Directory debate unreasonable

Editor:

I am writing in response to the two letters in Wednesday's Wildcat concerning the student directory cover. I, at first, had difficulty understanding why these two women felt so vehemently about a directory cover, using such rhetoric as "there is not excuse for it" and "I deeply resent this photo," or going so far as to suggest that the committee responsible for its selection "make a public apology for their lack of awareness." I cannot agree with either of these women.

First, I'm sure most reasonable persons would agree that this photograph was not intended or selected for the purpose of asserting, as one of these letters stated "traditional, stereotypical roles" nor was it intended as a "blatant exhibition of chauvinism." Secondly, would either of these women suggest that all those whose creative products meet the public eye should spend a percentage of their energies in the vain attempt to eliminate (dare I say censor?) those things which the horde of fine-toothed comb-wielding extremists might find offensive? Admittedly that is an unfair question, but it does lead to my third and final point, which is, I think that the real problem in the entire affair is that it is simply in vogue to find offense at such trivial and everyday matters.

John van Wyhe

History senior

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