Once upon a time, I subscribed to a magazine called "Computer Shopper." It was nowhere near as good as it used to be - it used to be like Shutterbug used to be, if you remember that, but it was still somewhat worthwhile, so I kept my subscription to it.
Then one day, I was reading a review of a new CPU, and the reviewer described the CPU as being 'as dumb as our current president.'
Like others have mentioned - if I want to read about politics, I can buy Time or Newsweek or US World and News Report or something. And I do, from time to time. And I expect that sort of thing there. But not while reading a review of a computer CPU, for crying out loud.
I wrote to the magazine and cancelled my subscription, and I explained why. I was surprised, but I got a response. We went back and forth for awhile - they claiming that the personal political views of their contributing writers were not a reflection of their beliefs, etc - and that essentially, I should not take it personally.
OK, here's the deal. Some think my president is an idiot. Maybe I do to - you don't know, because I haven't said what I believe. And I'm not going to, not here. But I *do* think that I don't have to pay people to hear them say what I find offensive. I have never read that magazine since then, not even once.
I recently subscribed to another magazine I like - "No Depression," a fine alt.country music magazine (and for those who wonder where punk went to, it went here). I was reading it a few months ago, and WHAM - the editors decided to publish a 'Editor's Page' rant about how stupid my president is - how criminal. How no intelligent lover of the arts could possibly be anything but liberal (and yes, they said that literally, go look it up) because all conservatives are stupid and hate the arts. I just about plotzed.
I've given it some time - trying to take the edge off. Three new issues sit around, largely unread - I used to read them from cover to cover - more so than nearly any magazine I subscribe to.
No, the editors don't have to agree wtih my political views. Sure, they're allowed to have politcal beliefs, and even to espouse them in their magazine if they wish - it's their magazine after all. But I don't have to reward them financially to hear what they seem to want to say by buying their magazine - and I really don't have to listen to them call people who believe certain politics 'idiots' and 'morons' and 'haters of art.'
I'm trying to see the good in the magazine anyway - it is hard for me. I know it doesn't bother others like it does me. I just hate paying good money to read a writer call me stupid, is all.
I have many 'artistic' friends in the local community - we have a good arts community here, and I'm making friends and entering photo contests and so on - and the one thing I have to be careful of is talking about poltics.
Because many of those friends just ASSUME that since we're all artists - many gay, lesbian, multi-racial, polka-dotted and God knows what else - that there is no way we could all be anything but liberal. And of course, we all hate the president, so why not dish on him? I have to grit my teeth and remain silent.
When one of my friends found out I'm the newly elected Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus for my city - they congratulated me for 'infiltrating the system' and 'fighting the bastards from the inside.' Well, guess what, me boyos? I believe in God, I'm a Catholic, I own guns, I drink beer, I vote with my wallet, and I make art. Problem with that? One of the artists I admire most here in town won't talk to me now. He says I seem like a nice fellow, but he cannot compromise his principles by being friends with a conservative. His loss.
SO....
All this to say.
a) I'm already half in the bag tonight, why you let me ramble on so?
b) This is a great website and I never want to do anything to hurt it.
c) I won't talk politics if no one pokes me with a stick.
d) Don't assume that since we all share one love (photography) that we all therefore think alike and you won't offend by making jokes, comments, or statements that are designed to enrage.
e) Some of us may feel a bit embattled on all sides. Painfully aware that we suffer in world image, aware of the clay feet of some leaders, taking shots from one side of the political spectrum even when we agree that they have valid points - even shunned and hated for our beliefs - by oh-so-tolerant artistic people. People on the defensive can lash out from time to time. Why provoke that?
Just my two bits. I'm off to bed. Joe, delete this if you like.
Best,
Bill
