Alumna debates last week’s ‘As We See It’

Letter to the Editor

I am an Albion alumna who reads the Pleiad. I’d like to respond to your invitation for opinions regarding censorship. Yes, the First Amendment gives us the right to free speech, and it is something we value. Originally, I believe this right was given us so that we were free to criticize our government and express our opinions. Lately it is interpreted to mean that anyone can say anything, no matter how disgusting, offensive, or hurtful that statement might be. This is not what was originally intended by the amendment.

Along with freedom comes responsibility. Quoting Nadine Strossen, president of the ACLU, “What is at stake is the welfare and well being of the nation’s young people.” That is very true, and disgusting, offensive and filthy language is certainly not going to promote the welfare of the nation’s young people! (This interpretation of her statement is, of course, not what she meant when she made the statement.) But we’re talking about free speech here.

To me, what is regrettable is that someone like Eminem is even nominated for a Grammy! What does this contribute to the world of music? Those of us who have been privileged to receive an Albion education would hopefully be able to discriminate between what is worth listening to and what is not!

Patricia Hessler, ‘57