I already got tired of reading the relativistic columns by Vince Estes. I know that traditional values, the notions of good, bad, nice and ugly are almost a sin in this liberal newspaper.
However, if everyone is so relativistic and everybody has his or her own truth, then let me express what I think.
Last week, Estes wrote that he regretted the British had not yet discovered “poo humor.” If that was not enough, this week, Estes asserted we are all richer because of Tom Green’s “art” (“New Green film offers fans good laughs,” SN 4/24).
I wonder why Estes, after recognizing how repugnant Green’s ideas are, insists on calling them “art?”
Many masterpieces in literature and universal philosophy have treated scatological issues in depth and discussed what they say about our human nature. But what on earth does Green’s vulgar and sick stupidity do for or say about us?
These kind of low-humor shows and movies are indicators of how degraded our society has become, especially when it is full of gullible people who blindly buy any trash offered to them and dare to call it art.
Ah, before I forget: Unfortunately, I am afraid the British did discover the so genial and wonderful “poo humor.” I do not know if Estes has ever heard of Benny Hill. It seems that talking about the past is another sin here too!
Well, the Brits have another guy, Rowan Atkinson, who is more well-known as Mr. Bean (I concede he is not as crass as Green or that other “extraordinary” show, “Jackass”). Thank heaven! Because Estes seems to have forgotten or ignored this Mr. Bean, I suspect he is not as popular as I thought. That is good news!
Moreover, most British comedies seem to turn to that innocent kind of humor Estes finds boring. Therefore, we, the recalcitrant, traditional and puritan nerds, can enjoy a “more delicate humor” (or “humour?”).
My suggestion, my dear liberal Estes, would be for you to become better informed if you want to be a film critic. There is something else beyond Hollywood. And, by the way, it would be nice if you were a little more thinking and selective.
Lucia Alzaga–Soule
communication
graduate student
