Censorship Is Immodest

To the Editor:

Browsing the magazine rack at the C.H. Booth Library recently, I noticed the September 25 issue of New York Magazine, had a piece of paper stapled to its cover so as to obscure the photo on the front. On closer inspection I saw that it was possible to lift the white note paper and view the cover image — a nude photo of a pregnant woman who appeared to be in her 60s. The model’s hands were strategically positioned to shield parts of her body.

I suspect that whoever stapled that note to the cover and with whatever authority he or she did so, didn’t realize the transgressive nature of the act, the way in which it profoundly infringed upon the rights of others. I hope the decision to deny access to the cover art on the magazine was the work of a lone staff member and not the result of carefully considered policy. I never figured my town library for the kind of institution that would censor reading material.

Sincerely,

Rachel Basch

27 Gelding Hill Road, Sandy Hook                           October 11, 2011