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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Russian lawmakers accuse 'Shrek', 'Call of Duty', 'Death Note' and other Western media of "indoctrination"
Russian lawmakers are calling for tighter controls on Western media after accusing films like Shrek, Monsters Inc, and The Grinch, along with video games such as Call of Duty, of having a 'destructive impact' on children. During a roundtable, members of Russia's State Duma criticised a range of popular media, arguing that characters like Shrek no longer serve as ideal role models. 'Characters began to appear who embodied negative traits but were elevated to the status of positive characters,' one presentation slide stated. The discussion also targeted the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 mission 'No Russian,' claiming it promoted negative portrayals of Russia and mocked past national tragedies, including the 2024 Crocus City Hall attack. A quote from the game describing Russian forces killing fleeing civilians was cited as evidence. In addition, Death Note was listed among destructive influences in a presentation slide that displayed the cover of Death Note: Short Stories. Lawmakers extended criticism to video games, fashion, music, and literature they believe undermine national values. Sergei Mironov of the 'A Just Russia' party described the situation as part of a 'hybrid war,' stating, 'If you want to defeat the enemy, raise their children.' His colleague, Yana Lantratova, acknowledged the legal complexity of regulating media but said work is underway to draft legislation promoting 'traditional Russian spiritual values.' As lawmakers push for new regulations, cultural icons like Shrek and Wolverine are unexpectedly drawn into wider debates on media influence.
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The bizarre reason Russia wants to ban Shrek and other beloved animations
Shrek is having a 'destructive impact' on children, according to Russian lawmakers. In a roundtable discussion on Monday, several films, toys and games were accused of being vehicles through which Western countries are 'indoctrinating' Russian children. A slideshow was presented by State Duma deputy Yana Lantratova, which showed 'good' Soviet-era children's films and toys in contrast to characters originating from Western countries, with Shrek, the Grinch and Monsters Inc. mentioned. 'They don't seem bad, but they have both physical and personality flaws,' said Lantratova of Western characters including ogre Shrek, according to a report from the Moscow Times. 'Gradually, with the infiltration of Western culture, characters began to appear who embodied negative traits but were elevated to the status of positive characters,' the outlet report one slide read, continuing: 'The image of the purely positive character began to fade.' Sergei Mironov, leader of political party A Just Russia, accused the West of waging a 'hybrid war' via childrens' entertainment, citing the adage: 'If you want to defeat the enemy, raise their children.' 'Unfortunately, [Western countries] are very actively engaged in indoctrinating our children,' he said, as per the outlet. Lantratova, also a member of the minority political party, said unclear laws were stopping authorities from blocking Western-made children's content. More Trending This comes after Russia passed a bill banning content – which it labelled 'propaganda' – promoting child-free ideologies, as Vladimir Putin attempts to encourage women to have children to counteract the country's dwindling birthrate. Content violating this rule may face fines up to 400,000 rubles (£3,724) for individuals and up to 5 million rubles ($46,000) for officials and legal entities. In 2023, Russia ruled that the 'international LGBT movement' was an extremist organisation, and passed a law banning so-called 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations'. All these laws are part of the Kremlin's push towards what it calls 'traditional' or 'pro-family' values. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: British missiles could soon be used against Putin deep into his own territory MORE: Kremlin says Trump's 'absolutely crazy' jab at Putin was 'emotional overload' MORE: Mum who put out a hit on her 12-year-old daughter was fed up of 'bad behaviour'
