[Libs-Or] Shakespeare Books & Antiques closing

[Mark KILLE]

Hi all,

Okay, now that the "truth to power" line has been broken out, I feel I have
to say something.

I wish people would stop talking about this situation as though there is
one clear villain and one clear hero. For a relatively balanced
presentation, see for example: http://www.mailtribune.com/article/
20160805/NEWS/160809755

I think we can all agree that freedom of speech, as an ethical principle as
opposed to a legal right, comes with an obligation to use that speech
responsibly. I think we can also all agree that you have to expect that
other people may speak right back at you, if they don't like what you have
to say.

It's an extremely sad situation--especially since the two private entities
involved seem to have roughly similar views about what racism is and why
it's bad--but OSF didn't make their complaint up out of nothing. It came
from the real pain and concerns of real people.

It's fine if folks sympathize more with Shakespeare Books & Antiques than
those concerns as expressed by OSF. It's fine if folks think OSF was
overbearing and counterproductive. Just, please, don't dismiss the pain and
concern that led to their actions--or their equal right to their own free
speech.

I say this *especially* in the context of calls for libraries to use this
situation as an opportunity to educate patrons about censorship. Consider
that some of those patrons might actually approve of OSF's actions, and
might already be mistrustful of public institutions that may be perceived
to care more about abstract principles than creating a welcoming space for
everyone in the community.

To pick just one related example: Libraries can and should have books that
express the full range of views on same-sex relationships. But in the wake
of the Supreme Court ruling that legalized marriage equality across the
country, I would have never set up a display that included those books in
order to "teach the controversy." Because it *sucks* to walk in and see
books denying the validity of one's existence being actively promoted as
being of interest.

I am not trying to convince anybody here of anything, or to start an
argument. I'm just saying--please look at this situation, and others like
it, as holistically as possible.

Thanks for your consideration,
Mark

*Mark Kille*
*Library Assistant*
Multnomah County Library
Hillsdale Library
503.988.5388
multcolib.org



On Fri, Sep 2, 2016 at 10:27 AM, Tony <tony_greiner at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Ross' reminder about the upcoming Banned Books week gives us the
> opportunity to point out to our library readers the censorship
> and  bullying tactics used by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  It is a
> great opportunity to speak truth to power.
>
>
> Tony Greiner
>
>
> Primo and Alma: Making WorldCat Local Look Good
> **tony_greiner at hotmail.com**
>
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