File puptcrit/puptcrit.0609, message 27


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 

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