Apple’s gun emoji is no more.
CNN reports the tech company announced its next version of software, iOS 10, will eliminate the pistol emoji, instead opting for a water gun emoji. The gun was removed partly due to protests from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. They said Apple “stood up” to the NRA by changing the text icon.
The decision is easy to understand, but not one which should have been made.
Apple doesn’t want users to think they condone gun violence and having an emoji of a gun might seem like they’re perpetuating support for the weapon. Clearly, that’s not the case. The change is reminiscent of cries video games cause people to be violent – which is demonstrably false. Changing the emoji to a different non-lethal gun won’t change much. Do you know why? Because it’s a freaking emoji.
Yes, somebody could send a gun emoji to represent violence, but the icon itself isn’t the cause or root of it. There are multiple other ways to convey violence through emojis. Apple is trying to be sensitive with the removal, but it’s a bit too much. Are they going to remove the fire emoji because fire can kill people too? Good thing there’s a water gun emoji. But the syringe and pill emojis still exist! Oh no, Apple wants us all to overdose!
It’s not the only change Apple is making to emojis, as they’ll also be introducing new women emojis which show the gender doing what are often perceived as male-centric jobs. I’m on board with that idea. The gun, however, is Apple trying to save face, which they don’t need to do in this situation.
[CNN]