JoshW's Profile

I've been lurking here for a long long time, and I'm kind of sad that this is the topic that's going to make me emerge from anonymity. But the comments to this question are more than a little one sided, and it seems worthwhile to bring in a different perspective.

Before I jump in with my perspective, I'd like to sum up what I've heard so far:

"Why are you friends with people who are offended by public displays of nudity (prudes)?"

"I'm an artist, so it doesn't bother me. Therefore no one else should be bothered either."

"It was never an issue when I was growing up. It shouldn't be one for anyone now."

"Hang it wherever you want. It's your house."

I'd like to apologize right now, because I'm probably going to offend most of you with the following statement: all four of these ideas are basically selfish.

The question the article is really asking is "Would it be better to make people feel comfortable in my home, or is it OK to display possibly offensive material?"

If you are going to entertain people; if you are going to invite them to come into your space; if you are attempting to make them feel comfortable, wouldn't a better question be "What would make my guest feel most welcome?"

With the exception of a gathering of artists who enjoy drawing, painting and photographic nudes, I have a hard time believing that the answer would be "Hanging nudes on the walls."