From: Christopher Hudert <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com> Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2006 03:20:09 -0400 To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] GREAT Fundraising Parties Tim, Don't get your panties in a bunch, man. I think you missed the point of what Robert was trying to say, or at least as I got it. I think I would have to agree with his MAIN points. We, as the puppetry community at large, will have to contend with this article and its ramifications. Obviously I don't have a problem with puppets. I don't have a problem with gay. I don't have a problem with underwear parties, even as fund raisers. I do question though, as Robert did, the appropriateness of using them to raise funds for puppetry that seeks to go into the elementary schools and family venues. Your lifestyle, and that of those who come to the parties, becomes an issue for many people when it is mixed with services for children. It becomes a question of if and where the line is drawn. No, being gay does not make one a child molester. Nor does it preclude one from being a child molester. Then again neither does being straight, bi, alien, or anything else. The question arises though when one publicized one's "alternative" lifestyle as a mode to raise money for things that are geared toward children, no matter how honorable and innocent the intent. I am not saying, or even implying, that being gay should preclude you from working with children - in puppetry or otherwise. In fact I have many gay friends in theater, puppetry, and general life, whom I would rather my children be around than a number of straight people that I know. That is beside the point. I would question just as strongly an underwear party (or any other adult party) for straights that was intended to raise money for the same thing. Why not a beer drinking party? Or drag racing? Just questioning the wisdom of such endeavors. You're in a bit of a catch 22. How do you capitalize on what is, for you, successful fund raising without publicizing/advertising it in the mainstream media, but if you do, how do you avoid the pitfalls of negative stereotyping? Here in Richmond, VA we recently had someone on a local school board who advertised himself on a gay internet dating site. When it made it to the general press he was forced to resign, due to the negative publicity and pressure. Do I think that was right? No. As long as he wasn't seeking to date minors (of any sex) or take part in other illegal things he should have been able to post and date freely. This was personal time and not on school computers, etc. But the PERCEPTION that something might be amiss, now or in the future, caused an uproar and very soon his resignation. Paul Ruben's career as a children's entertainer (Pee Wee Herman) ended when he got caught with his pants down at an adult theater. It had nothing to do with his regular job, or even anything to do with children, but it ended the public trust needed to work in that venue. You have a room full of nearly naked (and apparently from the article, completely naked) men. Do you not see the potential pitfalls? It would be a shame for your unconventional fundraising to ultimately mean the end of what you are working for both individually and at TPAT. So, I will have to agree with Robert. This has nothing to do with your work, your personal sexual preference, or your parties. But I do think it would be in your best interest, and that of children's puppetry in general, if you found a more socially acceptable way to raise your funds. Likely you could have gone on a very long time under the radar with these parties, but now it's out. I personally am not looking forward to the flack that surely will come down from this article. Yes, based on what I read in the article, I would defend what you are doing while not agreeing that it is the best advised thing. However, I don't think I will have to defend what you are doing anywhere near as much as you are going to have to after this article. Seems likely you have knowingly poured fuel on a fire. Don't complain if you get burned. Christopher _______________________________________________ List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org Archives: http://www.driftline.org
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