being heterosexual is SUCH a problem.

Author Prof Daphne Patai wrote a book about Heterophobia.

No – heterosexuality not a problem – misogyny is, (you may need to consult a dictionary – the two terms are not mutually inclusive). There are many other car festivals that do not invite such an atmosphere – the problem with Summernats is not with the cars but the promotion of sex industry sponsored events such as the "Wet T-shirt" comp and the encouragement of rude misogynistic behaviour along with the spin that it is a family friendly event. By all means have an adult sexpo event if you want but if you are going to have a women and family car festival – make it just that – a car festival - so EVERYONE can go along and have a great time.

Yes, and...?

"the Canberra car festival each year has gained the reputation as being not necessarily a place to appreciate fine automobiles and people’s passion for their hobby."

While I agree that it is regrettable that more money can be made by taking the event downmarket, surely this is a reflection on the attendees, not the organizers?

If I were a sponsor, I would need to be pretty sure that I was getting in front of a sufficiently substantial segment of my target audience. The fact that those sponsors include Jack Daniels and some tit'n'bum mags speaks volumes for their expectations.

And as an organizer, I need sponsors. QED.

Excellent article Beth - thanks for highlighting yet another extremely hypocritical aspect of our society.

Along with the promotion of such an atmosphere at these events, we seem to wonder why we have increasing levels of sexual abuse, STIs and sex-related incidents among sporting teams and associations.

Pericles, granted that the organisers need sponsors, but surely they can look further afield than desperate men's magazines?

If planners of these events actually thought about the issues in our society that are exposed daily in the papers, surely they would put 2 and 2 together.

Here again secular humanism producing its rotten fruit.The sponsorship by the pervert industry will inevitably lead to unwanted pregnancies, abortion and violation of women. It won't be long that this perverted industry will be sponsoring sex education classes in public schools. It would go hand in hand with the many 'regressives ' in the ACT Government. It is no surprise that the ACT Government is pushing so hard to legalise what they call 'gay' marriage.

The SummerNats is for those people who enjoy that sort of spectacle, we all know what it is about, so you don't go if you don't want. (it's not illegal)

Some folks feel strongly about it, as some folks feel strongly about "artists" photographing adolescents and teenagers (children).

The difference between handing out what some call pornography and what some call manufacturing pornography, is all the difference here isn't it?

It may or may not lead to future problems, as photographing children and teenagers may alter their values and lead to future problems - it might not too.

I don't think you can ask for something to be changed or banned just because you don't like it when some parts of the community clearly do.