[Winona Online Democracy] Terry, you offer a very valid question.
It fast forwards us right into the thick of things. Free speech, democracy, responsibility, etc. are tricky things with slippery slopes galore. Again, not a place for people who want or need simple black and white lines. Here are some follow up questions to your question: 1. Do you think there is a legitimate and serious reason for a "Respect My Testicles" button? Beyond a low kind of humor, which is found on many t-shirts today, is there a deeper purpose or real social problem the message is trying to make people aware of or help solve? Put another way, is the button you described simply trying to make people laugh or is it trying to make people aware of a serious problem? The button that Carrie is wearing is not a joke. 2. Would you admit there is a difference in how our society treats and views the male and female bodies? What is considered off limits or shameful? 3. Do you see any connection between domestic violence and the silence and shame that have traditionally surrounded the female body and gender roles? Dwayne Voegeli April 24, 2005 ------ >Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 11:32:39 -0500 >From: Terry Angst <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: online democracy <[email protected]> >Subject: [Winona] freedom of speech for males > >[Winona Online Democracy] > >Given all the ridicule, violence, and pain inflicted on males on the >screen and television, (groin kicks) I would not be surprised if some >Winona High boys decided to wear "Respect My Testicles" buttons. And to >avoid any confusion with parts of an octopus, perhaps a vague sketch in >the background. > >My guess is that the freedom of expression and speech that has been >hardily endorsed and defended so far in this thread, would end when it >became a masculine issue. > > > > >Terry Angst ------------ Dwayne Voegeli Winona County Commissioner (507) 453-9012 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 359 Pleasant Hill Dr. Winona, MN 55987 ------------ _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
