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the writer's notebook: do morals matter? by max radwin
In August, Woody Allen's lat- artist despite the accusations
est film "Magic in the Moonlight" made against him. He's still
made its big screen debut. Unlike an astounding director, not- to
Allen's previous work, this time, mention stand-up comedian
there are talks of boycotting it. and writer of dozens of short '
Last February his daughter stories, most of which were
Dylan Farrow wrote an open let- published in the New Yorker.
ter published in the New York In fact, I see his movies most-
Times describing a childhood ly because I love how they are
marred by sexual abuse at the written, and I think that they
hands of her father. have something to offer in a
"He talked to me while he did pedagogical sense.
it," she wrote, "whispering that I Go see it too. Enjoy the
was a good girl, that this was our film - or don't - and let
secret, promising that we'd go to it stand for itself. But don't
Paris and I'd be a star in his mov- not go because you think GUILTY
ies." seeing it somehow makes D )~
It's without doubt a very dif- you approving of the ter-
ficult account to read. And while rible things the man might
it's horrifying - definitely hot- have done. Then after- '
rifying - you should still go see ward, if for some strange
"Magic in the Moonlight." reason you happen to see
I don't know if Woody Allen is a Woody Allen walking the
child molester. Heclaimsthathe's streets of Ann Arbor, give ILLUSTRATIONS BY MEGAN MULHOLLAND
not. But if I'm still going to see him a piece of your mind, or
this movie and the movie he will don't shake his hand - whatever that way. Yet the notion exists
undoubtedly make the year after. you feel is the appropriate means that the actions of an artist can
Woody Allen is still a great forexpressingthe dislikeyouhave dissuade a person from appreci-
for the allegations set ating something beautiful or bril-
upon him. But don't liant they've created.
deprive yourself of Did you know Hemingway was
something that you an alcoholic who neglected and
would have other- possibly abused his children?
wise seen because "The Sun Also Rises" is a pretty
you think there are damn good book. Ezra Pound was
\ moral implications an anti-Semite, and they named
to your seeing it. an entire era of literature after
\ ' Art is detached him. Whether or not we approve
from moral obliga- of creator, it's possible and valu-
tion. It doesn't need able to try to dissociate them to
to be created ourselves gain the insights the
by someone work provides.
.,r."good" to be So I guess, generally, what
._ good, just I'm saying is, read things by bad
as some- people. A lot of times, they're
thing bad pretty good. And go see the
doesn't need movie. Unless you're not seeing it
to be written because you've found Allen's lat-
by someone est projects to be poorly written
"bad" to be bad. and underdeveloped. In which
It almost feels case, don't go see it. That would
obvious when put make a lot more sense.
Wednesday September 102014 The Staement 7B
THE VISUAL STATEMENT: KICKIN' IT IN TOLUCA
BY VIRGINIA LOZANO
S kateboarding has been an uprising interest in the city of Toluca, Mexico and its surrounding pueblos.
One of the main reasons for its recent popularity is the Zarape Skateshop that opened up in 2013. The
name Zarape refers to the traditional Mexican blanket, while the graffiti inspired designs on the boards
embody the modern culture of the country. Mostly teenage boys and young men practice this sport, a
demographic that contributes greatly to Mexico's high crime rates. As described by local skateboarder
Gibran Fregoso, "skating helps us take away the stress and frustration that builds up, leaving us wanting
to practice more, not looking for outlets like criminal activity." While skateboarding may not solve all
of the nation's challenges, it has had a positive effect on this growing community. Through hours of
practice, mastering new tricks and overcoming countless injuries, Toluca's skaters epitomizeFregoso's
belief that, "skateboarding is more than a sport, it's a fast-paced lifestyle of freedom."
Edgar Fregoso, 9, looking at the wall of custom board designs at Zarape Skateshop.
COVER BY AMY MACKENS
Gibran Fregoso skateboarding in his hometown San Anotio La Isla, a small town
south of Toluca.
Gibran Fregoso jumping over his cousin Edgar Fregoso in his hometown San Anotio La Isla, a small town south of Toluca.