I was very offended by some comments made by Jason Miller’s letter that was printed on Thursday, March 28, entitled, “Good Luck in Playboy.”

I would like the chance to respond to him.

As a female, I have looked at Playboy before. Even though perhaps it is one of the more “tasteful” (if that word can apply here) forms of men’s magazines, it is a far cry from art.

Is that not what he compares it to; its purpose being to “show the beauty of the female human body?”

Please. May I remind you of Webster’s definition of “pornography?” It is “literature, photographs, paintings, etc., intended to cause sexual excitement.”

Show me a man who honestly looks at that magazine with respect, admiration, and no rise in testosterone, and I’ll swallow my own tongue.

Men read that magazine to get turned on, usually in the privacy of their own room or bathroom, and I don’t think many men will disagree with me.

Mr. Miller writes that “if you’re smart and beautiful, you are not allowed to show it to other people. Only less than intelligent, beautiful people are allowed to acknowledge their beauty in any way.”

Does he think spreading my legs for a small amount of cash is the only way to display my confidence in my beauty?

People see my beauty every day, through my kind words and gestures, my smile and through the friendships I have formed. I cherish my body and believe it is beautiful.

That is the exact reason that I do not put my naked body on display like a show dog. My sexuality is one of the most precious, personal aspects of me. Mr. Miller seems to be comparing apples with oranges here.

Believe me, I am not bashing men for finding the female body sexually attractive. I find little harm in looking at such magazines. Men are much more visually stimulated than women.

The thing that bothers me is that Mr. Miller is denying the true purpose of Playboy, and is trying to glorify posing into something every woman in her right mind would want to do.

I wonder if Mr. Miller has a sister. What would he do if she posed, and all of his friends “admired” her beauty, and told him just how intelligent she looked?

I am sure he would feel nothing but pride and happiness for her. After all, the whole school and nation would know just how beautiful she is.

Amanda Herring

Senior

Psychology