As a result of same-sex marriage now being legal in Massachusetts, it has
become a subject on which many of us will be getting information requests.
Covering the legal aspects of this is directly relevant to our role as law
librarians--especially for those in academic or public law libraries, or in
firms that practice in the family law area, and that doesn't require an
"opposing view."
Michael Moore's film is a more problematic issue. I think there's a real
censorship issue which is relevant to us professionally, but it's also an
unabashedly political film. (And Michael Moore would be the last one to deny
that.) I can't see any real reason why it would be a problem to show it in a
time and space that otherwise isn't being used, but I can see why people who
disagree with it might feel uncomfortable with it.
And on the third hand (or possibly fourth or fifth), as someone who is
sympathetic to Moore's point of view, I lean towards the idea that those
who agree should organize groups to go see it in the area theaters that will
be showing it while AALL is here. There's been an organized campaign to
discourage theater owners from showing it; let's reward those who are
showing it in the way that matters to them most. We can simultaneously
consider the sensibilities of the more conservative among us, and those who
just feel that AALL needs to be apolitical, while doing _more_ good to
Michael Moore and his backers than a free or cheap showing at AALL would.
Lis Carey
-----Original Message-----
From: GBaker9916@aol.com [mailto:GBaker9916@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 1:05 PM
To: strosow@uwo.ca
Cc: law-lib@ucdavis.edu
Subject: Re: censorship (was "Fahrenheit 9/11")
In a message dated 6/23/2004 11:50:28 AM Eastern Standard Time,
strosow@uwo.ca writes:
AALL is supposed to be a big tent
That is my point. Same-Sex marriage and films by Michael Moore are not
inclusive without the other viewpoints. However, do we really want to
debate these subjects at the AALL convention?
and many members are indeed interested in
critical or more theoretical programming even if it is not directly
related to some performative purpose. For those who feel that every
moment at the convention must be spent gaining some deliverable
performative skill to take back to employers, I'd say there is ample
opportunity to do this. But please don't try to block out more
theoretical or critical programming for others who feel this is
appopriate at a professional conference.
When did stating my prefence of materials for the AALL Conference become
censorship? I have not tried to stop anyone from viewing anything. (BTW,
rumor has it the movie theaters will also show this film) I voiced my
opinion as to what I thought was appropriate for the AALL Convention. If
that is censorship, I am guilty as charged.
Anything we choose to have at a conference limits or prevents other items,
as there is only so much space and/or time. Since I am a dues paying
member, I simply wanted to voice my opinion as to what would be the most
useful topics.
Personally, I prefer to visit the vendors and see the latest toys.
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