Since one has not been forthcoming, here is a perspective on the mural issue that is rational.

The intent of the “artist” in creating the mural could have been anything, but people have not been criticizing the intent, which is debatable. They have instead acted as if the mural itself is making a claim on reality. Women are to be treated as objects. Men are bastards, or perhaps only military men. The idea is that, should these ideas be allowed to parade themselves, our society is doomed.

This is ridiculous, and the explanation for people’s adverse reactions is that they viscerally enjoy being offended.

Here is my take on the matter. The mural states a fact about our current society. This fact is that men do objectify women, and that the dominating traits that lead to this behavior can be found in some militaristic attitudes.

Beyond stating a fact, the mural says that this behavior is not acceptable. This I get from the quality of the art. Men are being made fun of. Not all men, but those who possess the attitudes conveyed in the mural.

The mural is a joke. Men who act like this are stupid.

As such the mural belongs somewhere where it can be seen. You should no more dispose of this mural than you should destroy literature or any art that jokingly criticizes stupid men.

Some men need to be made fun of. And I can think of 1.2411 trillion ways to “progress towards a better society,” but hiding the truth is not the way to do it.

Eric Hiatt

Senior

English