More Thoughts on Times Ad Campaign
* I was disappointed that The Times decided to derail the current advertising campaign.
I have found the advertisements that illustrate societal contrasts to be bold, innovative and thought- provoking. Displaying three women in a beach scene juxtaposed with three women in chadors is eye-catching and intelligently done.
I saw nothing racist, inflammatory or derogatory toward women or anyone else, for that matter.
Journalism is a great and noble profession and I believe the essence of a good newspaper is to present contrasts and objectively report stories as well as make a presentation that is attractive and thought- provoking. By caving in to the pressure of some small ultra-sensitive interest groups runs counter to the intent of a good newspaper.
MARC VAN KLOOSTER
Los Angeles
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* I think The Times totally knuckled under to the pressure of political correctness like a piece of wet newspaper, and I hope this is not an indication of future trends for the new management. It was a great ad; it made people think.
Spokespersons for the Islamic community voiced their objections to the ad, saying it portrayed Islamic women as “The Other.” Was their ire raised about the implied message that women can walk around in a bikini in America, but it is illegal to show any part of a woman’s body in many Islamic countries?
JULIE BEARDSLEY
San Pedro
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* I saw the various ads in this recent “campaign” with a mixture of horror, disgust and incredulity. To put it as politely as my feelings permit, did everyone who passed on this so-called campaign go brain-dead together?
The mildest of the group can perhaps kindly be called merely cheap and vulgar, the worst ones were socially, culturally and morally offensive to a degree that should have been obvious to anyone with even slightly developed sensitivities, say over the age of 6 or 8. Do you really believe The Times got any “mileage” from this “campaign”?
TONY BARNARD
San Pedro
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