Proposed Movie Ban Gets a Bad Review

* I am outraged that Councilwoman Elois Zeanah of the Thousand Oaks City Council is promoting censorship and violations of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. While I agree that “Showgirls” is no cinematic masterpiece, I am deeply troubled that anyone would consider that “films like this will open the floodgates for similar films” a quote attributed to Councilwoman Zeanah Sept. 30. There is an important principle at stake here, which is the purpose of this letter.

It should be remembered that in 1969 a film was made that was rated X that went on to be awarded three Oscars, including best picture. This film, “Midnight Cowboy,” was also subjected to the efforts of repressed, small-minded individuals to ban it from their local theaters. It is now considered one of this country’s finest films.

Where does this stop? Is Councilwoman Zeanah to become the arbiter of taste in Thousand Oaks? Will Councilwoman Zeanah personally review each film with an NC-17 rating to see if she considers it to be fit for showing in this community?

Will it stop there? What about books in our public libraries? CDs and tapes in our local music stores? Newspapers published in this community? The subject matter taught in our schools?

To rate a controversial film NC-17 is a measure to prevent under-age children from attending showings. That is sufficient. It is parents’ responsibility to monitor and control their children’s activities, and as an adult, I deeply resent any efforts, by anyone, to control what I may see, view, read, hear or in any way be exposed to in the community in which I live.

In my opinion there are far more important and pressing concerns facing this city. The choice of entertainment made by adults that make up our society is a personal decision, and I object strongly to anyone attempting to impose their tastes on me.

JOHN ALCOCK

Thousand Oaks