To the Editor:
We write to you in response to a poster used by Panarchy to advertise their 'Spring Fresh' Party on Friday, May 14. Their poster depicted the Hindu goddess Saraswati in her religious iconography, accompanied by an invitation to "Thump, and shake, and shout, and wiggle." In addition, a part of her image was cut up to form the word 'THUMP'.
This use of the image has offended many of our Hindu members since the image used on the poster is identical to those used in prayer. Visual representation of Gods and Goddesses is a sacred part of the Hindu tradition. Some devout Hindus will not even throw away religious postcards or calendars of Gods and Goddesses since they are considered to be images of the divine. To see this image of Saraswati cut up and incorporated into a poster advertising a dance party, taped on doors and bulletin boards can be hurtful and demeaning to some Hindu sensibilities.
While it is true that people use representations of Gods and Goddesses in art and film, the intent of the users is, for the most part, devotional or educational. Panarchy's party had nothing in connection with Saraswati, and the use of her image on the poster could only have been for its visual effect. We feel that the use of a sacred image in this advertisement was in bad taste.
Panarchy has told us that the designer of the poster comes from a Hindu background. We don't feel that this affects the correct or incorrect use of Hindu images.
Our intention in writing this letter is to explain why such a poster might offend so many people. We recognize that Panarchy's intention was not to be malicious or provocative, but they have nevertheless hurt others.
People have the right to use images, and advertise their parties as they see fit. We just ask that they give more consideration and thought to others' feelings, especially in the case of belief systems not in the American mainstream, where it is harder to know how others might feel.
