[Libs-Or] Shakespeare Books & Antiques closing

Sun Sep 4 13:44:26 PDT 2016

Mark, I really appreciate your raising the thornier aspects of this.

I have found myself conflicted over this. I do see this as an intellectual freedom issue.

However, I also know that boycotts are a time-honored mode of exercising freedom of speech. In this case, while this is an intellectual freedom issue, it is also, ultimately, about a conflict between two entities -- a private business and a non-profit corporation -- who do not agree on the best modes of handling racially sensitive material. In some ways, I wonder how this would play out if a book and antique store were displaying golliwog dolls in the window, or a particularly fine collection of WWII German memorabilia. I am saddened that OSF and Shakespeare Books & Antiques couldn't come to an agreement that left both parties feeling that their concerns could be satisfied.

What it has caused me to contemplate in a library context is to what extent we have a responsibility to ensure that our educational displays serve the community and do not re-traumatize individuals who are feeling the direct effects of attacks based on their race, gender, sexuality, etc. I recently had opportunity to discuss this particular issue with a friend of mine who works in museums and often has occasion to work on displays incorporating racist imagery. She feels that choice on the part of the individual is deeply important, and stated that the choice she would make as a museum professional would be to have the material available to view, but allow the viewer to make the decision to view it, rather than having it be in a public thoroughfare. I find myself agreeing, although I think the specifics would need to be adjusted for every context and community. There are a great number of items that I would fight tooth and nail to retain in my library collection, but that I would not force on any patron without their consent.

Just some further thoughts.

Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney, MLIS

Library Director

Driftwood Public Library

801 SW Hwy 101, #201

Lincoln City, OR 97367

541-996-1251 (desk)

541-996-1262 (fax)

www.driftwoodlib.org

>>> Mark KILLE <markk at multcolib.org> 9/2/2016 11:10 AM >>>

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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