Censorship In Art At The Restaurant

Hi everyone. I'm not a "Bad Penny Poet" though I do offer a venue and enjoy participating. Betty seems to have the best solution I've heard so far: to set time aside at the end of the evening and to hold the uncensored readings only after giving those who'd rather not listen to the pornography -- THAT IS NOT POETRY -- a chance to leave.

Really, if I was that interested in someone's sexual fantasies, I'd go back to seventh grade. There is a huge difference between literature/poetry/visual art/comedy/music et al that is sexual (I, myself have many sexual poems, as well as some artwork) and writing that is pure description of someone's sexual escapades and fantasies, devoid of any real artistic involvement/movement.

I believe that as artists it is impossible for us to ignore what offends us, and that we have a responsibility (those of us who choose to have one) to sometimes offend others -- but when we do, we make certain choices in designing the work that we present. Art without design or intent is not art. Even in our artistic accidents we can identify design. If an "artist's" only desire is to get a hard-on at my expense, I'm not participating.

You see? "Hard-on," in the proper context, may startle just a bit. But I designed it that way. To move you, your mind. Not to move you into my bed.

I am almost certain, from what I've seen, that none of the poets who've attended the open mic nights are what anyone would consider "prudish." They -- I -- we -- can however, distinguish art from smut.

I'll deal art, but not the other.

Thanks for letting me be heard.
Marylisa