6The Daily Tar Heel Tuesday, January 22. 1985
Jl IT HlOAY. I-Jilnr
JOI I. BROAOWAY. Mjuuki'ik Editor
Mark Stinni ioro, At-utv Editor
BI N Vl R KOVC'SKI. .1 . iaU EJitr
Kii.i.y Simmons. :4r
VANCF. TRFIT.THKN. State and National Editor
M ll.ANIU Wni J-S, City Editor
Dan Tillman, tr irr
Lynn Davis, Nc r :Vr
Frank Kennedy, sports Editor
Jeff Grove, Am Editor
Sharon Sheridan. Features Editor
JEFF NEUVU.I.E. Photography Editor
A grudging no to
A symposium held at Duke University
last week again raised the question of
whether pornography can be legally
banned because it violates the civil rights
of women. Our answer is a grudging no.
While we are disgusted at the thought
of further enriching the merchants of
smut, banning pornographic material
might weaken the foundations of the
First Amendment the freedom of the
press is at stake here. While we also
acknowledge that pornography con
dones the stereotype of women as sexual
objects, it is debatable that pornographic
materials promote sexual violence, as
opponents of pornography suggest.
The main problem concerning porno
graphy is society's ignorance of what
pornography entails. If pornography is
the presentation of women as sexual
objects, then the battle is not just with
Hustler or magazines of that ilk. The
battle, then, is with Maidenform under
wear, whose ads present a woman
running off to her Wall Street office
wearing a slinky bra and panties. The
battle is with the Nuance perfume ad
depicting a woman donning a negligee
and dabbing perfume, and with the
words underneath stating: "Nuance says
yes, but you can always say no." If
pornography is the presentation of
women as sexual objects, then fighting
Larry Flynt and Bob Guccione isn't even
going to scratch the surface.
The correlation between sexual vio
lence and pornography hasn't been
proved, although many point to this as
the main reason pornography should be
It's not history
Most of us celebrated, or at least
acknowledged, January 1 as the first day
of 1985.' But those, if any, who waited
until today to mark the passing of 1984
did it right. You see, after the 1st there
were still two ren.nts of 84 that
weren't officially and, as it turns out,
anticlimactically taken care of until
Monday: the race for the Super Bowl
(played on the inappropriately named
Super Sunday) and the race for the.
White House (played out at yesterday's
Inauguration).
The first was anticlimactic because it
failed to live up to its hype the
outcome decided before the second half.
The second was anticlimatic because it
did live up to its hype the outcome
decided before the coin flip. Reagan's
second term didn't begin yesterday, but
over a year ago when he decided to run.
Well, lest you think life is over until
next fall, when we see if the 49ers can
do it again, try to content yourself in
the meantime with the same question
about our new president. Can Reagan
do it again? Namely, can he get even
more popular at the end of another term?
And by popular we mean and assume
people will be judging on accomplish
ments at least as much as style.
The inescapable fact, much to the
chagrin of his opponents, is that Reagan
enters his second term a very popular
man. A recent Washington Post-ABC
News poll found that nearly 70 percent
of the country approves of Reagan's
handling of the presidency.
Of course, no one is happier about
this than Reagan, but he wants more.
Specifically, he wants to leave a more
lasting imprint on American government
and history than just a record of high
approval ratings. He knows that if he
The Bottom Line
Remember the high school establishment
how certain clubs were the "in" organ
izations to belong to? Whether coalitions of
jocks, such as the Key Club, or of tomor
row's sorority sisters, such as the Civinettes,
invitations to join were prized possessions
and not always easy to come by.
In this sense, 14-year-old Neela Thakur
of Longmeadow, Mass., is no different than
other girls her age. It's just that she wants
to join the jocks.
Hindered in her efforts to join the all
male Key Club on the grounds of femininity,
Thakur has filed sex discrimination com
plaints with the Massachusetts Department
of Education and the Boston branch of the
U.S. Office of Civil Rights.
A woman's place, school officials say, is
in the Keyette Club, that separate-but-equal
service organization. Not so, says Neela; "I
don't believe the clubs are equal in oppor
tunity, and I feel the Key Club is much
Sailg
(iter
ear q" editorial freedom
smut ban
banned. Studies show that people who
watch acts of violence with any regu
larity grow accustomed, and desensit
ized, to the violence. A good example
of this is the notorious movie Deep
Throat. Opponents of pornography say
that the number of rapes, especially oral
rape, have increased dramatically since
the movie first came out. But, at the same
time, have the number of chainsaw
murders increased since The Texas
Chainsaw Massacred How many citizens
have been blown away by the likes of
a Dirty Harry, another example of
glorified violence? Again, it is not a
question of whether pornography is the
cause of violence, sexual or otherwise;
the attitudes of society in general are
the cause of both violence and the
exploitation of women. And making
pornography illegal is not going to stop
the sexual stereotyping of women, nor
will it stop violence.
We cannot censor a constitutionally
guaranteed right. Just as we cannot tell
people who are of a legal age not to
drink, we cannot tell people not to
purchase or see sexually explicit mate
rial. More can be done to increase public
awareness that the exploitation of
women is not just in skin flicks and
magazines, but everywhere. If more
people see the sexual stereotyping of
women as wrong, and as a contributing
factor to pornography, perhaps more
people will grow angry enough to stop
buying the trash. But as far as its legality
goes, pornography can't be touched.
yet
fails to do anything substantial about
the deficit and the arms race, history will
soon f orget that he was "a popular guy."
With these two major problems on
his agenda, along with the chance to
simplify and reform the federal tax laws
and appoint Supreme Court justices (as
many as five). Reagan does have at least
the opportunity to be one of the most
influential presidents of the 20th century.
But unless this opportunity is realized,
and to a significant extent, Reagan might
only go down as a phenomenon of
political charm and luck. In a Washing
ton Post article. William E. Leuchten
burg. a professor of history at UNC, lists
a number of liabilities Reagan carries
into his second term and his fight for
a prominent place in history. Most
notably, Leuchtenburg claims Reagan
has no memorable international accomp
lishments. "You could write the diplo
matic history of the 20th century and
leave Reagan out at this point," he said.
Leuchtenburg also mentions the
budget deficits, saying, "We'll pay a price
for them eventually." While Reagan
cannot be entirely blamed for a problem
that has gone on for years, given his
commitment to government spending
reductions he just might turn deficits
around. Indeed, such success might do
serious damage to the notion that the
government can and should do it all.
regardless of the costs.
Of course, this is all speculation. The
next four years could erase all this public
approval and make Reagan the scape
goat for years to come, or things could
click and Reagan could go down in the
manner of FDR. Whatever happens.
Reagan can hardly complain about a
lack of challenges.
stronger.
Stronger, perhaps, but worthy of a fight?
Chances are all she's missing out on is a
meal with some overweight Kiwanians, a car
wash or two, and maybe a club sponsorship
in the homecoming parade.
It could be that Thakur, her sights set
on college, is looking for name value instead.
"I don't like the name Keyette," she says.
"It's demeaning. It reminds me of
Smurfette."
If she wants to protest until she's blue
in the face, fine. But it appears her crusade
is turning heads. "To deny admittance to
(Thakur) on the basis that she is a female
is a violation of state discrimination laws,"
said DeLois F. Swan, assistant regional
director of the state Department of
Education.
Whether this move will mobilize oppo
sition forces nationwide is uncertain. Alfalfa
Switzer, charter president of the He-Man
Woman Haters Club, was unavailable for
comment.
And that's the bottom line.
Television, profits and moral progress
Bv LA URENCE THOMAS
Like most intellectual snobs who own a TV,
I never ever watch mine; though, to be sure,
I turn it on upon occasion just to appreciate
the growth in technology that it represents. When
for that purpose 1 turned my set on this past
Saturday morning, I was struck by the fact that
the advertising cast of the commercial that came
on was all black, for I don't recall ever having
seen blacks advertise the product in question.
Immediately I thought to myself: "We are
making moral progress much faster than I had
thought we would or the TV program Soul Train
must be on." It was the latter.
The relevence of all this is that, in a very
profound way. TV commercials are not only a
sign of the times, but they can affect considerable
social change.
It is no accident -that 10 years ago. say. the
only time blacks went to McDonalds or used
deodorant soaps, for instance, is when there was
a black show on television. For the point of
commercials is. among other things, to legitimize
the use of products, and 10 years ago one did
not do that by having a black face associated
with ones products.
Now. you will note that to date there have
been no commercials that show the members of
different ethnic groups interacting in an intimate
way. White men never watch black women in
sheer panty hose, nor black men white women.
Similiarly. you never see only one white, visibly
enjoying her or himself, amongst a crowd of
blacks.
None of this is innocuous. The message is clear
that inter-ethnic dating is still not tolerated by
members of our society, and most whites would
really rather not be the only white amongst a
crowd of blacks.
Now. if companies wanted to. they could
change all of this virtually overnight. When the
person at the other end of that seductive
telephone conversation for the Harvey's sherry
commercial is a member of a different ethnic
group, people would find themselves entering
into intimate relationships with members of
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Bruce not just 'dancin' in the dark'
To the editor:
I experienced a Bruce Springsteen
concert last week in Charlotte and
felt compelled to write this letter.
I have never been a Springsteen
fanatic, but 1 have enjoyed his music
for quite a few years. After seeing
him in person, and listening to what
he had to say. I feel that Bruce could
become the most influential per
former of the 'HOs.
I give him such a high regard for
many reasons. His show is incred
ible! I am an avid concertgoer and
can say without a doubt that
Springsteen and the E Street Band
put on the greatest show 1 have ever
seen. Their energy level was incred
ible, their rapport with the audience
was truly superior, the length of time
Thorns don't
By DAVE FAZIO
Probably the poorest American is living better
than the standard in Ethiopia. We consider the
Ethiopians as important; we believe their lives
contain value. If we did not, we would not send
donations to combat starvation.
Here in America, we use the term "unwanted"
to rationalize abortion. Many believe that it is
wrong to raise a child in a world where he would
be uncared for and "unwanted." Obviously the
U.S. Supreme Court felt the same way. Jan. 22
is the 12th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade
decision that legalized abortion in 1973. Some
of us regret the Supreme Court decision while
others champion it as a milestone for women's
rights. I believe Roe vs. Wade was one of the
most tragic mistakes in America's history.
I have compassion for the woman who is faced
with an unexpected pregnancy, and I pity the
woman who believes abortion is her best choice.
But my heart grieves for the unborn child who
is denied life. Maybe I am wrong and abortion
is the best option. After all, the child will never
experience the everyday pains and frustrations
we suffer in this wretched condition called life.
He will never learn to hate, nor will he be bound
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different ethnic groups more easily . And when
we see commercials where one white person seeks
out and en joys the company of a crowd of blacks,
then the uneasiness that now characterizes so
much inter-ethnic social interaction will no doubt
dissipate just that much faster. After all
integration should not mean, as it has come
dangerously close to meaning these days, black
folks seeking out and enjoying the company of
white folks, but never the other way around.
All of this seems so obvious to me that I
wonder why changes of the sort suggested have
not been made.
One answer, of course, is that companies are
out to make money and not to make the world
a better place to live in. If, for the moment, we
should allow ourselves to think this way, the
response is a satisfactory one only if one supposes
that profits will not increase with greater inter
ethnic social interaction. But the truth of this
propostion is hardly given.
In fact, it strikes me as resoundingly false.
Surelv. snenrlirw? amoni colleoe ctudents would
they played was outstanding, but,
best of -all, they made the concert
feel like a huge party of people who
were gathered together not only to
have a great time, but also to get
together and discuss some impor
tant issues. That is what impresses
me most about Springsteen; he is
using his power and prestige as one
of the premier rock stars to promote
good will and understanding.
For example, throughout the
concert Bruce mentioned and
endorsed a local Charlotte food
bank for the needy that had people
set up in the lobby taking donations.
Through his help, the Metrolina
Food Bank raised a large sum of
money for the poor in that area.
Another issue Springsteen
brought up was Vietnam. A couple
of times during the concert, Bruce
got serious and spoke about such
things as friends being killed in
Vietnam and other bad experiences
he has had connected with the
conflict. He was not bitter about the
issue,, but simply trying to increase
awareness -about Vietnam to
younger people, such as myself, who
can only guess what it was like
during that time period.
Springsteen is carrying on the
tradition of rock 'n' roll groups in
the 1960s whose songs not only
sounded great but also had deep
underlying meanings. In the tradi
tion of Bob Dylan, John Lennon
and the Beatles, and Crosby, Stills,
justify killing
cannot guarantee that this child will have a good life if his mother
decides against abortion. . . .1 know it will be better than life in Ethiopia.
. . . Within our borders we have a different standard. Convenience is
the law we keep and our generation has become a wash-and-wear, instant
breakfast, throw-away-the-child-he-isn't-wanted people.
in the chambers ot depression, sorrow and anger.
' He will not know the meaning of a broken heart
or the sad emotion when a loved one dies. He
will never have to say goodbye to a close, close
friend. Maybe pro-abortionists are right.
On the other hand, this child will never know
the petty things that make life worthwhile
like what it means to love. This is a very sad
thing. He will not experience the twin joys
laughter and friendship. He will never experience
the simple things like sleeping under a freshly
laundered sheet or touching a velvet red rose
minute particulars that bring happiness to our
otherwise miserable condition.
I cannot guarantee that this child will have
a good life if his mother decides against abortion.
But few of us have what the Romans called la
vita dolce, the soft life. I know it will be better
than life in Ethiopia. But we still consider them
to be valuable, don't we? Within our borders
we have a different standard. Convenience is the
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increase if inter-ethnic social interaction was not
a problem. With dating, for instance, each person
would have a greater pool to draw upon. In
general there would be more people to do things
for and with, something that invariably means
more spending, hence, an increase in profits.
So, let me ask again: Why haven't changes
of the sort suggested been made? Well, the answer
that comes to mind is rather frightening.
Companies, I fear, have abnegated one important
aspect of their moral responsibility. .
Without regard for profits as such, we should
be moved to make the world a better place to
live in if not for Our sake, then perhaps for
the sake of our children. That these major
companies should fail so to act, even when an
increase in profits is waiting in the wings, makes
their inaction with regard to the issue at hand
morally opprobrious.
Laurence Thomas is an associate professor of
philosophy at UNC.
Nash and Young, Bruce is carrying
this means of communication and
enlightenment into the 1980s.
Bruce also breaks racial boundar
ies with his close friendship with his
saxaphonist, Clarence Clemmons.
They make a great team of sax and
guitar and display that blacks and
whites can work together to create
something great.
1 like what the man stands for.
He has good values, he cares for
the people in this country, and he
is not afraid of stating his views.
He is an outstanding example of
how people can use their position
to help their fellow man.
Charles Rowe Coley Jr.
Chapel Hill
Carting
disaster?
To the editor:
Friday our lovely sunny campus
was transformed into not a beach
(too cold), not a ski resort (too
warm), but that playground of the
privileged a golf course. 1 wish
they'd have let me know, I could
have shown up in my argyle sweater
and Hogan cap just the thing for
the links when there's a nip in the
air. Instead, I was caught unawares
by a golf cart parading around the
Pit and other campus walks, its
passengers waving royally to us
thrill-seeking onlookers.
But I must pause and ask. Have
we had a student referendum to
allow golf carts on campus (the
latest alternative to mopeds?), and,
of course, do we have to join the
club to play?
Melanie Groce
Susan McCracken
Cobb
rose
law we keep and our generation has become a
wash-and-wear, instant breakfast, throw-away-the-child-he-isn't-wanted
people.
Perhaps an aborted child will return to his
Creator and things will be better. Even then, he
still will never experience a deeper love for God
that only occurs by knowing the pain of
separation and the joy of redemption.
On Jan. 22, whether you support abortion or
oppose it, take a few minutes from your busy
day and re-examine your values towards the
quality of life vs. the sanctity of life. Not only
consider your family, friends and everyone
making above $20,000 a year, but also the poor,
the sick, the bedridden and the unborn.
Everyone knows a rose is beautiful flower. It
would be absurd to destroy it because its stalk
has thorns.
Dave Fazio is a senior English major from
Hemhey Bridge.