French Ad
Your story on the repeal of the ban against artificial sweeteners in France (Part I, Sept. 23) noted that the event was heralded by a billboard featuring a young woman wearing only a bikini bottom. You then go on to state, “Except perhaps for the model’s partial nudity, the billboards would be no big deal in the United States. . . .”
You’ve go to be kidding. A billboard featuring a topless model in L.A. would have the following instantaneous results:
1. Cries of outrage from feminists about the billboard being degrading to women.
2. Messages from the Jerry Falwells of the world concerning the evils of pornography.
3. Shrieks of protest from mothers claiming that the sight of a naked bosom would forever corrupt their children.
The result of all of this protest would be a media event featuring some politician spray-painting out the offending nudity while wearing a sign that stated “Vote for Me.”
CLYDE LONERGAN
Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
