Old rock album cover causes controversy – Save the Children demands action
The organization Save the Children has requested the removal of the controversial album cover of Scorpions' 'Virgin Killer' from its Finnish Wikipedia page, citing its inappropriate and offensive content related to child sexual abuse.
Save the Children, a prominent child protection organization, has formally requested the removal of the cover image from the Finnish Wikipedia page of the German rock band Scorpions' album 'Virgin Killer'. This request follows a report received through their online whistleblower service, which drew attention to the cover's offensive nature. The organization argues that the image, which prominently features an almost fully nude depiction of a young girl, should be removed or access to it denied due to its implications regarding child sexual violence.
The cover in question has previously sparked debates for its portrayal of a vulnerable child and was later replaced with an alternative black-and-white image of the band themselves. The request from Save the Children reflects a growing sensitivity towards material that could be perceived as exploitative or harmful to minors, particularly in public and easily accessible platforms like Wikipedia. Such actions suggest a concerted effort to not only address issues of historical insensitivity in media portrayals but also to promote a safer environment for children online.
Commenting on their request, Save the Children's communication team explained the process by which they assess such images, noting that they evaluate individual images solely as visual content without considering broader contextual factors. This specific request highlights the organization's commitment to challenging instances of perceived exploitation and advocating for more ethical representations of children in various media outlets. It raises broader discussions about the responsibility of content platforms in managing sensitive material and reflects changing public attitudes toward the portrayal of minors in art and media.