Separatism is no solution
Editor,
Regarding last week’s cover story, “Pride or Prejudice?”:
As a Christian white man, it kind of disturbs me to see a person who I perceive to live in the past. Slavery reparations? A black separate state?
Mr. Shabazz, it is time for a wake up call. A little known and suppressed fact of history is that the black people’s own tribal leaders sold them into slavery and the white man bought them, which was terrible thing to do and sad note in our history.
They call themselves lovers of black self -- while there is nothing wrong with being aware and proud of what God created us to be, because I believe the God I serve is a creative one who loves diversity and who wills people of all colors to live together in peace, harmony, and to appreciate and respect each other’s differences.
Shabazz’s philosophy is a pretty packaged version of black social separation which has permeated the Nation of Islam thought since its inception. There are great many black people who are successful, influential, and instrumental in contributions to society from the past present and future.
My bottom line is let’s stop looking at what happened in the past and continue to strive for brotherhood among all people and quit thinking somebody owes somebody something. Those thoughts are poisonous to us all. As my Bible says, “There is neither Greek nor Jew, barbarian or Scythian, but Christ is all and in all...”
Joseph Kuharik
‘Outraged and disgusted’
Editor,
Jessica Ugarte expressed genuine concern in a recent letter to the editor about the offensive and inappropriate clothing ads in Connect Savannah. She deserved a more thoughtful response than an offhand editor’s note which cavalierly dismissed the ads’ shock value and paucity of complaints received. Just because others of us have not demonstrated Ms. Ugarte’s initiative does not mean that we weren’t just as outraged and disgusted by the tasteless use of adolescents in sexually provocative poses to sell overpriced (and undersized) clothing.
Sexual abuse and exploitation of children are at epidemic proportions in this country. Contributing to this problem are broadcast and print media which permit, and in many cases actively promote, the sexualization of children and adolescents.
Freedom of the press may be sacrosanct, but the media have an ethical responsibility to police themselves and their advertisers. When a vendor crassly, callously and repeatedly exploits children to titillate the prurient and ostensibly sell a product, perhaps it is time for your publication to rethink whether those advertising dollars are worth the consequent loss of community respect and goodwill.
Kris Rice
‘Dismayed’ by ads
Editor,
We would like to thank Jessica Aurora Ugarte for expressing so well our opinion regarding the American Apparel ads appearing in your publication. We too have been dismayed at the slutty/misogynistic portrayals of the young women.
Hopefully if your sense of decency cannot prevail here, the laws of economics will, and the consumers will not support this retailer with their business. Perhaps it is also not in the best interest of Connect Savannah to include advertising that would make some us think twice about bringing your paper into our homes where we might rather not expose our children, or parents, to such offensive material.
Claudia Venherm
Deborah Loughney
Talk to the hand
Editor,
Regarding your claimed dearth of complaints about unAmerican unApparel’s “slut chic” ads (“Finds ads offensive,” 4/4/07): One reason you probably get fewer letters than you might is that when you run a letter critical of Connect, you usually insist on having the last word in the form of some snarky, cheap shot comeback that ridicules anyone who dares venture right of your content.
The other part of your snarky comeback in this case was that the ads succeeded because they provoked a reaction. So, if provocation and money is all it takes to advertise in Connect, I guess you’d have no problem with militant pro-life ads featuring color close-ups of aborted fetuses?
Birney Bull
Love those ads -- not
Editor,
Hi! I just have to say that the ad on the inside cover of your March 28-April 3 Connect Savannah was pretty shocking to me and my male co-workers! Wow!
We opened up the page and BAM! A woman’s well-outlined crotch is splayed over the upper portion of the page with the words “Summer’s coming” boldly printed next to the picture.
None of us got the gist of the ad, but I have to say, the guys really enjoyed looking at the woman’s rear end without having to use their imaginations for what was beneath the bathing suit bottom.
Thanks from all the men in the office (but not from me) for the well-outlined display of her private region!
Mary
Museums shouldn’t rely on volunteer staff
Editor,
I want to let the public know that the Telfair Museum and Jepson Center are advertising in Coastal Senior, a newspaper catering to retirees, for volunteers in the following areas:
Front desk and information;
Office assistant;
Gallery guardians;
Museum stores assistants;
Website support assistance;
Art library assistants;
and special events and fundraisers.
The job descriptions are detailed and demanding. I repeat, these are to be unpaid positions.
This is entirely indefensible in a town that is in need of jobs and particularly jobs such as these in which skills could be learned by our young people to be used later.
The museum must not be allowed to create any volunteer positions, as it has a duty to the citizens of the city as an employer. And I am disgusted at this cynicism shown by the decision to use the unpaid time of seniors, many of whom may not be well-off, but who would like to get out of the house and meet other people.
These museums should have considered the cost of staffing in their budgets. If the Telfair and the Jepson cannot afford employees, they should be closed.
If they are receiving (which they should be) any grants from state or federal agencies these agencies should be informed of this abuse. If anyone out there feels as I do, let the museum know.
Anjeannette Jones
SCAD and marketing
Editor,
Re: “Hey, hey, Paulas!” by Jane Fishman:
Yes, one thing you’re right about is SCAD certainly has the marketing thing down. They make sure you go to SCAD and never leave. Little if any credits actually transfer if you go to another school, so you end up having to start over as a Freshman even if you’re a Senior.
I realize all schools have problems, but when you’re paying over 30,000 a year, there shouldn’t be so many upset students afraid to speak their mind.
And besides kissing the proverbial ass of SCAD, remember that if you’re a Computer Art Major, you’ll probably get a job right out of SCAD. If you’re a Film, Theatre, or other Major that doesn’t offer direct career connections, God help you.
And seriously: Paula Abdul? What?!
By the way, Richard Rowan was the reason the school got started in the first place. When he left, it ceased to be an institution of learning and started getting “the marketing thing down”.
And Edward Albee indeed was an amazing speaker at graduation in 2003. Diane Von Furstenburg, creator of the “skort”, not so much.
Name Withheld by Request
Correction for jazz review
Editor,
Please thank Mr. Reed for the kind mention in his recent review of “Swing Time” at the Savannah Music Festival.
Please also let him know that contrary to the listing in the program, the drummer with us that evening (and for the previous evening’s ‘Le Jazz Hot’) was Jeff Brillinger, not Chuck Riggs. If he could correct that in the review, I’m sure Jeff would be most appreciative. Thanks very much.
James Chirillo
