Artistic Freedom Under Attack: Volume 1, 1992
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GENERAL
The pages that follow document 74 challenges to artistic expression in America, the vast majority focusing on art created and exhibited without NEA involvement. In each of these instances, citizens have demanded that works of art, sometimes entire exhibits, be removed or recast, or that performances be revised or canceled altogether. This report covers calendar year 1991, and the incidents have been painstakingly documented.
Generally speaking, these incidents fit into a larger effort by political forces in the to eliminate pluralism in American culture and American society, at a time when we most need to come to grips with our increasing diversity. To the extent that art reflects our differences, it is challenged, in most cases, not because it offers an inaccurate portrayal, or does so in an offensive fashion, but simply because it portrays it at all. It is not the artistic treatment that spurs the challenge; rather, it is the reality depicted. (Introduction, p. 1-2).
CONTENTS
Introduction.
Trends in censorship.
The far right.
Nudity and sexuality.
Political and social issues.
Art in public places.
Colleges, universities and schools.
The chilling effect.
Conclusion.
Appendix: Forms for reporting censorship incidents to Artsave.