LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
Regarding [Bill Sievert's column] about Eminem in Letters, volume 10, issue 6, I find a double standard. In a (gay) community which stresses freedom, whether it be freedom to march in a parade, marry a same-sex partner, or receive equal treatment in the workplace, isn't it hypocritical to advocate censorship? To live in a free society is to be tolerant of others' beliefs and ways of expression, and certainly a lot of folks are going to believe and say things which may offend someone else. But that is the price for living in a free society. Censorship is un-American. Furthermore, there are some factual errors in your article. Eminem's rap moniker is not a play on the candy name. His real name is Marshall Mathers (M and M, get it?). He does not express a desire to rape his mother, although he most certainly does threaten to kill her many, many times. Perspective may be gained here with the knowledge that his mother was a crack addict for many years of Mr. Mathers' upbringing. Lastly, paraphrasing Dr. Dre's comment that he "can't relate" to homosexuals by saying he "has no use for them" is stretching it. To further pick apart your argument Mr. Sievert, to make the statement that, "those in the gay community who buy his CD's...are culpable in any hate crimes that result" is ridiculous and legally inaccurate. It has been proven in hundreds of court cases that people who commit crimes of violence are no more likely to have been exposed to violence in movies, music, or on TV, than non-offenders. In other words, if you are going to commit a crime, you will, no matter whether you're exposed to media violence or not. If you are not a violent sociopath, no amount of media violence will make you one. I agree with Eminem's statement that angry music is an outlet to express rage as an adolescent. In my day it was the bands Suicidal Tendencies and Operation Ivey. (I'm showing my age!) I screamed and ranted in my bedroom with headphones, and I felt better after. Kids need that release, I believe, and will find music for themselves that expresses that. Catherine Matthew I am writing in response to the letter by Darrell Canady in the June 16, 2000 issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. I would like to thank Mr. Canady for his letter and for his praise of the article I wrote, "Delaware Liberty Fund Voice for Human Rights," in the June 2, 2000 issue. I would like to clarify two points raised by Mr. Canady: 1) The Delaware Liberty Fund (DLF) is a political action committee that is aligned philosophically but is not affiliated with CAMP Rehoboth; and 2) the DLF welcomes the participation and input from the entire community without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, disabilities, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Regarding the first point, the editor of Letters graciously accepted the article I wrote describing the DLF. He also published a news article about our Kent and Sussex membership party. We wish to thank him for his support. Secondly, DLF is actively seeking individuals willing to serve on the Steering Committee. We have approached people from diverse backgrounds in an effort to fill seats on the Steering Committee; however, few have been able to commit the time needed to create a viable organization. Although the President and Vice President are women, the 8 other committee members are gay, white males. Because of this, we would like to increase the representation of women and minorities. We also wish to add residents of Kent and Sussex Counties. For more information concerning membership in DLF or the Steering Committee, please contact us at 302-633-6635 in Wilmington, 302-684-8199 in the Rehoboth area, or at DelawareLibertyFund@excite.com. We welcome participation by anyone interested in achieving equal and civil rights for the GLBT community. Philip J. Cross Recently, I have been receiving (on a daily basis) thank you e-mails from several of you. These e-mails have been related to my successful negotiations with all of the Delaware gubernatorial candidates. These negotiations have produced position papers stating that the candidates support non discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations (and in one case, health care). However, it is I that should be thanking you. True it takes skill to negotiate a successful settlement, but skill alone can't produce successful results. There has to be a basis of support to make things happen. That is where all of you have played and will play a very important part. You are so important to this process. A political leader can't stay in office unless he or she has grassroots support (volunteers) and money to get the politician's message out to persuade others to vote for the politician. Since Delaware is a small state, the more organized a group is the more powerful it is. You have to participate, and you have been participating which is why the politicians are listening and responding. You have made and are making the difference. You are becoming more vocal through your gay press, through Q Public and Letters from Camp Rehoboth. You are becoming more organized politically through The Liberty Fund (political action committee). You are more active in the legislative process through the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Project. You are educating others about sexual orientation issues through the Diamond Edge Foundation. You are educating others about Aids issues with your support of The Aids Quilt of Delaware and Friends That Care. You are showing your compassion through your health organizations like: Aids Delaware and The Sussex County Aids Committee. There are so many other ways (too many to mention) that you are part of this process. It comes down to you being who you are, loving what you do, and joining with others to make this society a better place. By being and continuing to be involved, in whatever way you feel comfortable with, you are changing Delaware into a more inclusive society. Sam CahallComments may be sent to CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or fax: 302-227-5604, or e-mail: letters@camprehoboth.com. Include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 8, June 30, 2000. |