Editor,
Isn’t it ironic that while the Daily Lobo refuses to censor Jeremy Reynalds, he takes advantage of his privileged position as a columnist to promote censorship?
Most of the time, I can laugh off his self-righteous outrage about the evil and anti-Christian state of affairs in this country. Other times he goes too far, and I am compelled to respond.
As a Santa Fe native, I have been saddened and disappointed to hear about how a controversial piece of artwork has divided the community. Santa Fe is supposed to be a supportive, welcome place for artists of all races and backgrounds to create art that reflects their views and traditions.
The artist of the “Our Lady” piece is a Hispanic Catholic who claims her only intention in creating the piece was to celebrate her faith. She says she meant no offense whatsoever.
But what bothers me the most is the hypocrisy. Those who oppose the artwork’s display, from politicians to religious leaders, refuse to acknowledge that they are promoting censorship. Archbishop Sheehan was actually quoted as denying it, using those very words. If this isn’t censorship, then what is?
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Reynalds proposes that the Museum of International Folk Art limit its exhibits to those “within the boundaries of good taste ... as defined by members of the conservative Catholic religious community.” What an interesting and exciting world that would be! Let the book-burnings begin!
At the same time, Reynalds makes the ridiculous assertion that Christians in our society are persecuted, more so than “Jews, Native Americans, Hispanics, and African-Americans.” I find this statement personally offensive on many levels.
However, I believe that Reynalds has the right to say hateful things and have them published just as Alma Lopez — the artist of “Our Lady” — has the right to create religious art and have it shown.
My advice to anyone who finds the artwork personally offensive is that they not go see it. Or better yet, that they use this opportunity to explore their feelings and learn about themselves, as art is so good at helping us do.
Elizabeth Buchen
Medical student
