General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Bare Breasts On Statue Offend Some at Arboretum [View all]cthulu2016
(10,960 posts)This is not a criminal pornography trial where insertion is categorically insertion or a penis is categorically a penis.
Such literal content distinctions have little to do with how people, in general, react to a work.
Can we see David's weiner? Yes.
Would people react differently to the work if he was hung to the knee? Yes. If he was erect? Yes.
Would people react differently to this sculpture?
Yes.
Is it hypocrisy for people to react to this classical male nude differently? No.
This is not a discussion of law. In law rigid definition is a necessity. In a question of general appropriateness in the public sphere cannot be defined or quantified. It is a matter that determines itself.
What is key is to be sure that there is broad public discomfort, not merely a few loud crack-pots.