P3D re: Alternative Content

[Tom Deering <tmd@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Peter Davis writes:

<< Actually, this is not entirely true.  In the case of the Brooklyn
  Museum of Art, at least one work is controversial because of the
  medium used, rather than the subject matter of the painting. >>

Actually, this is not entirely true either. Giuliani's ostensible complaint
is that the medium used (elephant dung) desecrates the subject matter of the
work (the Virgin Mary), and that accordingly it is yet another example (in
Giuliani's ostensible opinion) of Catholic bashing.  IMNSHO, the 
mayor of New York is simply seizing on  . . .

No, Peter was right.  The subject (the Madonna) is certainly not 
controversial.  It is the medium (elephant dung) which is 
controversial.  Other items were controversial because of the 
disgusting material used to make them.

(While I don't think the constitution supports his view, I'm glad 
there is a politician who will stand up for the people of New York. 
The city's measurably improved since he was elected.)

Many of the pieces at the show in Brooklyn were offensive not because 
of the subject, but because of the medium.  Take away the human blood 
and decaying animal carcasses, and the show is hardly noticeable, 
never mind controversial.

Tom