Debate Over Censorship of the Arts

“Who decides issues of censorship in the arts?” you ask (editorial, “Sister Mary Ignatius Isn’t Happy,” Sept. 13). But is censorship the only issue here? What of those who feel that their beliefs and values are being mocked and demeaned in the guise of art? In your words, “Sister Mary Ignatius” will offend some because of its harsh handling of Catholic beliefs. Yet, when one thus offended takes action, you raise the charge of censorship in order to divert discussion away from issues of virtue and sensibility. I doubt, for example, that you would be so lenient if the play dealt with one of our ethnic or racial minority groups in a similar manner. And rightly so.

Clearly, censorship is unpleasant, and Costa Mesa seems bent upon adopting severe measures to address what it sees as an assault on shared values. That is unfortunate. But when art exists as a means to hurt others, as more and more it seems to do, such actions may not be so severe after all.

WILLIAM S. LaSOR JR.

Corona del Mar