How is it Harmful?

Texas Mural of Nude Eve Draws Criticism

People here aren't upset about what's inside a local art gallery. It's what's painted outside: a mural of a nude Eve.

Police gave gallery owner Wes Miller until Aug. 20 to change the wall mural, saying it violated state law against distributing "harmful material" to a minor. Otherwise, Miller will face criminal charges.

Nudity is harmful in what way? Children are nude in front of their parents all the time. Many parents bathe nude with their children when they are young. We have collective shower rooms in high schools for the same sex. The Japanese are legendary for their public bathhouses. We see nude babies on TV during advertising.

Does nudity drive otherwise rational young people to do bad things? Are there studies that demonstrate convincingly that the viewing of nude images by a minor causes them to murder, assault, steal, cheat, swear, complain, act lazy, skip class, roll their eyes, etc. at higher rates than control groups? Even so, is it even right to determine what is healthy for another person without ever knowing them? Is it right to enforce your view of morality upon others when that view of morality demands people sacrifice for you?

Miller said he'll go along with the change, though he doesn't see anything wrong with the picture, which depicts a reclining Eve, her pelvic region obscured in shadow, as a large hand points to the forbidden apple.

"I think of it as art on an art gallery wall," said Miller who has owned Farmers and Merchants Art Gallery for 28 years in this North Texas town.

But, he told the Denton Record-Chronicle in Friday's editions, "I don't feel it's my job to jeopardize my financial stability for the constitutional rights of the citizens of Pilot Point."

That's too bad, really. The more people who challenge these stupid laws, the better.

Miller said he and artist Justine Wollaston have discussed how to change the mural. One idea was a stripe across the breasts with the word "CENSORED."

I do like that idea. Make it obvious what's happening here.

No charges have been filed yet. "We've just had some complaints," Sgt. James Edland said.

City Council member Jay Melugin called the mural disgusting.

"I just don't like my children seeing it," he said.

Out of respect for my mother (who is now reading my posts), I won't erupt in a vulgar display of deep annoyance and anger at this fool Melugin. Instead, I'll just say if he doesn't want his children seeing a mural on or in a building, he should steer them clear of it and explain openly and honestly why.

Otherwise, he's a GAWDDAMN WANKER.

(sorry, Mom)

Also available in the Houston Chronicle, CNN, and News8Austin.

Posted by Drizzten at August 05, 2003 11:29 AM