This post has not been edited by the GamesBeat staff. Opinions by GamesBeat community writers do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.
Editor's note: I enjoy it when someone uses video games to illustrate a political point. Juan looks at what video-game characters would face deportation under Arizona's new illegal-immigration legislation in this piece of political satire. Note: The opinions in this piece reflect the feelings of the writer, not Bitmob.com. -Jason
With the controversy surrounding Arizona state Senate Bill 1070, the recently passed legislation cracking down on illegal immigration, and its legal ramifications on the state and federal level, I ask simple question: Which video-game characters face deportation if they were to visit the Arizona without the proper documentation?
I feel the law violates the United States Constitution; as we all learn in Canadian and American grade school, only the federal government may issue currency, field a standing army, and protect its borders.
A stormtrooper checks identification papers at WonderCon. (Image by Juan Letona.)
At first the list seems like a simple endeavor. Characters such as Luke Skywalker, Master Chief, or Gordon Freeman don't count as they live in galaxies far, far away. The games we need to examine have modern settings and/or realistic interpretation of the world you and I live in — this means games like Grand Theft Auto, Street Fighter, Super Mario Bros., and the like. Their characters would face deportation until they presented their papers.
The list begins now…on page 2.
(Images courtesy Nintendo)
Mario and Luigi
These Italian-American plumbers, with their dark, Mediterranean features, look suspicious when riding down an Arizona freeway. Who else wears overalls all of the time and take up a game of footie or two? Illegal immigrants — that's who.
(Images courtesy Rockstar Games)
Niko Bellic and his cousin, Roman
What does the phrase "American Dream" mean, anyway? These guys came wet off a boat, seeking that American dream. Example No. 1: Speaking with heavy accents = illegal. No spoiler here. Neither become legal citizens of Liberty City. Oddly enough, Niko always had free healthcare.
(Image courtesy Capcom)
T. Hawk and El Fuerte
A Mexican and a Native American in stereotypical outfits with poor English grammar? Cooking time? Ho? Can we say, "Adios, amigos"?
(Image from Comics, Cards, & More)
Superman
The Man of Steel arrived in the U.S. illegally and without applying for amnesty, and just like the missionaries in Haiti, his parents kept the baby without telling authorities. He should be the first to go. Adios, Kal-El. Man-of-Tomorrow? More like one more burrito, por flavor.