The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

Letters to the Editor

Anonymous erotic editors

I am concerned by the anonymity preferred by the editorial staff of the upcoming erotica magazine, Vita Excolatur, featured in the front-page article “Student Publications Hit Campus” (4/2/04). The brainchildren of this magazine seem to feel strongly about the need “for students to recognize and address aesthetic and sensual value,” yet their unwillingness to associate their names with this magazine detracts from the legitimacy of their words. The article states that the editors have had positive interactions with University officials regarding the creation of this magazine, so what is the need for anonymity? Maybe it is a fear of the student body’s reaction, but it seems to me that since the student body is the magazine’s target audience, this erotica magazine won’t survive by marketing cowardice. If the editors do not have the boldness to announce their relationship with Vita Excolatur, why should the student body embolden itself enough to procure and read this magazine?

Liz Egan

First-year in the College

A personal attack?

I have had my fair share of disagreements with readers about the content of my articles, and I have often been open to counter-arguments as long as they are not personal and they are intelligent rebuttals to my editorial opinions. But the letter sent by Feliks Pleszczynski did not criticize my article, “Conservatives Have a Plan for Resurrecting Liberalism,” but instead criticized me personally. The letter was a vicious attack on my integrity, both journalistic and otherwise. As vicious and offensive as the letter was, I would have tolerated it if it had made logical sense. Instead I found a letter riddled with personal hatred, and whose obvious arrogance and lack of coherence or reason merely underscores why views like these turn away many moderates. The fact that Pleszczynski compares my usage of the term “religious right” to Nazism and Leninism is completely unfounded; it is apparent the Nazi Party was “rightist” and even today neo-Nazi parties in Europe, such as Joerg Haider’s party in Austria, are considered right-wing. As much as I approve of free speech, this letter accumulates to no more than a vindictive insult. As for Pleszczynski, I actually encourage him to continue writing; his words will do more damage to the conservative side than any of mine possibly could.

Joel Lanceta

Viewpoints Staff

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