Comments on: Harassment — by reading a book

By: Todd Rogers

Todd Rogers — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:59:10 +0000

I agree with ras. Though in order for something to reach a boiling point, the subject matter must have an ingredient which rouses emotions, such as something dealing with race. If it were something such as “Crochet and the battle to preserve it” it would probably not really piss anyone off, especially if the cover had a nice quilt on it. Thus, it should be fought on principle. But the content has a way of stirring up the debate. After all, no one ever objects to a demonstration by the AICPA (accountants), but when the Klan comes to town, you can bet it makes headlines and all kinds of emotions, counter-demonstrations, etc..ensue.

By: ras

ras — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:56:52 +0000

The problem with the defense of Mr. Sampson – and this includes Marcus’s short film – is that it emphasizes that this was a “good” book that he was reading.

True, but the implication in that approach is that a “bad” book could then be justifiably banned, and the slippery slope starts anew. Huck Finn, anyone? Das Kapital? Mein Kampf? The Bible? The Koran? The Satanic Verses?

You get the idea. Opposition to the harassment of Mr. Sampson should be on principle, not specifics.

By: Todd Rogers

Todd Rogers — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:12:22 +0000

Small technical note: IUPUI includes both Indiana and Purdue…loyalties run deep and many a Boiler would have you hung for such an omission. Sadly, this guy’s story has not made local news much at all.