From: Lollie
Date: 2/4/04
Time: 7:51:29 PM
Remote Name: 198.81.26.48
An Open Letter to Michael Powell, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
I share your shock and concern about the halftime show at this year's Super Bowl. I, like many Americans, was unaware that Janet Jackson had complete breasts.
We of course knew that women had parts of breasts, usually in the cleavage area and sometimes toward the top, but the knowledge that Jackson (and, by extension, other women) might have entire breasts-including apparently nipples-is deeply troubling and likely damaging to this country's moral fiber.
Seeing parts of women's breasts is, of course, perfectly acceptable, even desirable, as the plunging necklines of entertainers show us. But the exposure of the whole breast turned something natural and beautiful into something repulsive, corrupting, and degrading.
Whether by accident or design, this disgusting display of a universal part of human anatomy has permanently stained football and our great country.
The lewd performance by Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson contrasted sharply with the rest of the halftime performances and commercials, which were all tasteful and appropriate down the line, including the horse farts and penis pills.
Professional sports, and football in particular, has always been wholesome, free from violence, sex, and profanity. The players are gentle and respectful of each other; the cheerleaders are modestly dressed, with no hint at all that they might share Janet Jackson's shameful physical attributes.
Given the widespread attention the event has received, this is clearly an important issue. I don't think I'm overstating the case to say that, judging from the public's and FCC's reaction, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson have done more damage to America than Saddam Hussein. At least Jackson's "weapons of mass destruction" were publicly exposed and verified.
I expect the cultural damage and loss of innocence to manifest itself in many ways. The murder rate may climb (after falling for decades), and Americans should brace ourselves for a dramatic rise in sexual assault, rape, animal cruelty, and white collar crime.
In fact, the true damage caused by Jackson's right breast may not even be recognized for years to come... As always, the worst damage has been done to the young. We must protect even newborns from the knowledge that women have full, complete breasts.
Living in Buffalo, I have the opportunity to watch Canadian newscasts on CBC and CTV. Tellingly, their reaction was much different; the story was not Jackson's breasts, but American reaction to Jackson's breasts.
Many Canadians expressed puzzlement over our country's moralistic outrage: "What's the big deal?" they asked. "We all have breasts. Grow up."
While I respect their opinions, clearly our neighbors to the north have much to learn about enlightenment and common morals and decency.
The Super Bowl debacle is clearly one of the worst challenges to face the FCC in decades, and immediate action must be taken to protect American sensibilities and assure it never happens again.
Ben Radford | Buffalo --------------------------------------------------------------------------------