2 - Assignment Example

Assignment 2 Kathy Sullivan here uses itative definitions for obscenity. Based on the definitions of obscenity in Blacks Law Dictionary andPembers Mass Media Laws, what criteria for obscentity does Kathy use?
Material is "obscene" if it appeals to prurient interest and does not hold any social importance, or is offensive or display pornography, which was partially displayed in the photograph (only pubic hair). Material is "obscene" if it is generating immoral influence on children.
2. How does she argue that the Menasee photographs do not meet the criteria?
Both the conditions, display of pornography or generation of immoral influence on children could not meet the case to label the photograph as "obscene", as there is partial display of genital hair and the photograph was pasted in Oncore premises, where children do not go.
3A. If you find Kathys argument persuasive, which parts were particularly influential or effective?
The most imperative reason to pursue Kathys argument and to conclude that the photographs, the art work are not obscene encompasses its social rationale. The photograph had a purpose, a motive to generate civic awareness about the safe sex with an intention to avert the cases of AIDS, one of the most dreaded and incurable diseases of the present epoch. AIDS has emerged as the leading cause of death under forty in Seattle area, hence display of safety measures cannot be considered obscene, it is also in compliance with the definition of material being obscene as per Blacks Law Dictionary.
B. If you are not persuaded, which parts of her argument do you find weak or ineffective?
The art work is aimed at homosexual community. "Community standards" involved are those of the gay community rather than city at large. However, Oncore possess clientele of such communities but awareness is equally imperative among general community as well. Kathy pin-pointed homosexuals as they are the frequent visitors at Oncore, but if the issue is related with generating awareness about the safe sex to combat AIDS, then engendering consciousness in the mass is of greater significance.
C. How does Kathy shape her argument to meet the concerns and objections of her audience?
Kathy has shaped her arguments in the most logical and methodological manner by integrating the facts from basic law dictionary to the Mass Media Laws and also incorporated "Contemporary community standards" to reflect on the trustworthiness of the argument. Katy has meticulously placed each and every fact in a practical and coherent manner which are enough to gain the support of readers and audience to a greater extent.
D. How might a lawyer for the liquor control board rebut Kathys argument?
Display of obscene photograph which does not abide by the rules and norms set by the "Washington State Liquor Control Board", is again a violation of rules. The photographs were rejected on the basis of "partially exposed private parts of male anatomy". The photograph could not be accepted even if it displays the message of social significance for safe sex in order to prevent the prevalence of AIDS. Liquor Control Board has set the norms for general public, any justification of putting the photograph in Oncore premises with clientele of homosexuals and adults, cannot validate or legalize the cause of pasting the photograph. There are always better methods of to convey message to the mass and to present thoughts for public alertness. Read More