After reading the letter to the editor by Peter H. Dell'Erba I had to write in. I won't deny him his right to an opinion, but I felt that a few facts should be pointed out which he seems to be missing. Let me start with the easiest. Mr. Dell'Erba said "I always thought that the library was a public facility, open to people of all ages for the use of literature research and study." Well the last time I checked WPI was a private institute and therefore the facilities are not a public resource. WPI however, like many colleges, allows the community to use the facility at no charge. This is a privilege, not a right, and therefore I do believe the librarians response of "well, if a parent doesn't want their children to see the pictures, they don't have to go up there" is justified. Also the last time I checked WPI was indeed a college which implies an average age of over 18. I do realize we have Mass Academy students here also, but for the most part if they are in this program I think they are mature enough to handle seeing the pictures.
I have to admit...before this letter came out, I didn't even notice the pictures and I've been on the third floor of the library quite a few times already this term. Therefore, I had to go see what caused this commentary. Personally, I think the pictures are tastefully done and therefore are art but not pornography. Pornography has a connotation of being degrading, I don't feel that these pictures are degrading to anyone. If anyone hasn't gone to check out these pictures yet, do it, see what all the fuss is about and decide for yourself. I believe in the freedom of expression...it works, and trying to force others to conform to your ideas of what is appropriate, especially amongst a community of adults, is a form of censorship. Mr. Dell'Erba, do you have any problems with any of the "classic" artwork, such as the statue of David, or is it only the modern works you have a problem with? Fighting over what is pornographic or obscene is not going to get anyone anywhere because both are defined personally....what is pornographic to you may not be pornographic to me or a majority of the campus. If you don't like the pictures, move your locker to Salisbury, it is after all the commuter center, or just don't look at the pictures, as I said before I had been up there numerous time previously and never noticed them, it is possible to walk by the pictures without looking at them.
One other thing that bothered me about this article was the last paragraph. Summarized, Mr. Dell'Erba basically condemns anyone who sees these pictures as art to hell, claiming his belief to be the only "true" one and that he will be "justified by His grace." As one christian to another, Mr. Dell'Erba, I do not find these pictures pornographic nor do I believe that the wrath of God will befall me because of this belief. Art is art and unless these pictures are being used in a perverse way, which being in the library I find very hard to believe, they are not pornographic and we who choose to look upon them as an acceptable art form do NOT have to repent and fear for our souls. God created the human body (if you believe theology) and threw us into this world with nothing to cover his creation. Adam and Eve wore no clothes in the garden until the devil tempted them....God wasn't ashamed or embarrassed by his creation. Why should we be?
Jami Walsh
Class of '97