Porn Again

Last week, there was drama in (of all places!) our theater section. Reader FSCArmy argues that Critic-at-Large Steven Leigh Morris was unduly harsh on porn's legacy in his review of a play about the making of Deep Throat (“Porn Free,” Feb. 8). He writes, “With all due respect, it's very difficult to tell if this is a review of The Deep Throat Sex Scandal, or the author's op-ed on his distaste for adult entertainment/sex industry topics.

“Whether Morris likes it or not, pornography has existed since the dawn of civilization in some form or another. There is no doubt that the play's author, David Bertolino, is pro–free speech and pornography; thank God that he has free-speech protection to write plays on topics that interest him. There are still plenty of places on Earth where a story like this could not be told.

“The Deep Throat Sex Scandal is a snapshot of an important event. Whether you like it or not, it's a time and part of history that deserves to be documented. For those of us who actually remember the '70s and how different the political climate was then, people seemed a lot less judgmental than they are now. Back then, The Village Voice was a champion of First Amendment issues.

“If the story's author didn't like the play, fair enough. But shame on this writer for confusing his own opinions on pornography with what should have been opinions on the play itself.”

Women Trouble

Last week's biggest controversy, however, came in our music section, where columnist Henry Rollins argued — to quote his headline — that “The GOP Does Not Like Women” (Feb. 8).

Predictably, many progressives cheered. “In his younger years, Henry Rollins was proven to be quite sexist,” JR100 writes. “Even in his 30s, he voiced some dangerous but all-too-common ideas. It's wonderful to see how he's evolved. Good on ya, Monsieur Rollins. This is beneficial, as you are in the unique position of being able to broadcast ideas far and wide.”

Kissmymango calls the column “perfect.” She adds, “I'm also loving all the bitter, angry, misogynistic Republicans who can't muster a single bit of evidence that you're wrong. Because, of course, everyone knows you're right.“

Well, not everyone. “While I usually find your unique brand of social commentary amusing,” Rob from Santa Monica writes, “this article was only so in its complete lack of a foundation from which you come to your conclusion. It's real simple, Henry, the GOP is pro-life and the DNC is pro-abortion. It's as clear-cut as the Republicans abolishing slavery and the Democrats fighting (and losing) to keep slavery.

“The fact that this 'article' was written by a guy who sang 'Slip It In' is ironic. Do you remember the lyrics? I could pick apart your column, but I learned early on that one should never argue with an idiot/liberal. Please stick to something you are proficient at: critiquing (and singing) other people's music.”

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