A historical Look at Campus Politics
Filmboard Has Right to Show Porn
Filmboard’s decision to show the pornographic film Debbie Does Dallas is sure to create at least some controversy.
Although some of the despute may stem from Filmboard’s delay in announcing the film’s showing, the great bulk of the criticism is likely to be based upon moral grounds.
Critics may label the movie as degrading, sexist towards women, or-in more fundamental objections-as blasphemous and disgusting. There may even be an attempt to ban the film.
There are some important safeguards that are important in keeping some people from being offended-and the film will surely be offensive to some. First, the film is restricted to those under 18. Although this may exclude a tiny portion of WU students, minors will not be allowed to see the film.
Second, no one is being forced to watch Debbie Does Dallas. The Motion Picture Association of America, which set up the rating system for films, as deemed those over 18 as being adults, and thus capable of choosing for themselves what to see and what not to see.
Finally, anyone who attends the film and is not interesteed in it is free to leave at any time.
The major reason Filmboard should be permitted to show the film is because of the principles set down in the First Amendment to the Constitution.
The First Amendment protects free speech, under which pornography falls. While the merits (or lack thereof) of pornography may always be in question, a university, which is supposed to promote a free exchang of idea, must not allow selectiv views-be they prurient or not-to be censored.
It is blatantly wrong to impose the morals of one upona nother-and that is exactly what censorship would do.
Another issue which may be disputed concerns the degredation of women, but that is soley a matter of opinion. Many “legitimate” movies also portray women in degrading roles, and unfortuantely, this degredation also exists in real life-sometimes by choice. Banning a pornographic film is not likely to change something that has existed throughout time.
One thing, however, is clear: there will likely be large portion of the student body attending the film. Although the interest may only be curiosity, the nationwide interest in pornography indidcates that-no matter how wrong some believe it is-freedom of speech is still cherished by many.
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