THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 22, 1995 TAG: 9510190016
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Having lived in Hampton Roads more than 11 years, I sincerely believe that our community embraces much higher values than many other metropolitan areas. Though there are problems we need to address, this is a family friendly community and an excellent place to raise children.
The movie industry has chosen to assault these values with the movie ``Showgirls.'' Rated NC-17, this movie is currently playing in theaters throughout Hampton Roads. ``Entertainment'' such as this, restricted to adults and containing content that borders on pornographic, does not contribute to positive values but influences our young adults with ideas that can distort their judgment regarding what is acceptable social behavior.
Local theaters are sending a message about the clientele they desire and the ideals they represent. It brings down the reputation of their theater and its management.
As responsible citizens, concerned for our families, we cannot allow our values to be continually eroded in this way. We need to tell local theaters, area distributors and movie-industry leaders, ``No, not in Hampton Roads!''
If we fail to take a stand and ``Showgirls'' is successful at the box office, we can expect the industry to flood the market with more of the same and even worse. We need to send our theaters the message, ``Clean it up, or we won't come!''
TOM CONANT
Virginia Beach, Oct. 3, 1995 by CNB