Dear Polycarp,

I agree with you.

I think this thread has run its course.

Shemp/Porky: << We cannot assume with certainty that Henson was only looking for potential nude model children, but it's probably a safe assumption that he might have had that in mind for some. >>

Shemp finally turns up, but he's obviously in a bit of a sour mood, frowning and imputing dark motives on the basis of nothing other than his own repressed desires. Poor chap.

Foxy: << Do you know why do women close their eyes
while making love?

So they won't laugh. >>

And there I was thinking that it's because I'm ugly.

CJ
I think that it may be something like not being able to keep your eyes open while sneezing - normal human reflex :P

Polly,

A few things you forgot:

1) Henson sought permission from the principal. A school principal has authority to allow many visitors to schools such as scouts for football, dance, basketball, singing and so on.
2) This visit occurred back in 2007 way before the "outrage" over his nude photos.
3) Requiring children of indigenous appearance for his film "Australia", Baz Luhrmann attended primary & secondary schools for child actors. Some of these children appeared in the film semi-NAKED.
4) You forgot to mention your 'manhandling' of your adolescent daughter.

Cheers

I find this whole moral panic absolutely astounding. The reproductions I have seen of Bill Henson's work with children do not seem to me remotely pornographic. Introspective, vulnerable, uncertain are adjectives I would use, but pornographic, never.

Also, why is photography singled out for condemnation. Why not painting and sculpture? Renaissance art, for example, abounds in depictions of naked children (both with and without wings). Representations of the Christ child frequently show Him completely naked. If the moral zealots get their way will all cherubs require the addition of strategically placed fig leaves or perhaps full burquas?

Don't worry Orpheus..we can tackle them all if you like. They all have a case to answer.

Moral panic is hardly how I'd describe it but if left to run it's course we might.

Nothing happens in this area OVERNIGHT.. it happens in small digestable increments.

But if you add them all up.. they constitute one heck of a meal.

Dear CJ,

You ugly?

No way!

You have a brilliant mind, a sense of humour,
you're tolerant, rational, plus knowledgeable
about sixties music - you're the stuff of
our fantasies...and I adore you to bits!