[Original message from Chip Berlet]
Writing for Hustler is to women, what writing for a Ku Klux Klan magazine is to Black people.
Reach one potential audience at the expense of an exisitng ally.
Bad politics bad strategy, bad tactics.
[/Chip Berlet]
Oh, really, Mr. Berlet???
Considering that Hustler does have women (and even a few Blacks) on staff as writers, reviewers, and even as chief executives (Larry Flynt's daughter is one of the chief execs there, for example) how in the hell does that compare to the KKK. Surely you are aware that it was a KKK sympathizer who attempted to assassinate Flynt to begin with, do you???
I'll tell you what real bad strategy, politics, and tactics are, Mr. Berlet:
pandering to the worst of sexual reaction and just-so myths about human sexuality while alienating the vast majority of average men and women who are the most needed for a popular Left. Demonizing those who don't buy into the MacKinnon/Dworkin party line on sexuality and women while reading them out of the "movement" hardly makes for building "existiing allies".
Criticizing and opposing sexism and racism where it rears its head is one thing; condemning a magazine because you don't personally like the content is something quite else. And attempting to impose a single, narrow, restrictive, Puritan sexual standard as the only "progressive" party line while browbeating and bashing those who happen to disagree, is worse than merely bad tactics or bad politics....it is the height of folly and a utter surrender to the forces of reaction.
With much respect towards your efforts, Chip, I just have to dissent from you.
Anthony