Letter to the Editor: Funny Fotos not funny
Dear Editor,
The recent "Funny Fotos" sponsored by the Student Government Association was apparently incredibly successful. However, I do have some concerns about this particular event.
I happened to see one of the pictures of a woman in a bikini that a student had taken. She showed me right before class started. I didn’t even have time to react, but the very first thing I noticed about the picture was not my student’s face, but her incredibly augmented breasts. I didn’t have time to respond because it was time to start class.
SGA defends itself because they claim they were "ignorant" of any pictures showing scantily clad women. I wonder how many courts in this country would take that into consideration. If you are holding a public event, isn’t your responsibility to be fully aware of what you are exposing to others? People have to take responsibility for their actions. Then again, you may say, "Hey, you can’t do anything anymore. Everyone gets offended about something or another!" That is very true. But just as you feel you had every right to display those pictures because everyone had fun, those of us who were offended have a right to speak out as well. I’m not speaking out thinking that I will instantly win anyone to my side, but maybe if you hear what I am saying and really think about it, someday you will understand. The greatest thing about living in this country is our right to free speech.
The fact of the matter is, pictures of bikini-clad women with augmented breasts do not belong at an institute for higher learning. To me, it would be along the same lines as having a wet T-shirt contest on campus. It just doesn’t fit! Young girls learn at a very early age that looks are very important. At least that what the media keeps telling (and showing) us. When girls don’t grow up with Supermodel good-looks (and let’s face it, how many do?), they suffer from low self-esteem which often leads to eating disorders. Those of you out there with teenage daughters understand where I’m going with all of this.
How can I stretch these seemingly innocent, funny fotos into a lifetime of suffering for young girls and women of the world? Am I not reading too much into all of this? I just want to give everyone some food for thought. After all, this is America!
Sue Caley
Sept. 17, 1998 the Apache