Pornography in U.S.

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34045, 8 January 1976, Page 8

Pornography in U.S.

Sir. —I hold (with Alexander Pope) that “the proper; studv of mankind is man.”! What people do, or wish to!' do, is an important study; which should not; be re-:’ stricted. Those who feel that indulgence of their natural curiosity requires a subse-i quent public display of dis-i gust to justify it fool few but!' themselves. 'Barry Simpson, by his lengthy, emotional outburst, thus follows a well- ; known female, avid reader of , “pornography.” I doubt if “The Press” agrees with him. ■ Censorship is a form of mind ' control, an attempt, to sup-] [press inquiry. As one dedicated to the abolition of [censorship. I feel it insulting [to be told bv the Govern-1 inent —- let alone by Barry;] Simpson—what one may, or ; shall not, read, write, or ( view. Mr Simpson arbitrarily: applies “artistic merit” as the; sole criterion. However, even] the Indecent Publications Act': includes the criteria of]: “medical. legal, political.: isocial. or scientific character , ■or importance.”—Yours, etc..: P. R. H. MALING. i January 7, 1976.