 Ukrainian Observer BANNED! Where? |
In Boston? No!
Kyiv? Yes.
Years ago the city of Boston was famous for its rigid New England protestant ethos. The city was both renowned and celebrated for its legendary censorship. To be able to advertise one's literary creation, or cinematic or other artistic expression as "Banned in Boston" was to ensure success in the marketplace. Boston's illustrious, yet persnickety and supercilious censors condemned all they perceived as nude, lewd, prurient, lecherous, profane or somehow otherwise immoral. Essentially they banned all that violated their "high" standards or failed to enshrine their sanctimonious beliefs.
Well for the record, the UO has been banned too. Notable censors over the past five years include - (drum roll, please...)
• The Dnipro Hotel: Due to an article by former editor Peter Beijer. Something about "ladies of the night" being noticed in the general proximity of the premises. Peter was known to "get around".
• Borispol International Airport: Due to an article by Mike Willard about Air Ukraine and its "We Send Your Luggage Everywhere" program.
• Pantagruel Restaurant: The cover depicting Women's Day conflicted with some notion of the proper role for Ukrainian women. The Pantagruel's Ukrainian managers at the time were noted for their masculinity.
• The Golden Gate Pub and its restaurant group: The owners' decided the UO need pay for the privilege of displaying "advertising". They thought it only reasonable that since the UO benefited, they should too. Advertising whizzes, they. The UO continues to admire their financial acumen.
• O'Brien's Irish Pub: The manager recently took umbrage at an article written by Glen Willard concerning O'Brien's highly regarded computer-prepared English breakfast. More correctly, the UO was not officially banned. It was notified of a short suspension only during the period that the offending article would appear in the magazine. Very gracious. However, the UO views said temporary suspension as remaining in force. At least for so long as editorial control remains with the current chief editor. (Note: Actually, it's quite a good breakfast.)
Last but not least - The American Embassy Ukraine. Something about a perceived fracas a couple of years back. Anyway, apparently all those associated with the UO are persona non grata over at that magnificent Fortress America. Heck, they won't even acknowledge correspondence from the UO. The UO's publisher and editors have tried unilaterally and repeatedly to invite the ambassador for an interview for our GUEST section. Nobody over there seems to acknowledge they know us. Or ever heard of us. Maybe we're just too sensitive. Or, maybe nobody's home over there?
Oh well, not bad for 5 whole years.
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More in the section:
Aircraft Maintenance
Work Excuse
Read also previous issue' articles:
Bumper Stickers
Things Found Only in America
Devil in the Church
Generosity Begins at Home
Murphy's Other Laws
Some Interesting Facts
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