Woo the Atmosphere: Music and Sex: “Unnecessarily Salacious”?

Hello:

As a long-time reader of Pride newspaper, I was very disappointed to read the article “Woo the Atmosphere: Music and Sex” by Amirah. In short, this article’s content doesn’t belong within Pride as it is unnecessarily salacious and isn’t thought-provoking.

In addition, Sandy Daley’s weekly articles frequently address the topics of sex and relationships, so Amirah’s contribution was redundant. And Sandy’s articles are thought-provoking, insightful, and — at times — controversial.

Reading “… our lovemaking can get quite loud.” belongs in various steamy romance novels or internet blogs, not in a community newspaper with Pride’s reputation.

In sum, please don’t include Amirah’s articles when you already have a columnist who writes better material. As an alternative, please bring back Dwayne Morgan’s articles or Rupert Johnson’s (or someone else).

Thanks for your time in reading this.

Regards,

Richard

Amirah’s Response

Richard,

Let me first thank you for reading “Woo The Atmosphere: Music and Sex.”

I recognize Pride to be an extension of the people they represent, a people of different age groups, and backgrounds, with many different voices, opinions, and preferences. Pride in understanding their growing and diverse readership, is growing and becoming diverse in its written voice.

Deeming this opinion piece, “unnecessarily salacious” is a matter of opinion and frankly preference. While you may not enjoy my openness, candor and writing style, the numbers will show that there are many others that do. The same can be said about my contribution not being thought provoking; what may not stir you to thought, has certainly stirred someone else. Do not negate my voice because it does not sound like yours.

The beauty of writing with personality, and from one’s own experience is: though two people may write on the same topic, each writes it differently, bringing different perspectives to a different readership, thus comparing my style with Sandy Daley’s style is redundant in itself. Sandy has her own writing voice which speaks to her beautiful following, I have my own writing voice, and as can be seen by the online views, I am developing my own beautiful following.

Though my article was not in any way pornographic, or “steamy” by comparison, I appreciate the compliment that my writing belongs in steamy romance novels or internet blogs, because that is a part of many women’s literary routine, all types of women, everywhere. So I look forward to writing more for women, because  in a community newspaper with Pride’s reputation, growth and diversity is exactly where I belong.

Richard, you insinuated that my contribution is not controversial, yet within hours of receiving the print edition of Pride you wrote in to request my dismissal from the Pride Community. That in itself can be seen as controversial! It stirred you to action, your feathers were ruffled, and you called for my silence. Yes!

I appreciate you taking the time to share your opinion, and though you and I disagree this time, your opinion is valued, as is mine. Your voice is valued, my voice is valued, as is Sandy Daley’s, Dwayne Morgan’s and Rupert Johnson’s.

Candidly yours,

Amirah 

Amirah welcomes your feedback! Send your comments or questions about this or any other spicy subject to: amirah@pridenews.ca. Follow her on Twitter: @I_amAmirah.