CEO of PlayStation Makes a Corporate Non-Statement About Abortion – and His Cats

If the PlayStation Head calls out for Respect, the emotional meltdown ensues.

The fact that abortion causes deep emotions is a known fact. This is a problem because, while they are natural reactions, these emotions can cloud logic and pragmatic analysis. An example is shown in a letter sent by the CEO of a company to discuss this matter. People both inside and outside the company are having fierce reactions — to his non-position on the subject and calling for calm and understanding.

Over at Bloomberg News, Jason Schreier offers an update Gaming companies are increasingly being forced to participate in national abortion debates. Jeff Charles coveredThe Washington Post trying to harness the video game industry in order to take up the fight for preservation Roe vs. Wade. 

This is the reason for the move: While news media outlets must maintain an objectivity facade, if companies are willing to speak out against the rollback they will be able to cover the controversy as per their agenda. This would make industry leaders the representative voice for the media and allow them to freely report on the anti-life views. But one corporate leader has decided not to fall for the trap.

Schreier reports some people inside Sony Corporation are “seething” over an internal email that was sent by PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan, regarding the corporate position on the issue of abortion. In short – Ryan took no position at all. According to that email it said: “PlayStation president Jim Ryan didn’t take a stance on abortion rights.” Ryan, however, took a more serious approach to this matter. He noted that opinions differ on the topic and it was appropriate to recognize that everyone has a right.

“We owe it to each other and to PlayStation’s millions of users to respect differences of opinion among everyone in our internal and external communities. Respect is not the same as agreement. But it is fundamental to who we are as a company and as a valued global brand.”

Ryan continued these comments by writing a lengthy article about his cats. 

His non-comment, and calls for decency and respect were met with anger. He has refused to palace his company in the crosshairs of the culture war and focused instead on what his company’s mission statement is – to sell video games and gaming consoles. Ryan is being criticized for this. However, the simple truth is that Ryan’s emotions are not balanced. Ryan would be unable to tell you his views on abortion.

Schreier says he knew of some communications from within the company, which reveal his emotional panic. “In internal discussions viewed by Bloomberg, which haven’t been previously reported, employees at several PlayStation studios expressed their displeasure at the tone of the email.” The tone used by a man to call for respect and appreciation of others’ opinions is disconcerting. Ryan’s rage says a lot more about them than Ryan.

Schreier said that some women were particularly upset by the email. “Some women wrote that they felt their rights were disrespected or trivialized by the message.” It just goes to show the emotion cloud that clouds rationality. Ryan claimed they disrespected them, and he repeatedly asked for their forgiveness. EverybodyRespect. 

Anyone could overlook this if they view the issue as if anyone does not agree with their opinion. This is what makes them hostile and antagonistic. They end up showing the exact reaction that inspired Ryan to be non-committal, conciliatory as a company. 

As a CEO, there is no way you can win this battle. As a CEO, you cannot take sides and you can be criticized for making no statements. At least Jim Ryan — by not taking a stand and calling for understanding — managed to hold up a mirror of sorts, exposing some of those who are raging as acting out of emotional idiocy. 

You have already admitted that you don’t care about the CEO asking for respect and decency. This also allows you to excuse anyone who might be interested in this topic.