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Show Page hr (Times Olnbfpmhrnt A9 Issue: setting standards for publicly funded buildings Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Thank You Greg Stucki, Jim Neil and Ron Steele for speaking for me. This issue is not about the word vagina or censorship or freedom of speech. It is about setting some type of minimum standards Look deeper into the reasons for your discomfort Editor: Dear I admit it I w as offended and uncomfortable after read- ing the article on agina Monologues." 1 wondered what was the point of discussing w hat a vagma would w ear. Over the course of the next few days my discomfort grew. I began to wonder what was really bothering me. I tried not to think about it - after all w ho really w ants to think about a vagina? Twelve years of Catholic school taught me not to talk much about vaginas. I began to see the problem w as my own negative connotations with the word." I know of the good works of Seekhaven and know some of the actresses in the play. They are dedicated to women's rights and active in womens causes. So why would they participate in something which sounded so demeaning towards women? I decided to trust that they would not degrade, demean or belittle women. I read the letters to the editor this past week and saw how closed-mindepeople were being because of negative associations they have w ith the w ord". Apparently, these individuals had not seen the play, but they decided it was vulgar, indecent and immoral. Slowly my mind began to open to the possibility that the controversy the play was generating was indicative of w hy abuse towards women continues - because many people dont want to really deal with it, look at it, least of all, talk about it. I went to see the play for myself. What I saw surprised me. Art, at its best, is thought provoking, challenging us to grow beyond our narrow d vision of the world. This was art at its best The monologues emphasized diversity, sisterhood, acceptance, and aw areness of the abuse against women as well as our The play was empowering and own abusive was There enlightening. nothing vulgar, obscene or immoral about it. The local "moralists seem to forget it is the same God who created our hearts, hands, minds and, yes, our vaginas. Why do we equate this ord with vulgarity, immorality, and obscenity? The women involved in this play openly addressed these very issues. This community is honored to have such a wonderful group of people w ho dare to deal with socially unacceptable issues, w ho challenge us to grow and face our fears. It is only through awareness that w e can deal with the destructive labels and secrecy that continue to harm women everywhere. These women are the ones who see that the Emperor is wearing no clothes and they have the guts to shout it out to all of us. Those of you w ho have been critical of the play without any real understanding of w hat it is about, consider that you only stop learning w hen you close your mind to the possibilities and assume that your discomfort is morally righteous. Look deepei into the reasons for your discomfort. Try and understand that you attack outwardly only to avoid really looking within. self-cnueis- Theresa Carey-Cliz- er Castle Valley Lets look at the bigger picture Dear Sam, I've been very attentive to all the rumors and agitation surrounding the recent performance of The Vagina Monologues in our community, including presentations at the City Council meeting last Tuesday, Feb. 27, evening. Some persons thought it pornographic and petitioned the council for censorship of offensive material and denying use of public buildings for material deemed unsuitable by the majority of the community. Others were just as passionate about freedom of speech, uncensored art, and the idea that controversial and sensitive subjects should be allowed to be raised in a public forum. I was surprised to find myself simply listening to all sides without jumping in myself. After careful consideration, however, I would like to offer the following reflections for everyone to consider: 1) History has proven enough times already that morality cannot be legislated. 2) No matter what you do in your community (or the world at large), somebody is going to be offended. 3) The word "vagina" is not pornographic... sacred if anything, how ever, it triggers a variety of responses because of the baggage and emotional connections that each of us carries with regard to it, very much like the word "God". 4 ) The key to avoid these sorts of confrontations and factioning within our community lies in doing your homework: know what youre talking about BEFORE you get upset and pick up your sword. Understand the positions and opinions of those you disagree with, and show respect for their opinion if you expect them to respect yours. 5) Your tax dollars will frequently go to support a variety of things you wont agree with, but also many you do. At the council meeting the other night I felt that a few of the presentations in support of the theatre piece did not adequately respect the opinions of those who were upset by it (or rather, upset by the emotions and perceived threat to their morals that it triggered ). One actually ridiculed them. There was a lack of honoring the lives and morals of those in opposition. On the other hand, to represent your opinion as the will of the majority of a community while seeking formal censorship, (especially in a situation in which you havent seen, read or otherwise studied the offensive piece you seek to ban in order to see what message it actually conveys,) is en tireiy unreasonable. Fortunately, most of the presentations were well thought out and respectfully presented. I think there is a great misunderstanding out there about what The Vagina Monologues are. To me they arent pornographic in any sense. I will admit that I was mildiy shocked from time to time as I watched them, but the shock was designed to get your attention in order to convey a more meaningful message, one which we are not comfortable hearing and might prefer sweeping under the rug. That message concerns the repression of women by our culture; the stigmas and violence committed against them by a patriarchal society, and the idea that it is time for us to look at what weve done and address these issues as a culture. Its success in conveying this message is remarkable. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry. It dances you through the gauntlet of human emotions in a very gentle way but leaves you with a sense of awareness about some dark aspects of our culture that you most likely hadnt, thought about before you arrived. I felt as though I had been gifted when I left the theatre. It was a profound and brilliant performance, so much so that I returned to see it a second time. I would urge those who haven't seen it to do so. Not one person I have talked with who was upset by the play has seen it or read it. Not one person I have talked with who Baw the show was offended by it. Mostly, I think this whole thing is a misunderstanding caused by not looking to see what you are willing to condemn before you get your panties in a knot. I think a lot of it is about personal fears. I do respect the opinions of those who are upset by this play and hope they respect mine, but lets see if we cant stop stepping on each other's toes. Someone at the council meeting said, so appropriately, that we are all neighbors, our lives intertwined, and trust each other daily as we go about our lives. It isnt likely any of us will ever like all of the things our tax dollars support, but I think we should be willing to tolerate things which others within our community feel contain intrinsic value. Different strokes for different folks... we should all learn to respect that and practice a little more tolerance towards each other. Thank you, David Lyle Moab The theatre doesn't discriminate Dear Editor, An article about the controversy concerning the play The Vagina Monologues was published in the Salt Lake Tribune. One resident was quoted as saving, it seems the morals of this community are getting smaller and smaller. Of course, this person did not see the play or read the script. It seems to me whats getting smaller is not anyones morals but more than a few peoples minds. I think most of us would agree that condemning something for content lye refuse to see, read or attempt to understand is probably the most offensive act dis played over this (or any similar tissue. Having read the play and seen it in production (not in Moab, however) I feel secure in my opinion that it is marvelous and, yes, beautiful. There are hard moments, funny moments, g moments; and charming moments, and that is what makes good drama. The theatre doesnt discriminate. You are free not to attend if you choose to discriminate. But no one has the right to force their on others. Kevin Doyle Smithfield, UT heart-breakin- small-mindedne- Get involved with MARC programs Dear Editor, I was very skeptical when I decided to see The Vagina Monologues" - the title made me uneasy and I suspected that the play would be too intensely personal. I was stunned when I walked out of the MARC feeling elated and full of strength because I am a woman. I am incensed at the response to the play. Ms. Lathrom has the audacity to shamelessly suggest censorship so as not to offend one group in the community. Mr. Stucki fabricates a limp analogy connecting the Emperors New Clothes to the The Vagina Monologues," and implies that the play is Trash and Vulgarity . Then Mr. Niel states that the very nature of the play degrades women. Did any of these people see it? I doubt it very much. In fact, one theme of the play is that the discomfort people have with women's anatomy leads to secrecy and silence and thus allows for the continuation of violence. Its appropriate to note that certain people have al ready succeeded in eliminating the MARCs after-schoprogram. The after school program provided children with a safe and educational place to be while their parents worked hard to provide for their basic needs. Single mothers are in desperate need of that kind of resource, especially in this community. It is incredibly ironic that the same people who worked to destroy this incredible resource for women and children are condemning The Vagina Monologues as degrading to women. Rather than attacking the existing programs and events that are available through the MARC, why dont you get involved and, through the MARC offer programs and events that do reflect your values. Let it be a place where different ideologies meet, where community is made stronger, rather than use it as an arena for a moral war? Sincerely, Tina Kister Durango Colo. In support of the Vagina Monologues In support of the Vagina Monologues" Thank you to the cast of The Vagina Monologues for your conviction to openness and honesty and for a mighty fine performance. It is about time we started To expressing our sexuality, for sexual beings we are. shroud our essence in secrecy and shame is to lose sight of our humanity. Each of us passes into this word through a vagina as a result of an act of sexual expression. To suppress our nature leads to shame and shame leads to emotional scaring and deviant behavior. Vie can only heal festering wounds by allowing them to breathe freely. As a result of the plays free expression, I have gained a greater respect and understanding for women and their trials of life. The birth sequence put me in the delivery room during the birth of my son, which was the most profound emotional experience of my life. In that delivery room I saw the true power of women. In the know ing laughs of the female members of the audience I could Thjrsday, March 8, 2001 sense validation, acceptance, and healing of misplaced shame. As for the charge against the play promoting lack of respect and dignity" for women, I y disagree. Not only do I have a deeper admiration for women. I have a high regard for members of the Moab Repertory Theatre who have been courageous enough to put themselves on the line for their convictions. Convictions that should be freely expressed to those who chose, of their own free will, to engage. During the play I was surrounded by a packed house of many community members who chose to engage and express their support by giving an emphatic standing ovation to the plays content and to the heroic members of its qast. For those that did not choose to engage. 1 respect your choice. Please respect my freedom of choice. Michael Stock whole-heartedl- Moab for our publicly funded buildings. These buildings should be some place that our entire families and children should be able to enjoy equally. Sincerely, Rosanne Lewis Moab Protest the erosion of Constitutional rights Hey, everybody! ould have gone to see that controversial play, but my talking penis whispered in my ear that he wanted to stay home and watch XLL football. Go figure! Seriously, some of you really need to get a grip. And a couple of folks need to be voted off the city council, theyve exposed themselves as ART CRIT I w ICS. What's wrong with a little TOLERANCE? may not agree u ith u hat you sav, but I u dl Voltaire defend to the death your right to say it. If you wane to protest something, protest the erosion of our Constitutional rights, don't be a party to it. -- M ichael J. Weber Moab What is in mind for an encore? Dear Editor, After reading the letters to the editor and viewing the Channel 6 coverage both lat week and the most recent, my conclusion was that there seems to be some confusion concerning the Moab Repertory Theater play presented here. The people who liked the play do not seem to understand why there are those w ho object to it, which includes me. Since we are created in the image of God. there is no part of our bodies that is not. a miracle of creation in its function. My objection is the making of a joke subject to a whole evenings entertainment, at the suggested donation of six bucks. There is a saying, "Whatever you allow the govern' ment to do for you, it can do to you." If the taxpayers are going to be involved in what is presented at the MARC, in other words, if Moab owns the building you use, then it gives us the right to question w hat is being performed. If you get your own building and support your ow n play, then you may have all the free speech" you want, I am not involved. In response to Ms. Collins' in my face" interview on Channel 6, 1 resent her attitude that those of us w ho did not flock right down to her little presentation could not really make an assessment. My assessment is based on the title, and the first comments by those w ho attended, and the little "peek" Channel 6 provided. If something looks like garbage, and smells rotten, one does not need to ingest a plate of it to determine it is garbage In order to serve the public the restaurants of Moab must have a license to assume their food is acceptable If something unforeseen occurs and their food becomes contaminated, they would be shut down immediately When it comes to food for the soul, at w hat point is the public protected! Is there a rating to go by? Where is the line draw n? Is there a line? On the same broadcast, Gregg Stucki, city councilman and Paster Cole Howe came to the defense of the ladies and gentlemen of Moab. They have my respect. Thank you. Ms. Collins, w hile your brought in bucks and is only a noun describing an object, consider a couple of that I call power words. The first is VULGAR!! Websters definition as follows: lack of taste; unrefined; plebian; ostentatiously showy. The second is VIRTUE! Websters definition: morality; chastity; merit. May I suggest you put half as much study into these two words as you did the subject of your play and then maybe you will understand why some of us object. Ms. Collins gave herself rave reviews in her interview with Channel 6. Based on her perceived success, it makes me wonder what she may have in mind for an encore. Respectfully submitted, Beverly Davis Moab Here's the rub Dear Editor; The recent controversy regarding the play, The Vagina Monologues, proves once again that we live among people w ith diverse opinions. I say, vive la difference!" Who wants to live in a place where everyone feels exactly the same about everything? I admire individuals who courageously take a stand for their convictions whether they coincide with mine or not. When such a conviction is sincerely expressed, I try to listen with an open mind and heart. But, if the opinion is voiced in a combative or demeaning manner, they lose their case with me, and my ear. We make judgments every day about such things as where to enjoy a meal, entertainment options, a book were considering reading, etc. Life is too short to attempt to read every book first in order to decide whether it merits reading Although I dont judge a book merely by its cover, I do use certain criteria in making a decision. For example, I may read several book reviews, talk to ar. individual who has read it, and peruse it in the bookstore in order to make a determination. Likewise, I use similar assessments in selecting entertainment. A case in point is the recent cinematic offering, Hannibal. Based on what I've read and heard, I determined this movie would not be of interest to me. I don't fee) compelled to see it first to make that decision. Although the film delves into the sick mind of a serial killer, and apparently depicts some very gruesome murders, I doubt the intent of the filmmaker was to glorify this type of behavior. Nevertheless, it is a main plot of the film. Obviously the intention was to create suspense and the shock value of such a horrific topic. Yet, I cant help but be reminded of the ancient Romans and their taste in entertainment innocent people being devoured by lions, gruesome battles to the death, and worse. It's difficult for me to conceive of such brutality as amusement. So, 111 choose a different movie to see. Lest I be misunderstood in the following comparison, I am NOT likening the movie, Hannibal, to the play, The Vagina Monologues. I only wish to point out that I would use the same methodology in determining w hether I wanted to see either production. Of course, its not the word, vagina, that is obscene or offensive. But the handling of the subject matter as it relates to the word could be. The very name of the play by the admission of the author herself, seeks for shock value. An endeavor to raise awareness of violence against women (or against any living thing) is a laudable enterprise. Rape, incest, abuse, and womens feelings about themselves are sensitive issues. Its exactly because of my concern about these issues that I was wary of the play. My initial impression of the play was that it treated the subject matter in a callous fashion. On further investigation, I learned the intent was actually something more than that, yet the message still seemed to be diminished in my mind) by the interpretation. So, Ill pick a different play to see. That's my choice. All of that said, the heart of the controversy really boils down to this fact: A play, (it could be any play), which a number of people in this community find objectionable (for their own reasons which theyre entitled to) is being held in a taxpayer-fundefacility. Thats the rub. And, thats the very reason government entities shouldnt be involved in endeavors that are better left to private enterprise. If someone wants to make a movie graphically depicting cannibalism, (to use my former example), let them throw away their money on such a venture. They have that right and I can choose to not attend. But if my hard-earne- d tax dollars go to support it. Im going to have a problem with that. Im going to use the influence I have through available channels of elected officials, etc. to make a case for change. Thanks for the forum to state an opinion. Respectfully, Robyn Officer Moab P.S. I know its too long. I tried my best to cut, but I couldnt get it said in less words. d How many times will that word come up? Dear editors, How many times do you think the word vagina is going to come up in the citys public comment period if the issue of censoring the MARC is discussed? Probably more times than it was ever mentioned in the play. The March 1 issue of The printed the word vagina 33 times in response to a potential censorship policy. As far as censorship goes, the director and cast did edit a significant portion of the original play. If one were to compare the Moab version with the actual script you would see a very different play. So in effect the play was censored The main motivation in favor of forming a censorship policy is based on the use of the word vagina. Even the most accomplished lawyer would have a hard time providing evidence that what we performed at the MARC would qualify as pornographic or immoral. The city council would have to have a very legiti Times-Independe- Thank-yo- u mate reason to withdraw their 20' of funding that assists the MARC with maintenance costs, the balance of which is paid by rentals, classes and grants. It seems odd to me that those who rarely if ever) go to the theatrical productions at the MARC feel compelled to control what those who do go, see. I strongly support the use of the MARC as a public forum used to express all of our communitys points of view. I would welcome a public discussion with the city council on the moral use of the word vagina. It was exactly what the play was about. We would be life imitating art! Since the City Council Chambers has proven to lie too small, we could host the discussion at the MARC. Sign me up, I love it! Sincerely, Kaki Hunter Moab to someone who deserves credit Dear Sam: It seems we have an unsung hero in our town. So often we hear the negative things that go on, but the people who deserve some credit and recognition go unnoticed. Such a person is Dr. Dutton of the Moab Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center. He is on hand at all athletic events at the High School, helping out where he can, with no reimbursement. Not only that, but any ath lete, cheerleader, or drill team member who needs some kinks worked out can rely on Dr. Dutton to take care of them WITH NO CHARGE! As a Grandmother of one of those athletes and a great aunt of another, I would like to say a big public THANK YOU to Dr Dutton for his service to our young people. Shirley Miller Moab How low has this country sunk? Dear Editor, Am I missing something9 Earnhardt dies. The TV media put him or their news program for several days. Pictures of the funeral, past racing wins, his lifestyle and more. The print media cant get enough, either. Front page, t car large type. Full page pictures. On and on. A herder kills himself and is made to be a hero. What is the appropriate adjective s when referring two-bi- ) to a Congressional Medal of Honor veteran w hen he dies9 Response from the TV7 media Nothing lie puts his life on the line for his country and the millions of freeloaders who dont and gets no recognition. The print media response is the same. Zilch. Yet a man, w ho I will bet did not serve his country in uniform during a crisis, is glorified to the skies. How low has this country sunk9 Its sad, indeed. E. E. Chaney Moab Letters continued on Page A8 I |