No Free Pass for Harrell
Wait, gaydar isn't good science?: This is a stupid article ["Identity Questions," Ashley Harrell, Sucka Free City, 5/6]. The writer is calling these guys straight biological men based on somebody's "gaydar"?
I'm a young queer transguy. I'm generally perceived, even in gay bars, as a bio guy. Regardless of how well I "pass" to others, it is important to me to work for trans- and queer-friendly companies. Unless these guys [at the job fair] identified themselves as heterosexual biological males, it's ignorant to simply assume they were. Perhaps many of them were. It just seems ridiculous to publish an article discussing the presence of nontrans people at a transgender job fair based on the fact that others didn't think they seemed trans, and not based on the self-identification of those in question.
Jett Smith
San Francisco
The Internet Doesn't Kill People
People who use the Internet kill people: I'm confused. Prostitution has been around since the beginning of time, which is far longer than the Internet has been around ["Craigslist Declassified," Bradley Campbell and Matt Snyders, Feature, 5/6]. We also know that prostitutes have always been at risk of injury and death, not to mention certain diseases, and that is why we know it is a dangerous way to make a living. We also know you should never go to anyone's house alone. I've always known that, and would never do it. I was taught to always meet people in a public place first.
So, why is it that overzealous sheriffs and DAs, and, of course, the media, are all hell-bent on saving the day by going after a relatively new vehicle that serves as a way to place and answer ads? Believe me, if Craigslist didn't exist, another site would. Why not go after the Yellow Pages, which includes page upon page of escort services? Or why not go after all those papers that are available throughout the country in paper bins dotting major cities? Here in Boston, we have the Boston Phoenix, which is known for its coverage of music and art, but also includes a large "adult" section. Why not go after that? Because this is clearly an attempt to attack the autonomy and freedom of the Internet and services like Craigslist.
Confused
Web Comment
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
But he had to pay for it: I don't think businesses should feel weird about charging extra for bags ["Double Bagged," Peter Jamison, Sucka Free City, 5/6]. I grew up in Europe, and this is how it was done at the store. That's what encouraged people to get in the habit of bringing their own bags. We always brought bags to the market and to the grocery store. That's just how it was done. Nobody was shocked to have to pay for a bag.
Natalie
Web comment
Music to My Peers
Renaissance fan: You know something? Ben Westhoff is right. The music of the '60s and '70s has gotta go ["Go Kill Yourself Now," Music, 5/6]. After reading Westhoff's article, I decided to throw out all my old 13th Floor Elevators, Velvet Underground, MC5, Stooges, Ramones, etc. I broke the Dead Boys and the Jerry Lee Lewis in half, just so some kid wouldn't get curious — not on my watch. After all, that stuff is our parents' music, or at least it should have been.
Thank goodness I can still turn to My Morning Jacket. Their beards certainly must be nonironic, and I believe they are only in their early 40s — so they are much better role models for our generation. I played the CD for my girlfriend and she noted the Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, and Neil Young influences. Not that we would listen to those crusty old bands like the real musicians do.
Besides, I threw it all out. Now I am just trying to figure out what to do with my collection of Renaissance bronzes.
Christopher Tuttle
San Francisco
