Shades of Gray in UI Libraries Obscenity Exhibit
The issue of obscenity is never black and white; shades of gray persist. Its meaning is so vague and variable that it is almost impossible to pin down a definition. One person’s free expression is another person’s obscenity.
The UI Libraries exhibit, “Making No Compromise with the Public Taste,” explores issues of obscenity in relation to two iconic literary works - James Joyce’s Ulysses and Allen Ginsberg’s Howl. Both of these books endured suppression in the United States, were the subject of an obscenity trial and eventually noted for their literary merit.
The exhibit also traces the development of the motion picture rating system from the beginning of the association through the mid 1970s - just a few years into our current system.
This exhibit is part of the Obscenity: An Interdisciplinary Discussion humanities symposium on campus this weekend.
Saturday evening’s keynote speaker will be Nadine Strossen, President of the ACLU. The talk will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Shambaugh Auditorium. The exhibit opening and reception will follow in the North Exhibition Hall of the Main Library.
The exhibit will be on display through June 2007. It is open to the public during regular library hours and no admission is charged.
You can find a complete bibliography of the works showcased in the exhibit online.
