LISNews: Librarian News

sometimes the only way to point out an absurdity is to be absurd.

This really isn't about censorship, that's just a bonus issue.

Actually, I thought it was sort of funny. Good for them. Satire, in all of its' forms needs to be protected and encouraged.

I am somewhat amused however, that one of the motivations behind the Penis Monologues is an attempt to stop the spread (if you'll pardon the pun) of the Vangina Monologues. Using free speech to put an end to speech? "The student activists opposed to V-Day will gladly cancel P-Day the moment the V-warriors abandon their vagina–fests."

And we know we're reading a truly Conservative publication when they opine:

"It is easy to understand why school officials would not want a six-foot phallus wandering around campus; nor why they would ask students not to paper the college with posters describing all the things it likes to do."

Well, no, actually it isn't easy. Why on earth, other than the obvious envy on the part of 48% of the population, should we care about a 6 foot phallus?

I wonder what Laura Bush's response to this would be. As a "Pro-Boy" Advocate, she should come down on the side of the Penis. After all, she is promoting a political stance where boys need to have more encouragement in academia- well, here's her chance to speak out.
      Also, as a professional librarian, I wonder what her take on the academic censorship issue would be. Sigh, My hunch is that she will play it safe (so as not to be confused with Hilary), and won't speak out at all.
      And that's a shame.

What issue is it about then, prurience? The celebration of V Day is about ending violence against women and girls. It's a lofty goal, but it's ok with me if someone wants to make fun of it.

Some people are so uncomfortable with human anatomy vocabulary, and imagery, that they ban things without thinking about the issues. There are many issues around women and body image. The Vagina Monologues addresses some of those issues.

I think censorship is the major issue in this discussion and the NRO article. I did wonder if the P Day activists followed University policies and procedures on protest. That would not necessarily defend the administration's stance in my view. But I did wonder, as an activist who ran afoul of those rules a few times in the dark ages.

There is a related current story about free speech at a Minnesota high school. Two girls got in trouble for wearing "I (heart) My Vagina" buttons to school. See for details.

I guess I am trying to say that the point of V Day and the Vagina Monologues is that we should all get over thinking there is something wrong with acknowledging the existence female genitalia. Maybe we need P Day and Penis Monologues, too, for real.

Think of this as social Darwinism

Naziism was social darwinism too.

This really isn't about censorship

Nice way to duck the issue there, Greg. Since you didn't say anything either about what you were lauding or objecting to, you can safely deny that you were saying anything at all. Ever consider running for public office?

. . . if this is something you think you should not do or could not do then take a moment to ask why.

Context. I don't know just what it is with right-wingers and context; you get along with it about as well as Arthur Dent and Thursdays.

The context is a public area and the public in general

Then the first amendemnt is in full effect and it doesn't matter if you don't like the speech or not.