December 16, 2003

Microsoft Power!

Posted by ryan at 12:28 AM in computers . | 5 Comments

Press Release

Dec. 12, 2003

Microsoft has learned of a mistake in the Bookshelf Symbol 7 font included in the Microsoft Office System client applications. Due to an unintentional oversight, we failed to identify, prior to the release, the presence of two swastikas within the font. We apologize for this and for any offense caused. Microsoft is taking immediate measures to remedy the issue for all customers.

Microsoft has released a utility today for worldwide download that removes the font.

Again, we apologize to those who have been offended or upset. We continue to work to improve our processes in order to prevent this type of error in the future.

Sincerely,

Steven Sinofsky
Senior Vice President, Microsoft Office

 

Comments

Wow, I'm not even that evil. That's like the time someone put a topless girl in the Disney cartoon 'The Rescuers'. That was awesome. The swastika isn't that awesome.

Posted by: villagevillain at December 16, 2003 12:46 AM

Not exactly. The swastika is a symbol that has existed in many cultures throughout history and only until the last century was given the stigma it retains today. In particular, the swastika in question came, I believe, from a Japanese font set and most likely represented the symbol as it is known in Buddhism. The symbol itself isn't evil and probably remains in the Japanese version.

Posted by: agent1073 at December 16, 2003 1:40 AM

i agree about swastikas not being evil. when we, as a society, make something taboo it makes that thing more poweful.

Posted by: brette at December 16, 2003 12:32 PM

agree with it or not, the swastika is considered evil in the western world. At least at this point in time. I don't forsee that changing soon.

Posted by: villagevillain at December 17, 2003 12:07 AM

See what happens when you love the swastika.

Posted by: villagevillain at December 17, 2003 12:49 AM