Culture War

Re “Locked Horns” by Christopher Knight (June 13):

Perhaps cultural progressives need to realize that artistic expression does not guarantee you support from the taxpayers when it comes to persecution of a religion. Fair-minded cultural progressives did not seem to mind Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ” getting NEA funding. Yet, I do believe if it had been a Star of David or a Kwanzaa symbol immersed in all that artistic urine, cultural progressives would have united and objected strenuously. Well, Serrano picked a crucifix, and as far as the cultural progressives were concerned, that’s enlightenment.

The 1st Amendment guarantees that religion can be established free of government persecution. The NEA’s funding of “Piss Christ” violated the intent of the 1st Amendment, doing far greater damage than any flag-desecration ban could ever do. To have a religious symbol desecrated in such a manner with the blessing and funding of the government is an affront to the Constitution and an assault on religious freedom that cultural conservatives cherish.

PAUL R. HAWLEY

Loma Linda

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As usual, your writers miss the point of the Mapplethorpe controversy.

I support artistic expression and artistic freedom. If someone believes photos of himself with a bullwhip up his butt is art, that’s fine with me. Just don’t use my tax money for the film, the prints or the, uh, whip.

STERLING R. JOHNSON

Palm Springs