LETTER: Tube Talk

There are certain parts of Sumeet Goel's column (DP 1/23/92) that I feel must be addressed. There are many false generalizations and insensitive comments made in this column, however, I will address only two of them. First of all, I was greatly offended by the use of the word "sluts" to describe the female contestants on "Studs." Women, just because they agree to go on blind dates and discuss them afterwards on a syndicated game show, hardly deserve to be called sluts -- honestly, I doubt that any woman deserves to be called a slut. The worst insult that was directed at the men who appear on the show was "dorky." There seems to be a certain double standard at work here. Secondly, I would like to refer to Goel's slight on the Fox television show "In Living Color." Simply stated, the message of the "Homey the Clown" segments is not to send out "the message that being a clown is an acceptable profession to go into." In these segments, the clown represents the view that much of American society takes toward minorities. He is visibly different with make-up and big shoes, and looked down upon, even by the children whom he entertains. Homey the clown captures much of the bitterness, resentment and frustration that is felt by many minorities in America. Homey fights back against the ignorance and injustices with which he is faced, and makes an effort to educate the children. His sock is his weapon with which he tries to knock some sense into the people of America. Society does not reflect what is on television as Goel attempted to demonstrate by associating Bart Simpson with the rise in child-parent pencil stabbings. It is in fact usually the case that television simply mirrors what is going on in our society. This is especially evident when Matt Groening, the creator of "The Simpsons," is brought into the issue. As can be seen in his other cartoon features, Groening is sensitive to national culture, and usually translates what is happening in America into his cartoons. Television, like any other means of expression, is filled with both quality and trash. Each consumer is responsible for choosing those television programs that have what that consumer is seeking. Some people look for a release, others information, and many just want a laugh. It is important to note that much of the reason that Jesse Helms blames artists for what he calls a decline in American values is his inability to understand and accept modern art for what it is. Likewise, the source of Goel's problems with television today can be seen in his misunderstanding of the artistic comedy found in a show like "In Living Color." Also, although I would never call "Studs" a real quality show, that does not warrant calling the female contestants "sluts." JASON TOMES College '93

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