Piracy and Political Affiliation

Is one side more receptive than the other?

from JoeUser Forums

Piracy, whether it be of games, movies, software, or music is a pretty hot topic these days.  On one side you have people against piracy who usually claim copyright should be protected and what people are doing is just plain stealing.  On the other side there are people who think attempts to squash piracy are against someones "freedom" and argue that piracy doesn't affect the bottom line in business.

I have been looking through a bunch of websites that one could say the readers are more "supportive" of piracy and I noticed that what seems like a majority of these people seem to also be vocal in U.S. politics.  It also seems many of these people lean more to the left of the political spectrum, although I can't find any data to officially back that up with.  However, I think it's an interesting question to ask.  Does ones political affiliation and beliefs lessen or strengthen their stance on piracy?

Now before people get all bent out of shape, let me say I'm not accusing someone of advocating piracy because they are more liberal or conservative, but I do have my personal theory that one side is more receptive of the practice than another.  It's common to hear that people who are younger are typically more receptive to piracy than someone much older, but you never here much about their political, or even religious, preferences.

My belief is people who are more liberal, meaning fairly far left, will be more likely to accept the practice of piracy.  Why do I think that?  Well first of all, far left thinking is that capitalism is bad, and anyone who makes a profit is somehow "evil".  This also goes back to the reality that liberalism is more in favor of entitlement, and that someone who makes money somehow "owes" it back to society.  This creates an attitude of basically "I don't care" and that stealing someones copyrighted material doesn't mean anything because they are retaliating against the "greedy" industry.

What is your opinion?  Do you think an individuals political leaning affects their stance on piracy, or do you think it has no connection at all?

political internet
109,476 views 119 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think you have hit the nail left of center.   ;) 
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I maintain that this is an absolute ridiculous position to take. Do violent video games make people more prone to commit acts of violence? Are atheists more intelligent than the religious?


It's drawing a connection for the sake of making a connection.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
It's drawing a connection for the sake of making a connection.
End of quote


I tend to agree with mittens. I think you're looking for correlations where there aren't any to be found, ID.

But then, we know you love your conservatism. ;)
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Do violent video games make people more prone to commit acts of violence?
End of quote


yes ;)


Are atheists more intelligent than the religious?
End of quote


obviously not ;)



I think you have hit the nail left of center.
End of quote


true :)
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I disagree with mittens and S.C.

Most of the liberals I know are young people (“Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.” - Winston Churchill).  And most of them think that they are owed something by their parents, their employers, and the government.  They tend to think that anything non-physical should be free.  That can be music, movies, software, and in many cases, services.

I don't think it's true of all liberals and untrue for all conservatives . . but there is a Socialist mindset propagated by the left's political stance that encourages a "we all should be equal and no one should have more than anyone else" that extends to copyrighted materials.

Having said that, I don't see many of the liberal left going out and busting their asses to help others step up.

I wonder if Animal farm is still required reading in school.?  :)
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
“Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.” - Winston Churchill
End of quote


An axiom......never heard that one before.........thanks :)
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, what about the theory that most people don't even consider the points you make?

Since you ask for opinions, mine is that what you present really never enters the mind for the majority of our society. Not saying that they are not capable of considering the points. For the most part they just want to make it through the day, have a job, have a family, put food on the table and have a bed to sleep in.

For sure there is a portion of society that does bother to consider your points. I happen to feel that it's a small portion, clearly not the majority.

At the end of the day, the answers to our questions really are not very complicated.

Then agian I have always be accused of living in a fantasy world. ;) 
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

My belief is people who are more liberal, meaning fairly far left, will be more likely to accept the practice of piracy.  Why do I think that?  Well first of all, far left thinking is that capitalism is bad, and anyone who makes a profit is somehow "evil".  This also goes back to the reality that liberalism is more in favor of entitlement, and that someone who makes money somehow "owes" it back to society.  This creates an attitude of basically "I don't care" and that stealing someones copyrighted material doesn't mean anything because they are retalitating against the "greedy" industry.
End of quote

See, I'm the wrench in that belief of yours, because damn near every test I've taken has shown me as far left, but the I don't believe that Capitalism is necessarily evil. I think it should be adjust, and tweaked so that it can be more user friendly, so to speak, but Capitalism has worked so far (albeit oddly), so why change horses in the middle of the river, right?

As for if someone who has made money somehow oweing some back to society, if society as whole has helped them get to that point,then yes. I believe in giving back to society, and when I'm rich (cause i want to be, ironically), i'm going to give back to society and live modestly. It just makes sense to help those who've helped you, and to help your fellow beings.

And no, I don't agree with the concept of piracy.

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Since you ask for opinions, mine is that what you present really never enters the mind for the majority of our society. Not saying that they are not capable of considering the points. For the most part they just want to make it through the day, have a job, have a family, put food on the table and have a bed to sleep
End of quote
I don't think they think about it either . . but many are fed "entitlements" along with "equality" (based on bunk instead of merit).
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As for if someone who has made money somehow oweing some back to society, if society as whole has helped them get to that point,then yes. I believe in giving back to society, and when I'm rich (cause i want to be, ironically), i'm going to give back to society and live modestly
End of quote
I agree with you and have the same plan.  But I also understand that for the left, I can never give enough to justify my being rich.  In fact, they'd like to tax me so that I can't be rich.  So they can pre-give my money before I can even deposit it.  :)
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A very very general assumption is that the right is closed minded while the left is opened minded. I think there might be some merit to the original theory here.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
I agree with you and have the same plan. But I also understand that for the left, I can never give enough to justify my being rich. In fact, they'd like to tax me so that I can't be rich. So they can pre-give my money before I can even deposit it.
End of quote


And that's why I've never fit in with ordinary liberals; never was rank and file. Practically thinking (or is it pragmatically), the rich can afford to pay more, so while we shouldn't tax them till they bleed, I do feel that they can handle it better.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
(“Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any
man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.” - Winston Churchill)
End of quote


I'm retired now, but I was pretty unusual for a soldier, in that I was a liberal when I was in the Army (slightly to the right edge of liberal, but a liberal nonetheless), and a consistent Democratic voter. Now I'm 46, and I'm just as much a liberal as I was when I was in the Army. There are exceptions to every rule...

Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
And perhaps I should rephrase that I want to be very well off. I don't plan on being like warren buffet, but I want to be where I dont have to worry about paying my bills, and where I can take my family and go on vacations, and again, not have to worry.

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm retired now, but I was pretty unusual for a soldier, in that I was a liberal when I was in the Army (slightly to the right edge of liberal, but a liberal nonetheless), and a consistent Democratic voter. Now I'm 46, and I'm just as much a liberal as I was when I was in the Army. There are exceptions to every rule...
End of quote
And your feelings on piracy?  ;)  What about what you think of your fellow libs?

My father, a retired Army Col., was ultra-conservative all through his military career.  Now, as a wealthy, civilian contractor inside the beltway has become significantly more left of center.  I have to get him back in the South soon!!
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Personally, I think this issue has been beaten to death. The bottom line is that if someone creates something they intend to make money on they need to protect it "as best as they can" but in the end...and I don't care what part of the political spectrum you come from or what title you choose to hide behind...a thief is a thief...and if someone wants it without paying for it...not matter what they choose to call themselves or how righteous they wish to portray themselves as...they will get it.

People the world over tend to think that by calling themselves one thing or another that "sounds" less threatening or less like a thief...it somehow makes them better than "the other guy"....which is total bullshit.

As far as people "thinking" the government owes them anything...the people of this country give this government trillions upon trillions of dollars every year...and they can "vote themselves a raise" to raise they're standard of living...gee...should I vote yes or no...but yet when we...the hard working people who are the ones actually responsible for making this country what it is..."ask" for a raise for ourselves we are forever told no.

And this clown McCain just made a statement that the government should not be helping people who are losing they're homes now because...."they are irresponsible." But if it weren't for the rising cost of living due to trillions of dollars spent on this "irresponsible and senseless" invasion of a third world country that isn't going to accomplish squat...these people might not be losing they're homes. So maybe the people of this country need to stop giving this government help in fighting this invasion and supporting the governments irresponsible behavior....and while we're at it take away all the freebies these government officials take advantage of that the hard working people of this country pay for. They already get paid for the work they do...let them pay they're own way like the rest of us.

Basically, if you gave people the chance to earn a better wage...maybe...just maybe...they would be less inclined to steal.

And give me a break already with these...I'm left of center....right of middle...Dem/Rep...or whatever you choose to call yourself...we're all in the same boat and the boat doesn't get anywhere when we're all rowing in different directions...we need to start working together...remember...united we stand...divided we fall.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And this clown McCain just made a statement that the government should not be helping people who are losing they're homes now because...."they are irresponsible." But if it weren't for the rising cost of living due to trillions of dollars spent on this "irresponsible and senseless" invasion of a third world country that isn't going to accomplish squat...these people might not be losing they're homes.
End of quote
Waaay off topic . . but the housing crisis is not due to govt. spending on the war.  it's due to people trying to scam people.

Whose fault is the "mortgage crisis"?

Basically, if you gave people the chance to earn a better wage...maybe...just maybe...they would be less inclined to steal.
End of quote
Bullcrap . .I've know poor people that don't steal and rich people that do.  It has to do with what kind of person you are.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Bullcrap . .I've know poor people that don't steal and rich people that do. It has to do with what kind of person you are
End of quote

Sorry Z..but not bullcrap! But I will also agree with what you said as well. Depends are the person you are.

And my "way off topic" was in response to something you said.

And most of them think that they are owed something by their parents, their employers, and the government.
End of quote
Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Once again, this is not saying that every democrat, liberal, whatever adovcates piracy.  I know people who pirate cover a broad spectrum. 

I simply say that people who lean to the left are more likely to due to their hatred for business, capitalism, and just basically anything that isn't "free".

 

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And my "way off topic" was in response to something you said
End of quote
.And most of them think that they are owed something by their parents, their employers, and the government.
End of quote
I was still referring to the entitlement mentality that encourages them to think it's ok to take whatever they want (like music, games, movies and apps).  You went all conspiracy theory on me.  :)  I still love you though man.   :CONGRAT:
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well.....I have a hatred for business, capitalism because of the unadulterated greed in many of them...not all...but thats no reason to steal. Thats why I feel "any" label doesn't apply...people are people no matter what label they hide behind. People just like to "appear" to be honest. ;)
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You went all conspiracy theory on me.
End of quote


:LOL: Conspiracy theory or not...its still true. ;) And when the government stops stealing from the people maybe they'll stop stealing as well.....who knows. This whole topic can never have a happy ending. ;p

We're cool Z. ;)
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I personally Don't get into politics, not because I don't care, I do. Call me a conspiracy theorist if you want but I just don't believe it matters what I vote, and that the government is going to do what it wants to anyway (Just look at the Bush elections). Now not getting involved does go against my inner nature to care, I'm a new ager (I won't call myself Wiccan, but a witch non-the-less), and I do believe it's my job to help better the world around me in anyway I possibly can. That being said I don't advocate piracy, but I do think a better way to fight it needs to be looked at. I don't necessarily think that someone's political affiliation has anything to do with whether they advocate for or against piracy, I do agree though that it does have something to do with what kind of person you are. I've lived around some pretty "low-class" people in my time simply because I was financially going through some tough times, and there are those who will "stand in line for some free" those are the types that will advocate piracy based on the fact that they are tired of being poor and having nothing. Then there are those who have the means but just don't want to pay for it. I really don't think it has anything to do with your political affiliation, but who you are and what your life experience has been.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Maybe we should have those give me programs like we did in the 60's.  People living in shacks driving new caddys while their kids went damn near naked.  Or we should go for big business and let the rich get richer and the poorer get poorer.  Now thats some choice. HUM.  Maybe if we fry all the crooks we might not be in the troubles we're in.  Who knows.  I know this, don't spend/charge more than you can pay off at the end of the month and you won't have money problems.  Why spend $200k on a house when the one that costs $100k will do.  Piss on the joneses.

What choices do we have.   1.  A demo that doesn't have any real plans but can rally the people....2.. A demo that couldn't control her husband.....3... An old POW.

Oh yeah, there Ralph Nadar. ;) 

Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Personally, I don't political affiliation has any direct bearing on it any more than being right or left politically qualifies someone as being moral and honest. People choose how they behave and can always find a way to justify doing what they know to be wrong.