Librarians Protect the Sports Illustrated “Girls”

April says:

falling all over ourselves to make a point
Why is it that both librarians mentioned in the article spent as much time excusing their decision as they did explaining why it was necessary? “Of course, we don’t support censorship!” They both seemed to be saying that if it weren’t for the theft issue, they would gladly display the magazine for all to see, and that’s a problem to me. I’m all for having the magazine behind the desk where people must ask, but not just because of theft. Most libraries I have seen display magazines face-out, so anyone walking by can see them. I have a real problem with the idea of that cover, which is practically soft porn and which certainly objectifies women, being displayed face out in a place for families. Yes, parents should protect their kids rather than expecting society to do it for them… but society shouldn’t throw such degrading images in kids’ faces so inescapably that parents can’t decide for themselves whether kids should see them. It’s just really starting to bother me how many librarians are concerned with a patron’s right to see materials as compared to how few are concerned with a patron’s right to be able to protect their kids…

April says:

Re:Protecting kids
I have heard that argument, too, but I don’t really buy it. With the Christian fundamentalist example, you’re comparing apples and oranges. I’m talking about a generally accepted standard of decency; you’re talking about a case of an extremist. I think there are certain things that are so obviously offensive to the majority of people that they shouldn’t be openly displyed. Things that are generally accpeted but offend a few should. Yes, the line is hard to draw, but that doesn’t mean we should just cop out and refuse to try.

Incidentally, I am starting to agree with those who feel that any trace of conservatism gets you moderated badly on LISnews. Earlier, my original post was at 4; now it’s at 3. It is in no way insulting and should not qualify as offtopic or flamebait, so why did someone see fit to knock it down? Just because they don’t agree?