So I don't know if everyone saw the latest poll on BME, but the question was “would you rather eat a human baby (died of natural causes) or a kitten (slaughtered 'humanely')?” If you're wondering why I'd post such a question, you haven't been watching the news much lately — WIRED even reported on it. There was a recent video published by an artist of him killing and eating a cat — PETA and other organizations are up in arms, and several art galleries, as well as web sites that have reported on it and even the SCHOOL that the artist attended are facing civil and criminal charges.
The reasons for charging the artist are obvious — even if you agree with his statement about drawing attention to the obvious (“is it really worse to eat a cat than a cow?”) — it's clear why he was charged under animal cruelty laws. The schools and galleries and websites are being charged under laws that make it illegal to present animal cruelty (and as horrible as this act was, it was FAR less cruel that what is ROUTINELY done to beef, chickens, and other socially accepted murders in Western carnivore culture)… Of course, organizations like PETA are “allowed” to present these videos because they are “responsible” and using them for political purposes.
As an artist, it terrifies me that the government has decided that statements of art somehow have less legitimacy than statements of politics.
In any case, the poll was trying to find out where people draw limits, and decide whether it's worse to eat a human that died of natural causes or to eat an actively slaughtered cat. (62% said it would be best to eat the cat, 38% voted for eating the baby).
Any idiot can tell that I'm not ADVOCATING eating cats, nor am I ADVOCATING eating babies. Any idiot knows that when a newspaper tells a story about a murder, that they're not advocating murder. Any idiot knows that when a TV station polls its audience on racism, that they're not advocating racism. That said, this poll generated more full-on hatemail than anything I've posted in a while… These aren't just any idiots:
From: "J Johnson"
Subject: VOTES
I ALWAYS VOTE ON THESE POLLS " BUT " THIS ONE HAS GONE WAY TO FAR. I CAN'T SEE HAVING THIS ONE ON HERE. I THINK THERE MUST BE SOME SICK DAM PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. I GUESS I DON'T HAVE A CLUE HOW CRAZY PEOPLE ARE !!!!!!! SINCE I HAVE READ THIS I FELL SO MUCH ANGER IN MYSELF , THAT I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL COME BACK TO THIS SITE OR NOT. JAN
From: "Pumpa Boo"
Subject: Poll of the moment
"Eat a human baby?"
That's it...you guys aren't tribal or spiritual or artistic or anything; you're not even cool. You're just a bunch of sad, sick, fucked-up assholes.
Shove your goddamn website up your ass, mothefuckers.
-P
Three or four different people have contacted me about doing an IAM album — I think at least two have started actively trying to drum up interest. Some people are toying with the idea of a DJ album, others with bands… So… I reallllly hope I'm not stealing anyone's thunder and I apologize if I am overstepping my bounds, but:
I'd be glad to help organize this. Here's what I'd like to suggest as a procedure (feedback is welcome). As far as artwork, Phil will be shooting at the BBQ, so I'm sure we can come up with some good sleevework there. As far as music, open call from any musician with an IAM page. One track at most, maximum length about seven or eight minutes. Songs of all genres are welcome as long as it's original music done by you or you and your band. If you can produce an MP3 file, tell me where to get it. If you want to send a MD or CD or anything, you can do it to the BMEshop address.
Deadline for entries will be somewhere around the end of September, which will mean we can have the entire project out for Christmas! Please note: Priority will be given to songs regarding IAM and/or body modification, but it's not a requirement.
A response from our high friend:
I believe that you were saying that BME is not about drugs.... i beg to differ.
The "MEMBERS" who created these sites had to have been on something to do
this shit.........................you know it
So, i would appreciate it if you would not judge me for expressing the
happiness I experience (and would like others to also experience) inwhat was
created here on earth for ALL people.
maybe you should try it, you'll find out that some of the most creative and
original body art is designed when you are ...
HIGH!
OK, now, you know I'm a strong marijuana supporter. I even vote Marijuana Party. I have extensive history with psychedelic journeys in my younger days. But under no circumstances is BME either drug inspired or a drug zine in any way! Nor is it straightedge... It just has nothing to do with drugs!
Just got the following IM from gradestillness:
The mayor of my hometown of Fort Wayne, Graham Richards, is planning to lift a strict ban on non-ear body jewelry worn by municipal workers that was placed by the former mayor. Mayor Richards feels that the laws are exclusionary to people from non-western cultures where such things are a cultural norm. He also feels that the law is too unsupporting to diversity. He feels it should be left up to department heads to decide what is and is not appropriate. Although there were newspaper articles regarding the change, i could not find any on the net, but I did find an editorial regarding it here. Please email Mayor Richards at mayor@ci.ft-wayne.in.us to tell him thanks for being sensitive to the minds of those with municipal jobs.
On the other hand, certain city council members are opposed to the lift on the code, believing that this will cause the workplace to be unprofessional. If you would like to contact the city council members, either to thank those who are supporting the measure or to disagree with those who are not in favor, you can contact them through the City Council Research Assistant at molly.mccray@ci.ft-wayne.in.us
This city I live in is in a desperate need of equality when it comes to anything not conservative. Please help me by emailing the representatives.
