‘Basic Instinct’ and Censorship Issue

Regarding “Gays Bashing ‘Basic Instinct,’ ” April 29:

Another film recently helped to revive interest in censorship. “Guilty by Suspicion” focused on the House Un-American Activities Committee and its brand of censorship by blacklisting. The film inspired a chorus of tsk-tsking about the evils of censorship and renewed the fight against Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), the Rev. Donald E. Wildmon and others who are trying to force their version of morality on the rest of us.

An equally offensive, but less talked about, version of censorship, however, is coming from the very people who claim to fight it. The censorship I refer to is that created by the notion of “political correctness.” Expressing one’s opinions these days is an increasingly hazardous business; not only is the fundamentalist right on guard for any breaches of morality, but so is the left. To portray any minority group in any but the most favorable light has become tantamount to racism, sexism or homophobia.

Artistic expression is nothing if it cannot be practiced freely. Artists should not have to concern themselves with issues of “sensitivity.” They should not, like politicians, be forced to satisfy a constituency or conform to rules of propriety. Their sole concerns should be exploration and illumination.

Some people may be offended, but they are free not to participate in art that offends them. They should not deprive others of the opportunity to experience that art.

ROBERT M. KERNEN, West Hollywood