Date: Sun, 03 Sep 2006 11:50:58 -0400
From: puppetry arts theatre <info-AT-puppetryarts.org>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] GREAT Fundraising Parties



You guys have got big problems. I don't agree what so ever. Its a matter of
opinion- but dude- get over yourself.



On 9/3/06 3:20 AM, "Christopher Hudert" <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com> wrote:

> 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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