company completely removed references to rape.

Another notable change from volume 1 involved removing references to rape. When Lilia described her past sexual history with Paul to Rudeus in chapter 9, he mentally referred to Pauls actions as rape and adultery. This was changed in English to cheater and womanizer, wrote Anime News Network. In another section earlier in the same chapter, Lilia recalls an incident where Paul snuck into her bedroom at night for sex, describing the initial act as forced. The reference to force was removed in the English version.

In response to these changes being brought to light, Seven Seas issued a statement to Anime News Network apologizing for their heavy-handed editorial approach in certain portions of the text regarding Classroom of the Elite, announcing a re-edited release of the series seventh volume, and noting that they are currently re-evaluating our editorial choices concerning Mushoku Tensei.

The localization process, especially with novels, involves multiple stages of editing after we receive the raw translation, said Seven Seas. The process of creating smooth and readable English language prose often involves condensing or rearranging text, so line-by-line translation comparisons are not always 1:1.

Related: No Game No Life Light Novel Volumes Banned from Australia by Government Classification Board

Seven Seas goal is to provide accurate translations that reflect the authors intent, yet at the same time, we pride ourselves on providing polished English versions that are commercially viable and enjoyable to read, they continued. Our accomplished editors, many of whom are critically acclaimed writers as well as diehard manga and light novel fans, are tasked with carefully threading the needle and balancing word-for-word accuracy with fluidity.

The publisher added, In most cases, we are quite pleased with the results, and are confident that our translations stack up with our competitors translations and other professional prose novels in English.

That said, the localization process is always a judgement call. In the case of Classroom of the Elite Vol. 7, fans rightly drew our attention to a heavy-handed editorial approach in certain portions of the text, Seven Seas admitted. We appreciate this criticism and have taken it to heart. As a result, we have now re-edited the book and will release a new version shortly (both digital and print) that strikes a more carefully considered balance. As for Mushoku Tensei, we are currently re-evaluating our editorial choices, and will be making necessary adjustments on some volumes soon.

We thank fans for their invaluable feedback, the company concluded. Localization is not a science; it is an art form. We will continue to refine our in-house editorial standards to ensure that our localizations remain faithful, yet artful.

Related: Australia Bans Import of Hentai And Other Adult Anime Products from Japan!

Following Seven Seas official statement, Mushoku Tensei translators Alyssa Niioka and Paul Cuneo took to their personal Twitter accounts to clarify that the aforementioned changes to the series were made without their knowledge.

For what its worth, I was completely blindsided by the changes to the MT LN, wrote Niioka. I knew about volume 2s issue and was under the impression it was a layout issue, not an editorial change. It seems that was not the case.

Please understand those were editorial choices, and I was not included in that process, Niioka added. I didnt learn about these changes until all of you did. Many translators turn in their scripts and dont see the final product until its published.

If it wasnt already clear enough, my policy on translation is to translate faithfully regardless of whether I agree with the content itself, Niioka concluded. I think it should be for the readers to decide how they feel about it.

In the same vein, Cuneo stated that FWIW I view it as my job as a translator to convey the authors intent as best I can, warts and all. But as freelancers and one person in a multi-step process we often dont have that much control over the end result.

I do feel editing should be a two-way process, with translators looped in to help keep that connection to the original text / intent as solid as possible, he added. Ill try to advocate for process changes with my clients toward that goal.

What do you make of Seven Seas statement? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below!

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Seven Seas Admits To Heavy-Handed Censorship of Classroom of the Elite and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation - Bounding Into Comics

To the editor:

A couple of weeks ago, I told you that I was anxiously and eagerly working on legislation to protect Iowans from big tech censorship. Wait no longer. The legislation is here!

On Thursday I held a press conference with a number of my fellow Republican Senate colleagues to announce that we have filed SF402 to protect Iowans from liberal executives in the Silicon Valley who are censoring your speech! Proudly, we have a total of 30 senators sponsoring this incredibly important piece of legislation.

Our nation was built on the ability of Americans to freely express their views, political or otherwise! Yet today the public square of the 21st century is being controlled by a small number of elitists who believe they are the arbiters of truth and are dictating what content you can see and hear.

Iowa is in a unique position in that these big tech companies have or will invest billions of dollars in constructing data centers in our state. From Altoona to Council Bluffs to Waukee, big tech is here in a very huge way. These tech companies have or will reap hundreds of millions of dollars in tax incentives, including property tax abatements, tax credits and even exemption from paying tax on their energy consumption.

Unfortunately, under U.S. Code Section 230, big tech has been shielded from civil liability for their feckless censorship. This law preempts states from enacting measures that will allow our citizens in Iowa to file civil liability suits against these companies.

To further protect Iowans despite this unfortunate limitation, they will now have the ability to take action. With SF402 we will make big tech pay for their censorship.

SF402 establishes a mechanism whereby Iowa citizens will have their complaints investigated and heard before a court of law. Upon a finding that constitutionally protected speech was likely violated, the big tech companies will forfeit hundreds upon hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks, incentives and credits.

I feel so passionate about this legislation that I will personally shepherd this bill through the Senate. SF402 will receive a subcommittee very soon, and a companion bill has been filed in the house as a study bill in the Judiciary Committee by Chairman Steve Holt.

Big tech will be forced to choose: Either respect Iowans rights to express their views and thoughts, or forego these rich tax breaks. I have already begun the process in reaching out to colleagues in other states to introduce similar legislation. I am optimistic this type of legislation will be introduced in numerous states!

Sen. Jake ChapmanAdel

State Sen. Jake Chapman represents Iowas Senate District 10. He can be reached at 515-650-3942.

Read the original:
Letter to the editor: Chapman draws bead on big tech - theperrynews.com

Anti-discrimination law already on the books could spell trouble for tech companies that engage in political censorship.

In an exclusive article published by Mind Matters News, political scientist John West explains how far-reaching the Seattle law is and examines the dramatic impact it could have on Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Apple, among other tech giants.

As West explains, the law would seem to provide a clear ground for legal action against tech companies that reject apps, ban films, censor books, or deny advertising or other services based on the political viewpoint of the material being rejected.

West points out that "a person doesn't necessarily have to live in Seattle or even Washington State in order to file legal action under the law."

For tech companies headquartered in Seattle like Amazon, the Seattle law potentially allows any customer or business from any state to bring legal action against Amazon for discrimination based on political ideology. According to an attorney cited in West's article, remedies under the law include "injunctive relief, orders requiring affirmative action, and punitive damages."

"The Seattle anti-discrimination law packs a punch," writes West. "Damages requested under the law could be severe."

For tech companies with offices in Seattle but not headquartered there, legal liability would be more limited, but lawsuits could likely still be brought. West explains how in his article.

"It remains to be seen whether anyone will actually use Seattle's fair contracting ordinance to take on big tech censorship," writes West. "But if they do, Seattle could soon become ground zero in the battle against big tech."

West is Vice President of the Seattle-based Discovery Institute and the former chair of the Department of Political Science at Seattle Pacific University. He holds a PhD in Government from Claremont Graduate University and is an author and filmmaker.

SOURCE Discovery Institute

Discovery Institute

View post:
Seattle Law Could Spell Big Trouble for Amazon, Facebook, and Other Big Tech Companies If They Engage in Political Censorship - PRNewswire

Explain to me why the left loves to censor opposing views and the right does not. Jamie Glazov has a pretty good explanation in his prescient book, "United in Hate: The Left's Romance with Tyranny and Terror." He explains the left's psychological motivations that unite it with the evil ideologies of communism, fascism and radical Islam. But I still don't understand why so many Democrats, who were or are liberals, eagerly embrace the ideology of the left? Liberal feminist Tammy Bruce realized what has happened to the Democrat Party and is now a conservative. David Rubin came to the same conclusion and has written about censorship in his recent book, "Don't Burn This Book." Tolerance of other's viewpoints and free speech are out, while the "cancel culture" wave and censoring diversity of opinions and thought is the way to go. I would dearly love to hear from the writers who vote Democratic as to why they are OK with the way our culture is going? Some real honest to goodness civil debate on the pages of the LDS would be so very refreshing, would it not?

When I read letters from those on the left, I am perplexed. They appear to be caring and intelligent. So why do they appear to be giving up their liberal idealism so easily in favor of attacking free speech? Why are they seemingly willing to give up on the principles that made this country great? A dear friend of mine sent me this quote which I believe sums up what is happening to this country. "America is like a healthy body and its resistance is threefold; its patriotism, its morality and its spiritual life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will collapse from within." That quote was from Joseph Stalin.

The Weather Underground developed their Marxist strategy in the 1960s. Destroy capitalism/the weapon of choice-systemic racism & police racism/identify victim classes/organize the victim classes/engage in international solidarity with the global movement/attack and dethrone God. Weather Underground disciples such as William Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn, Kathy Boudin, Jeff Jones, Susan Rosenberg and Mark Rudd changed tactics and joined academia in order to teach this Marxist strategy to our college youth. The left has now captured our culture and is using it to smash our 1st Amendment. Sam Sorbo, bless her heart, made me feel a little better with her new book, "Words for Warriors." Her wit and intelligence masterfully explains how the left has manipulated language to make their socialistic and anti-freedom agenda sound palatable. Can we all agree on this phrase? "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other" - John Adams. Let's never forget that!

See more here:
Russ Wiles: Why does the left embrace censorship of ideas they detest? - The Laconia Daily Sun

Facebook responded to Kevin Sorbos claims that the social media site removed his page without any explanation.

In a statement provided to Fox News, a Facebook company spokesperson said that Sorbos account was removed from the platform over posts he made about the coronavirus and vaccine.

"We removed Kevin Sorbos Page for repeatedly sharing debunked claims about the coronavirus or vaccines," the statement reads.

The openly conservative actor appeared on "Fox News @ Night" Monday alongside his wife, Sam Sorbo, to discuss what he believed was cancel culture run amuck after the social media platform took down his official verified account. He saidat the time that he was not given prior notice or an explanation.

KEVIN AND SAM SORBO STARRING IN NEW PRO-LIFE DOCUMENTARY THAT ENDORSES TRUMP

But a Facebook spokesperson thatper its policy, Sorbos account was notified twice that it had 48 hours to remove posts that promoted alleged misinformation prior to its policy change. After the offending account allegedly failed to act, the page was removed. It's unclear specifically which posts violated the site's new policy.

Sorbo quickly took to Twitter to promote a new page, but that was promptly taken down by the social media site as well. The spokesperson noted that it is against the company's rules to create a new page to avoid enforcement of punishment on a previously offending page.

"FACEBOOK DID IT AGAIN!" Sorbo tweeted Wednesday. "I created my new page about a week ago, and with roughly 5 total posts, it has been deleted. No politics, just a few funny posts my kids sent me. Censorship at its finest, spread the word!"

Representatives for Sorbo did not immediately respond to Fox News request for comment.

'HERCULES' STAR DISCUSSES NEW 'HARDCORE FAITH-BASED' MOVIE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSERVATIVES IN HOLLYWOOD

The site recently updated its policies on COVID-19 misinformation in an effort to crack down on pages and people who they say post potentially misleading or fraudulent claims about the pandemic to users.

"As the situation evolves, we continue to look at content on the platform, assess speech trends, and engage with experts like the World Health Organization (WHO), government health authorities, and stakeholders from across the spectrum of people who use our service, and we will provide additional policy guidance when appropriate to keep the members of our community safe during this crisis," the companys website reads.

Kevin Sorbo claims he was not told by Facebook why his account was removed. (Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)

During his interview, the "Hercules" actor said that he was not given any prior notice or explanation for his initial verified pages removal.

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"Ive been told absolutely nothing, I mean theyve been shadow banning me for the last year telling me that theyre purposely only letting a select few people see the posts that I make," he explained. "And the posts that I make, I do a lot of humor and obviously Facebook doesnt like humor because they dont have anything to laugh about."

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Sorbo continued: "And then I post things from doctors saying Hey check out the other side of the issue of COVID or check out the other side of the issue of voter fraud and what do you guys think? Thats pretty much what I post and thats enough to make them get angry and take my account down, I dont know. Id love to get an answer, trust me."

More:
Facebook responds to Kevin Sorbos claims of censorship, alleging he violated coronavirus misinformation rules - Fox News