Perth Voice Interactive

The Ed says…
LAST week’s front page photo, which accompanied the article “A funny thing about rape” had the lines ringing off the hook and our editor’s ears burning red.
Voice readers were—to a woman—outraged by the photo which featured Fringe artist Adrienne Truscott wearing just a denim jacket and boots, sitting legs akimbo with cans of beer hiding her frontal area. It was undeniably confronting, but all who contacted us said it was much more than that: disgusting, appalling, outrageous, filthy and pornographic were just some of the descriptions.
We received no calls from anyone who supported the photo, nor of the point Truscott seeks to make, that women own their bodies and should be able to wear what they like, drink what they like and own the portrayal of their own imagery, without it making them more rapeable.
Mums hated the photo because kids would see it and other women hated it because they believed it exploited women’s sexuality, just as car companies and alcohol marketers do. A few men rang to say they hated it on religious grounds, and that “women should wake up to themselves and not dress like sluts”.
We thank everyone who rang in, emailed or button-holed us on the street, even friends who complained at BBQs. We hear someone even letterboxed North Perth, urging residents to complain to us. We passionately support your right to air your concerns.
We didn’t set out to titillate or outrage our readers. We believed then (and still do) it was a strong story and a confronting photo about a serious subject but we accept we’re in a minority of what looks to be one.

Appalled
I AM writing to express my deep concern over the cover of the Voice (January 17, 2014).
My three children aged 13, 11 and 8 and I have been delivering this paper weekly since last June. We deliver more than 700 papers and I was shocked and appalled at the picture and the title of your front page.
Whether or not you agree with the statement “A funny thing about rape” I do not wish to know, but I do not want my children or any other children having to post this through other families’ and people’s doors.
The picture was very explicit and left little to the imagination and made a mockery of so many rape victims, both male and female. The article itself may say differently to the title, but most children (and adults) do not read, nor feel the need to read, the rest of the article.
My husband and I feel very strongly that we do not want our children being exposed to this kind of material and we are very careful to teach our children to value individuals and there is absolutely nothing funny about abusing others.
Also on the front cover is an advert for more people to deliver papers “younger folks to stay fit”.
If you are going to be printing more of these type of articles I do not think you should be asking young people to deliver your papers.
Tanya Beaney

Outraged
OF all the insensitive images to have graced the Perth Voice’s front page, to say I was outraged at the photograph on your cover is an understatement. I’ve become used to your lapses in judgement, but this takes the muffin.
Once again you have demonstrated a distinct lack of insight into the values possessed by your readership.
To think of all those quality locally produced beers that could have been used to cover that woman’s genitals, and instead we get that cheap American swill Coors Light. For shame!
Clinton Stanley
North Perth

Deeply disturbed
I AM deeply disturbed by the shocking image you have put on the front cover of the Voice. As a paper that is delivered to families and households with young children I am affronted as the image is bordering on pornographic.
Young people and children should not have to be exposed to these types of images. It is one thing if adults wish to purchase this type of material, but as a mother with young children, I do not want these images to come through the letterbox and into my home.
Also as a woman, I am disturbed by the sexual objectification that is on display through this image.
It is one thing to write an article that adults can read and be informed on this issue of rape, but to put an image like this on the cover of a public paper that will be viewed by hundreds of people whether they want to see it or not, is in my opinion disdainful.
Up until now I have been a great appreciator, and supporter of the Voice newspaper as it can help to build local community, and it is great to have local news. My family, including my sons, deliver the paper weekly, and I also have encouraged other friends to do so. However, I personally feel in good conscience if this is what will be distributed through the paper then I cannot support/deliver or promote this paper.
I understand the image on the front of a paper is to “hook” the readership, and elicit a response from those who view the paper. I understand this picture is trying to do that, because of the topic of rape and sexual assault on women.
However, as a community paper that is delivered to families with young children who will not read the text but digest the photo, I feel you have crossed the line.
This type of image would not be permitted in schools, nor for public display to young people, so why is it on the front cover of your paper?
I do not want my own children to have to be assaulted with these types of images while they fold and distribute, and I feel ashamed to be spreading it through my area and among my friends and community.
Rachel McGirr

Offended
I HAVE just opened my newly delivered copy of the Perth Voice. I usually enjoy catching up with the local news that your paper provides.
Today I am offended by and disappointed in the front page photograph. I am glad you have brought this issue to our attention but am extremely disappointed you need to attach such a photo, especially on the front page.
Your paper comes into our family home via our letter box or I see it distributed in the community where anyone sees it, whether they choose to or not. This is not a picture I wish to see, nor have my family see. Please keep these type of photos out of our newspapers.
I am disappointed in your publication and hope not to see anything like this again, otherwise you will not only be losing my patronage but that of many of my family and friends.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Leanne Farleigh 

Disgusting
I FOUND “A funny thing about rape’s” photograph, distasteful, disgusting and offensive! A poor choice. Sometimes children read your paper.
Patricia Meydam
Stirling St, Perth